Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Get ready to experience cozy comfort in a bowl with Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup—a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly aromatic dish that’s guaranteed to warm both your heart and your taste buds. Every spoonful combines velvety potatoes with a luscious blend of cheddar, garlic, and herbs, making it the ideal weeknight dinner or perfect centerpiece for gatherings. If you’re craving something soul-satisfying and seriously easy to pull together, this is the one-pot wonder you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is how it transforms a handful of basic ingredients into something extraordinary. Each component has its unique role, whether it’s adding depth of flavor, enhancing creaminess, or giving that gorgeous golden color.

• Potatoes: The starchy base that turns creamy and thick when cooked—Yukon Golds or russets both work beautifully here.
• Onion: Provides savory sweetness and a subtle backbone for the soup’s overall flavor.
• Garlic: Three cloves ramp up the aroma and gives every bite that warm, garlicky richness.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Use whichever you like—this is the canvas that lets those herbs and cheese shine.
• Heavy Cream: Adds an unbeatable velvety texture and transforms the soup from everyday to decadent.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Nothing beats that tangy, melty goodness; a sharp variety maximizes flavor.
• Butter: Starts the cooking off right by sautéing the aromatics and adding richness.
• Dried Thyme: Floral and earthy, thyme brings in subtle herbal notes that make the soup sing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go and adjust to get that perfectly savory result.

How to Make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent and sweet smelling. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it mingle for another minute, releasing that signature garlicky aroma that makes Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup so irresistible.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth

With the aromatics ready, add in your diced potatoes along with the broth of your choice. Crank up the heat to bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the potatoes bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re so tender you can easily pierce them with a fork. This is where the potatoes soak up all that garlicky, buttery flavor.

Step 3: Blend or Mash

For the signature creamy consistency of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, you have two great options: use a potato masher for a rustic, chunky soup or blend it right in the pot with an immersion blender for a smoother result. Either way, you’re aiming for a velvety texture that’s thick enough to be satisfying, but still luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in that glorious cheddar cheese. Stir patiently until everything has melted together, creating a silky, cheesy base. This is also the time to add your thyme, then season generously with salt and pepper to bring out every nuance of flavor in your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to finish with your favorite garnishes. That’s it—you’ve just made the easiest, creamiest soup that might become your new go-to comfort meal!

How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Garnishes

The right garnishes can take your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup from everyday to absolutely restaurant-worthy. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar, a handful of fresh chopped chives or parsley, or a crackle of black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, crispy bacon crumbles add a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, serve this soup with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls—the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last creamy bit. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully too, keeping things balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in a rustic bread bowl for a showstopping effect, or top it with a swirl of sour cream for a creamy finish. Individual ramekins can be baked with a crispy cheese crust on top, turning the soup into a mini gratin that’s both fun and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the soup in single-serving portions for up to three months. When freezing, leave a little extra space in your container for expansion, and note that the texture may become slightly less creamy after thawing due to the dairy content—just give it a good stir after reheating to bring it back together.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup thickened in the fridge, simply add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up. Avoid boiling, as that can cause the cheese and cream to separate.

FAQs

Can I make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and check your cheese label to ensure it is vegetarian-friendly. The soup will remain just as delicious and hearty.

What type of potato works best for this soup?

Yukon Golds or russet potatoes are ideal for this soup. Yukon Golds provide a naturally creamy texture, while russets blend beautifully for that velvety finish. Both options will yield satisfying results.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely—this soup is wonderfully adaptable. Carrots, celery, or even cauliflower blend in seamlessly and can boost both nutrition and flavor. Just chop them small so they’ll cook evenly with the potatoes.

Do I need an immersion blender?

No immersion blender? No problem! You can use a regular potato masher for a chunkier texture or transfer a portion of the soup to a traditional blender—just be sure to let it cool slightly and blend in batches for safety.

How can I make this soup lighter?

For a lighter version of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, and use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese. The result will be slightly less rich, but still full of flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s just as uplifting to make as it is to eat, Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the answer. With its dreamy, creamy texture and layers of garlicky, cheesy goodness, this recipe is certain to become a favorite on your table. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll be amazed by how easy and rewarding homemade comfort food can be.

Print