In this article, we’ll dive into the heartwarming world of cooking with a delightful recipe for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. I’ll take you through this comforting dish, sharing personal stories that make it special, along with a step-by-step guide to creating a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you seek a cozy dinner on a cold night or a dish to impress friends, this potato soup delivers rich flavors and a satisfying experience. Now, let’s get started on this culinary journey.
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed About 6-7 medium potatoes.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Alternative: 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter.
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped For depth of flavor.
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced Essential for flavor.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour For thickening the soup.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth For the soup base.
- 2 cups whole milk For creaminess.
- ½ cup heavy cream Optional, for enhanced creaminess.
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese Avoid pre-shredded cheese.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley For garnish.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives For garnish.
- 1 teaspoon thyme Adds flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt To taste.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper To taste.
- 1 pinch cayenne or smoked paprika Optional, for a little kick.
- as desired crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes.
- Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
Cooking
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add your choice of fat.
- Once melted and shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup of flour over the mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the broth, scraping the pot to gather flavorful bits. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the rinsed potato cubes and stir well.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, lower the heat, and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Blend half of the soup for a velvety texture or keep it chunky if desired.
- Return blended mixture to pot, reduce heat, and stir in whole milk and heavy cream until creamy.
- Add fresh herbs and season to taste.
Serving
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons as preferred.
Notes
Nutrition
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Part 1: The Story & Intro
I remember the first time I tasted a rich, creamy potato soup. It was a chilly evening at my grandmother’s house, and the aroma wafting from the kitchen drew me in like a moth to a flame. The laughter of family and the warmth of the kitchen made that moment unforgettable. My grandmother stood over the stove, stirring a large pot of what she called ‘the ultimate comfort food’, a Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. The combination of cheddar cheese and fresh herbs made each spoonful a warm embrace.
Now, as an adult, I cherish recreating that same magic in my kitchen. When I make this dish, I’m not just following a recipe; I’m channeling memories filled with love and shared moments. This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to my roots and an invitation to create new memories. There’s something about the comforting essence of potatoes stirred with garlic and cheese that felt so right. Each bite is not just nourishing but also a reminder of those chilly evenings spent with family. This dish truly embodies the definition of comfort food.
Making this delicious Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup recipe is not only easy, but it also fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. Picture yourself surrounded by family, sharing stories, and enjoying a warm bowl together. Trust me, this soup is bound to warm your heart and home, just like my grandmother did. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Part 2: Essential Ingredients
To create the perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, gather the following ingredients which are fundamental to achieving that rich flavor. You will need 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) of Yukon Gold potatoes. They should be peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces, roughly six to seven medium potatoes will do. Potatoes are the stars of this dish, giving it that hearty vibe.
Next, you’ll need to consider the fat component. You can choose 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, or if you prefer a lighter option, 3 tablespoons of olive oil combined with 1 tablespoon of butter gives a nice flavor balance. Aromatics play a crucial role in making the soup flavorful. Start with one large yellow onion, finely chopped—this will provide depth. You’ll also need about 5-6 cloves of garlic, minced.
For thickening the soup, include ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. This step helps achieve that creamy texture we all love. The liquid components consist of 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, followed by 2 cups of whole milk, and finally, half a cup of heavy cream is optional but recommended for enhanced creaminess.
When it comes to cheese, use 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It’s important to avoid pre-shredded varieties, as they don’t melt as smoothly. Fresh herbs like 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped parsley and chives, along with 1 teaspoon of thyme, will add a vibrant flavor to your dish.
Don’t forget seasoning: 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can add an unexpected kick. Lastly, for garnish, think of crumbled bacon, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to finish. Each ingredient carefully contributes to making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup a standout dish.
Part 3: The Cooking Process
First, peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinsing the cubed potatoes under cold water is a must to remove excess starch; this crucial step helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy. Set these aside for later use.
Next, place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your choice of fat, whether it’s the unsalted butter or the olive oil and butter combination. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, it’s time to add in the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onion softened and translucent, but not brown.
Once the onion is ready, stir in the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant—usually about 1-2 minutes. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as this can bring a bitter flavor to your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. After that, sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed mixture and continuously stir for about 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which helps thicken the soup beautifully.
Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to gather any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. While doing this, ensure you whisk continuously to avoid lumps. Once all the broth is in, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, toss in the rinsed potato cubes and stir well.
This part is crucial: bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, covering the pot. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender enough to be pierced with a fork.
Now begins the splendid transformation into a creamy texture. You can choose to blend half of the soup mixture for that velvety consistency or leave it all chunky for a heartier mouthfeel. If you’re blending, remember to let the steam escape safely while doing so.
Once blended, return the mixture to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and slowly pour in the whole milk and any heavy cream, stirring constantly to reach that creamy consistency. Add the fresh herbs and season generously to taste. Make the soup sizzle with flavors but remember the cheese will add saltiness too.
Now, it’s time to serve. Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls, and feel free to garnish generously with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons depending on your preference.
Part 4: Enjoying the Soup
Your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is likely to be the highlight of any gathering. Not only does it warm your insides, but the rich flavors will also make it a memorable dish. This soup is perfect for family dinners, chilly afternoons, or gatherings where everyone is looking for good food and good company.
What’s more is that it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, making it a complete meal. You might even consider serving it with a fresh salad on the side for a well-rounded dining experience. With its comforting flavors, it’s bound to become a staple in your home, much like it did for me during those family get-togethers.
This soup is not only fulfilling but also holds the power to bring people together. So gather your loved ones, fill your spoons, and take in the heartwarming flavors of your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. As you share the dish, I hope it sparks memories and creates new ones, just like it has for me.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes? While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this dish due to their creamy texture, you can substitute them with other varieties like Russets or reds. Just keep their cooking times in mind.
What can I use instead of dairy? For a dairy-free version, swap whole milk and cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative. Ensure your cheese substitutes are quality dairy-free products.
Can I make this soup in advance? Absolutely! This soup stays delicious in the refrigerator for a few days. It can also be frozen, but make sure to reheat gently, adding extra liquid if necessary.
How do I achieve a thicker soup? If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can simply increase the amount of flour in the roux or blend a larger portion of the soup before returning it to the pot.
What are some additional toppings I can use? Aside from the classic toppings, consider using avocado, jalapeños for some heat, or even a drizzle of pesto for a gourmet touch.
Conclusion
Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup brings warmth and togetherness to any table setting. This delightful recipe not only nourishes the body but also brings joy and creates lasting memories. Whether enjoyed by the fireplace on a winter evening or at a family gathering, this soup is a culinary treasure waiting to be shared. Now that you have this recipe in your arsenal, I hope you create and enjoy your special moments in the kitchen, just as I have.