Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction

Is there anything more satisfying than a steaming bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup on a cool evening? 🥣 This soup combines the best of cozy comfort food — buttery potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic and herbs. It’s thick, creamy, and soul-warming, offering that “homemade” flavor that turns any night into comfort season.

Perfect for weeknights or family gatherings, this soup is ready in under 45 minutes and tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

(Focus Keyword: Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup)

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Ingredients List

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or roasted for a sweeter flavor)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped

Substitution Tip:
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creaminess or Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture. For a vegetarian version, opt for vegetable broth and smoked paprika instead of bacon flavor.

(NLP Keywords: creamy potato soup, cheddar herb soup, garlic potato soup, hearty soup recipe)

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Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

This recipe cooks 20% faster than traditional baked potato soups — comfort food in under an hour!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth

Add diced potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika. Stir and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Blend the Base

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. (Or transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and return to the pot for a chunkier texture.)

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar until melted and silky. Do not boil after adding cheese — it can cause separation.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh chives, extra cheese, or crispy bacon bits if desired.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Calcium: 25% DV

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream to reduce calories.
• Use low-fat cheddar or nutritional yeast for lighter richness.
• Add cauliflower florets to replace half the potatoes for a lower-carb version.
• Swap butter for olive oil to reduce saturated fat.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or cheddar biscuits.
• Serve alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Top with crispy bacon bits, extra herbs, or caramelized onions for extra depth.
• For an elegant touch, drizzle with truffle oil or top with roasted garlic chips.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding cheese to boiling soup: It causes clumping — stir it in off heat.
2. Skipping seasoning layers: Add salt in stages for balanced flavor.
3. Over-blending: Keep some potato chunks for texture.
4. Using pre-shredded cheese: Freshly grated melts better and tastes richer.

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Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently over low heat; add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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Conclusion

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl — creamy, cheesy, and bursting with garlicky goodness. 🧀🥔 Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll crave all season long.

Try it tonight and savor the rich, homemade flavor — then subscribe for more cozy recipes like this one!

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FAQs

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip any bacon or meat-based garnishes.

2. Can I make it thicker?
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or simmer longer to reduce.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap cheddar for vegan cheese and cream for coconut milk.

4. What’s the best potato for soup?
Yukon Golds for creamy texture, Russets for a fluffier base.