Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

I absolutely love how this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe turns out every time I make it. There’s something so comforting about the creamy texture combined with bold garlic and herb flavors that just warms you right up on a chilly day. Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or impressing friends with a cozy homemade meal, this soup really hits the spot.

When I first tried this recipe, what really stood out was how easy it was to pull together without sacrificing depth of flavor. You’ll find that using sharp cheddar along with the smoked paprika and that special On Everything All-Purpose Blend makes all the difference. It’s a recipe worth trying again and again, especially when you need that perfect hearty meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe brings together simple ingredients that create a stunning, creamy texture with fresh herbaceous notes. Here’s why each ingredient plays a key role and some tips to look out for when you shop or prep.

• Russet potatoes: Their starchiness helps thicken the soup naturally—Yukon gold works well too if you want a creamier mouthfeel.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds subtle fruity richness and is perfect for sautéing the aromatics.
• Unsalted butter: I like this to help meld flavors smoothly and keep the soup silky.
• Red onion: Provides a mild sweetness that balances nicely with the garlic.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic is key here—don’t skimp for that vibrant punch.
• On Everything All-Purpose Blend: This is a game-changer! It infuses the soup with a savory, herb-packed flavor—you can use my blend or make your own.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the dish without overpowering it.
• White cooking wine: Adds a touch of acidity and brightens the overall flavor, but you can substitute with extra broth if preferred.
• Vegetable stock/broth: Using organic stock brings out the natural flavors—the base of any great soup.
• Heavy cream: This makes the soup truly luscious; I’ve tried lighter options but nothing beats the creamy satisfaction here.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting uniformly, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses you love.
• Kale (optional): I toss in chopped kale for a little color and extra nutrients—totally optional but adds freshness.

Variations

I like to tweak this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe now and then depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Little changes can make it feel fresh and exciting each time you serve it.

• Vegan version: I’ve swapped butter for vegan butter, used full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and added nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor—it’s surprisingly delicious.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you want a little heat; my family goes crazy for the subtle kick!
• Add bacon or ham: For a non-vegetarian punch, crispy bacon bits or diced ham stirred in at the end add amazing smoky notes.
• Use sweet potatoes: Substituting regular potatoes with sweet potatoes gives a naturally sweeter soup that’s just delightful with sharp cheddar.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by warming your olive oil and butter together in a medium-sized Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, toss in minced garlic and chopped red onion. Stir and cook until they’re translucent and fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. This quick sauté is the backbone of the soup’s robust flavor, so don’t rush it or let the garlic burn.

Step 2: Season and Simmer the Potatoes

Sprinkle in your smoked paprika and On Everything All-Purpose Blend, stirring to coat those aromatics evenly. Then add your peeled and cubed potatoes, giving everything a good stir to combine. Pour in your vegetable stock and bring the pot to a gentle boil for a minute or two. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are perfectly tender.

Here’s a trick I discovered: letting the potatoes simmer a bit longer—around 10 extra minutes—helps them start to break down naturally and thicken the soup without needing added flour. If you prefer chunkier potatoes, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour with water to thicken at the end.

Step 3: Finish with Cream, Cheese & Greens

Once your potatoes are tender and your soup is thickening beautifully, stir in the heavy cream, chopped kale if you’re using it, and the white cooking wine. Finally, fold in your freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Stir continuously to get that luscious, creamy texture and let the cheese melt smoothly into the soup. When it looks perfectly creamy and rich, remove from heat and get ready to serve!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls of this soup with freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions—they add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich cheese and herbs. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra sharp cheddar or a few crispy bacon bits when hosting; it always gets rave reviews.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or warm garlic rolls to soak up every last drop. For something lighter, a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy dinner parties, I like serving this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or rustic ramekins, topped with a swirl of crème fraîche or a drizzle of herb oil. It instantly feels special and always surprises my guests with its homemade charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always recommend giving it a good stir before reheating, as the potatoes might thicken it slightly overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this potato soup multiple times with great success. Scoop into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. When you defrost it in the fridge overnight, the texture stays creamy, although you might want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating if it feels a little thick.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring gently to avoid breaking apart the potatoes too much. Adding a bit of extra broth or milk during reheating can refresh the soup’s creaminess perfectly. If time’s tight, the microwave works too—just heat in short intervals and stir in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is one of those comforting classics that I keep coming back to, especially when I want something that feels both homemade and special. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company, and the flavors just hold up beautifully. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—and serve it with love and a smile!

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