If you’re searching for a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. This creamy, hearty recipe blends tender potatoes with sharp cheddar, infused with savory garlic and fresh herbs, creating a soup that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal after a long day or feeding a crowd, Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup delivers rich flavors and velvety texture that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Comforting: The smooth blend of cheddar and herbs creates a deeply satisfying texture and flavor that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh herbs, it’s approachable for cooks of any skill level and easy to prepare anytime.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether as a quick weeknight dinner or an appetizer for gatherings, this soup fits seamlessly into all your meal plans.
Customizable: Easily tweak herbs, cheese, or add-ins to suit dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and classic flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, turning dinner time into a happy moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup comes from its blend of simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: potatoes for heartiness, cheddar for creaminess, garlic and herbs for aromatic depth, and broth to tie it all together beautifully.

Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down slightly, creating a creamy, velvety soup base.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold cheesy flavor and enriches the soup’s texture as it melts perfectly.
Fresh garlic: Infuses a subtle pungency and warmth that elevates the entire dish.
Herbs (thyme, parsley, chives): Provide bright, fresh notes that balance the richness of cheese and potatoes.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful liquid foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to soften.
Milk or cream: Adds extra creaminess and smooth mouthfeel to the soup.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season and enhance all the flavors perfectly.

Variations for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

One of the best parts about Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is how effortlessly it adapts. Whether you want to accommodate dietary needs or swap ingredients for something new, tweaking this recipe to your liking is a breeze.

Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth without losing any flavor.
Extra creaminess: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for an ultra-rich texture.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to warm up the flavor profile.
Green veggie boost: Toss in spinach, kale, or peas in the last few minutes for added color and nutrition.
Cheese variety: Try mixing in Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a smoky cheddar for different flavor twists.

Why Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Warms Hearts

How to Make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into uniform cubes so they cook evenly. Mince fresh garlic and finely chop your chosen herbs for a vibrant flavor infusion.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a little oil or butter and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, ensuring the flavors start building right away.

Step 3: Cook Potatoes in Broth

Add diced potatoes and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, puree part of the soup directly in the pot to create a thick yet chunky texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer some to a blender and pulse until smooth before returning it.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Milk, and Herbs

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and warm milk or cream, allowing the cheese to melt completely. Add your fresh herbs and season generously with salt and pepper for a balanced taste.

Step 6: Final Simmer and Adjust

Let the soup simmer a few more minutes so all flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning or add more herbs if desired before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Choose the right potatoes: Russets work best because their starch content helps create that perfect creamy texture.
Shred cheese finely: This helps it melt smoothly into the soup without clumping.
Don’t overblend: Leaving some potato chunks adds lovely texture and heartiness.
Use fresh herbs: They make a noticeable difference in brightness compared to dried versions.
Season gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages to avoid over-salting.
Let soup rest: Flavors deepen if you let it sit covered for 10-15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped chives, extra shredded cheddar, or crispy bacon bits on top for added texture and flavor contrast. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil also works wonders.

Side Dishes

Pair with a warm crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up every creamy drop. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch, or top with toasted breadcrumbs and melted cheese under the broiler for a gratin twist that adds crunch and depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Give it a good stir before reheating as some separation may occur.

Freezing

This soup freezes well when cooled completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, while russets are preferred for creaminess, Yukon golds or red potatoes can also work but may yield a slightly different texture.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free, this soup naturally contains no gluten.

Can I make this soup vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute vegetable broth, use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace milk or cream with plant-based milk.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Add a bit of mashed potato or corn starch mixed with cold water and cook until thickened, or simmer longer to reduce the liquid.

Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely, start with sautéed aromatics, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours before blending and adding cheese.

Final Thoughts

Nothing compares to the cozy pleasure of a bowl of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. It’s simple to make, endlessly comforting, and effortlessly adaptable for any taste or occasion. So, grab your ingredients and dive into this warm, cheesy delight — your heart and taste buds will thank you for it!

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Print Recipe

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty, and comforting soup that blends tender russet potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese, infused with savory garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for chilly days or feeding a crowd, this soup offers rich flavors and a velvety texture that warms both body and soul.

Author: James
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Dairy

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk or cream

Herbs and Seasonings

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Mince the fresh garlic and finely chop the thyme, parsley, and chives for bright, fresh herbal flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook Potatoes in Broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend for Creaminess: Using an immersion blender, puree part of the soup directly in the pot to create a thick but chunky texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, pulse until smooth, and return it to the pot.
Add Cheese, Milk, and Herbs: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and warm milk or cream, allowing the cheese to melt fully into the soup. Add the chopped fresh herbs, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Final Simmer and Adjust: Let the soup simmer for another 3-5 minutes so flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning or add more herbs if desired before serving.

Notes

Choose russet potatoes for their high starch content to achieve the best creamy texture.
Shred the cheddar cheese finely to help it melt smoothly into the soup.
Do not overblend the soup; leave some potato chunks for texture.
Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor compared to dried herbs.
Season gradually with salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning.
Let the soup rest covered for 10-15 minutes before serving to deepen the flavor.
Garnish with chopped chives, extra shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil for added texture and flavor contrast.
Pair with crusty bread, garlic rolls, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
To make vegan, substitute vegetable broth, use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace milk or cream with plant-based milk.
Freezes well for 2-3 months; reheat gently with added broth or milk if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cheddar potato soup, garlic potato soup, herb potato soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food soup, gluten free soup