Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup
	
		Cozy and creamy Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup combines tender russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic garlic into a comforting, flavorful bowl perfect for chilly days. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, this hearty soup offers customizable texture from chunky to smooth, making it a family favorite for any meal.
	 
	
		
							- Author: James
 
							- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 25 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 40 minutes
 
							- Yield: 6 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Appetizers
 
							- Method: Stovetop
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Gluten Free
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			Soup Base
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
 
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
 
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
 
- 3 tablespoons butter
 
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
 
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
 
- Salt and pepper to taste
 
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
 
- Smoked paprika (optional)
 
- Sour cream (optional)
 
- Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prep the Aromatics: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic last and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
 
- Cook the Potatoes: Peel and cube the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pot with the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
 
- Blend the Soup: For chunkier texture, use a potato masher to mash some potatoes directly in the pot. For smoother soup, transfer half or all to a blender and puree until creamy. Return blended soup to the pot.
 
- Add Cheese and Cream: Lower heat to low and gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese to melt slowly without curdling. Stir in cream or milk to loosen the soup consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
 
- Final Touches: Let the soup warm through for a few minutes without boiling to prevent cheese separation. Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions before serving if desired.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Choose russet or Yukon gold potatoes for creamy texture without mushiness.
 
- Grate your own cheddar cheese for better melting without anti-caking agents.
 
- Add garlic towards the end of sautéing onions to prevent bitterness from burning.
 
- Slowly melt cheese over low heat to avoid clumping or separating.
 
- Adjust soup consistency by adding extra broth or cream as needed.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 cup
 
							- Calories: 280
 
							- Sugar: 3g
 
							- Sodium: 600mg
 
							- Fat: 18g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 11g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 20g
 
							- Fiber: 3g
 
							- Protein: 10g
 
							- Cholesterol: 50mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheesy soup, garlic soup, gluten free soup