Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
A rich and comforting Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup featuring tender diced potatoes, minced garlic, and fragrant thyme, all simmered in a savory chicken or vegetable broth and finished with creamy heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese for a luscious, flavorful meal perfect for chilly days.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Vegetables
- 4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves to get all ingredients ready for cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the soup (optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer half of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, leave it chunky if preferred.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated, enriching the soup with creamy texture and flavor.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses for varying flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adding crispy bacon or green onions as a topping adds extra flavor and texture.
- Leftover soup freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For a lower fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
Keywords: Cheddar garlic herb potato soup, creamy potato soup, cheesy garlic soup, comfort food, easy potato soup, homemade soup