Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a bowl of pure comfort: Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is that dreamy, creamy, ultra-satisfying dish you’ll reach for on cozy evenings or when you want to wow friends with minimal fuss. Thanks to a handful of kitchen staples and a monster dose of flavor from sharp cheddar, buttery potatoes, and aromatic garlic and herbs, every spoonful is rich, velvety, and loaded with warmth. This soup will make your kitchen smell amazing and is perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or simply when you crave something special (with seconds, always encouraged).

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup is simple but mighty! Each ingredient in Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup brings its own personality to the pot, from the rich creaminess of potatoes and cheddar to the savory depth of herbs and aromatics. Don’t skip a single one—each plays a big part in making this soup irresistible.

• Russet potatoes (4–5 medium, peeled and cubed): These provide a fluffy, creamy base; Yukon golds can also work for a buttery texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil (1 Tbsp): Gives a lush foundation for sautéing aromatics and adds healthy richness.
• Unsalted butter (1 Tbsp): Adds classic creaminess and depth, pairing perfectly with both oil and potatoes.
• Red onion (1/2, chopped): Brings gentle sweetness and a colorful touch to the soup’s base.
• Garlic cloves (6, minced): Six cloves for big, bold flavor—you’ll love the savory aroma as it sautés.
• On Everything All-Purpose Blend (2 tsps): This spice mix delivers layers of herbal goodness, tying all the flavors together.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Smoky undertones turn each bite complex and comforting.
• White cooking wine (2 Tbsps): Adds a splash of brightness; swap for veggie stock if you prefer no wine.
• Vegetable stock/broth (4 cups): Lays down deep, savory flavor as the simmering base.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): This is what makes the soup luxurious; see notes if you want a lighter swap.
• Sharp cheddar, freshly grated (1–2 cups): The heart of your soup’s flavor—bold, melty, and oh-so-cheesy.
• Kale, chopped (1 cup, optional): For a pop of green and extra nutrition, stir in at the end or omit if you want classic potato soup.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a sturdy dutch oven over medium-high heat, start by heating the olive oil and melting the butter together. Once your kitchen is filled with that buttery aroma, toss in the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté while stirring until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Now sprinkle in the On Everything All-Purpose Blend and smoked paprika, giving it all a good stir. This is where Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup begins to build that signature flavorful foundation!

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Simmer

With your spices and aromatics sizzling, add the cubed potatoes into the pot and stir everything together so those potatoes get acquainted with the flavors. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a rolling boil for about 1 to 2 minutes. Next, reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently. Let it go for 15 to 20 minutes. Test a potato with a fork: it should be very tender, almost starting to fall apart. For a thicker soup, I love letting them simmer an extra 10 minutes until nearly broken down—no flour needed! Prefer chunkier potatoes? Mix 1 or 2 tablespoons of flour with a splash of water and add to thicken instead.

Step 3: Stir in the Cream, Cheese, and Greens

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring as it melds with the warm soup. If you’re adding kale, toss it in now for earthy color and texture. Add the white cooking wine next, which lifts and balances all those creamy, cheesy elements. Finally, sprinkle in the freshly grated sharp cheddar, stirring continuously as it melts into that lush, irresistible finish. The soup should be velvety, rich, and practically begging to be ladled into bowls.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once you’ve achieved optimal creaminess, remove the pot from heat. Taste for seasoning—add a little salt, pepper, or even a pinch more paprika if you like. Ladle the piping hot Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup into your bowls and get ready for the best part: garnishing and digging in!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Garnishes

Give each bowl a fresh finishing touch with sprinkles of chopped parsley or green onions (scallions). Not only do these greens add beautiful color, but they brighten the soup’s savory profile and make each serving look ultra inviting. If you want to go all out, a little extra shredded cheddar or a dusting of smoked paprika on top never hurts.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it plays so well with crusty sourdough bread or a slice of rustic baguette for dunking. For lighter sides, serve with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies to keep the meal balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in small mugs or mini bread bowls at your next gathering? Individual portions make for a fun appetizer. Or, pair it with toppings in little bowls (think crispy bacon, chives, or roasted pepitas) for a DIY soup bar. Let everyone build their perfect bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup tastes even better by the next day as the flavors meld together. It’ll keep fresh for up to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep and easy lunches.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup, but keep in mind that soups with dairy may separate a little upon thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then weigh it into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving a little room for expansion). Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm it gently over medium-low heat, stirring often to restore that creamy consistency. If it appears too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for more olive oil, use your favorite plant-based cream (like cashew or coconut), and choose a vegan cheddar alternative. Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan, and you’ll have a delicious dairy-free take on this classic.

What’s a good substitute for the “On Everything All-Purpose Blend”?

If you don’t have this blend, a combination of dried herbs (like thyme, parsley, oregano, and a pinch of garlic powder) works beautifully. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorite herbs and seasonings!

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes! While russet potatoes give Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup its fluffy texture, Yukon Golds provide a naturally buttery flavor and a lovely golden hue. Both work well—just use what you have on hand or mix the two for extra depth.

How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?

For a thicker soup, let the potatoes simmer longer and break down, or blend a portion for silky texture. Prefer it chunkier? Reduce the simmer time, or add just a bit of flour mixed with water to thicken right before adding the cheese.

What other cheeses can I use?

Experiment with cheeses! Smoked gouda, gruyere, or even pepper jack can each add a unique spin. Just pick cheeses that melt well so they blend smoothly into your soup for that dreamy, cheesy finish.

Final Thoughts

No matter the season, this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup feels like a loving hug in a bowl—and it’s so much easier to make than you might think. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with cozy vibes; chances are, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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