Description
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting soup blending tender russet potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy evenings, this soup delivers a velvety texture and savory herbal flavor that warms the soul and satisfies cravings for classic comfort food with an elegant twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, parsley, and chives, minced
Dairy and Fats
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Finely chop the onion, celery, and garlic. Rinse and mince the fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, chives) to prepare for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes, to unlock their sweetness and depth.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Blend to Desired Consistency: Partially mash the potatoes with a wooden spoon for a chunkier texture, or use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, depending on preference.
- Incorporate Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and minced fresh herbs. Add milk or cream, allowing the cheese to melt and the soup to reach a luscious, creamy richness.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Warm through, then serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for a fluffy, creamy texture due to their high starch content.
- Grate cheese finely to ensure it melts quickly and evenly into the soup.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor and aroma.
- Avoid overblending if you prefer some texture in your soup.
- Use homemade broth if possible for richer depth of flavor.
- For vegan variation, substitute cheddar with dairy-free cheese, use plant-based milk and vegetable broth.
- To thicken soup, partially mash potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry at the end.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; avoid adding dairy before freezing.
- Reheat gently on medium-low heat, stirring often and adding extra milk or broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg