Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Warm and comforting, this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for chilly evenings, offering creamy texture and rich flavors with cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed Best choices for creamy texture.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Use mild cheddar for a subtler taste.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended for flavor.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth Homemade adds a personal touch.
- 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based milk For a vegan version, replace with coconut milk.
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme and parsley, chopped Fresh herbs enhance flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt To taste.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, for added heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by washing, peeling, and chopping your potatoes into evenly sized cubes. Mince the garlic and chop the herbs. Prepare your broth (homemade or store-bought).
Cooking
- In a large pot, over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter or a splash of olive oil. Add minced garlic, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the chopped potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat them in the garlic. Pour in enough broth to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches (be cautious with hot liquids).
- Stir in heavy cream (or plant-based milk) and cheese into the soup. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add your herbs, then season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if desired. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, letting the flavors meld for a few minutes over low heat.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with additional cheese and herbs as desired.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh ingredients and taste frequently. Adjust consistency by adding more broth if too thick.