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Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup | Cozy & Creamy Comfort Food

There’s something magical about a big, steamy bowl of soup that soothes your soul with every spoonful — and nothing delivers that cozy satisfaction better than this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. 🧀 Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, this soup is made with real cheddar cheese, aromatic herbs, roasted garlic, and just the right touch of cream to bring everything together. It's the kind of dish you crave on a cold day or when you're in need of a little comfort food therapy. Whether you're curled up under a blanket or feeding a hungry crowd, this soup is hearty enough for dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. It's simple, deeply flavorful, and downright irresistible.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 generous bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥔 Vegetables & Fresh Herbs:
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
  • More fresh chives or parsley for topping
🧂 Seasonings:
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper or smoked paprika optional for a kick
  • Salt to taste
🥣 Dairy & Creaminess:
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp or mild
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for garnish and tang
🥖 Toppings:
  • Croutons optional but highly recommended for crunch
  • Note: You can adjust the richness by using light cream or milk alternatives if preferred.

Equipment

  • To create this comforting, creamy bowl of goodness, you’ll need the following tools:
  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Garlic press or fine grater
  • Ladle
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Immersion blender (optional) or countertop blender
  • Grater (for the cheddar cheese)

Method
 

  1. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring your soup to life:
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Herbs
  1. In a large soup pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant (do not brown).
  3. Stir in the fresh thyme and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
  1. Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream.
  2. Heat gently, stirring often to prevent scorching.
  3. Add black pepper and cayenne or smoked paprika if using.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil).
Step 3: Add Cheese
  1. Once simmering, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time.
  2. Stir continuously to melt and incorporate fully.
  3. Simmer gently until the soup thickens slightly — about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Optional: Use an immersion blender for a smooth finish or leave it slightly chunky for texture.
Step 4: Adjust and Taste
  1. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
  2. Add more cheddar if you want it extra cheesy, or a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
  1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
  2. Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  3. Garnish with chopped chives or fresh parsley, and a few croutons for crunch.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This soup can be frozen, but note that dairy may slightly separate upon reheating.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to revive the creamy texture.
🥄 Variations
Get creative with your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup using these delicious swaps:
Loaded Baked Potato Style: Add cooked diced potatoes, corn, and top with turkey bacon bits.
Broccoli Cheddar Twist: Stir in cooked broccoli florets for a veggie boost.
Spicy Version: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or extra cayenne.
Protein-Boosted: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked white beans.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheddar.
Chunky Style: Dice and roast potatoes beforehand for added texture.
Caramelized Onion Flavor: Add ½ cup caramelized onions to the base.
Smoked Version: Use smoked cheddar and a dash of smoked paprika.
Green Herb Finish: Blend in fresh spinach or kale at the end for color and nutrients.
Mini Bread Bowl: Serve in small hollowed-out rolls for a fun presentation.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually gets more flavorful after a day in the fridge. Just reheat gently.
2. Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes — as long as your cheese is vegetarian-approved. There’s no meat or broth.
3. Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
Absolutely. While this version focuses on the creamy cheese and garlic herb base, diced or mashed potatoes are a great addition.
4. What type of cheddar works best?
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, while mild cheddar gives a smoother taste.
5. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes. Use ½ tsp dried thyme or chives if you don’t have fresh.
6. Is there a low-fat version?
You can substitute low-fat milk and use less cream, but the texture will be lighter.
7. What kind of croutons go best?
Garlic-herb or sourdough croutons complement the soup beautifully.
8. How can I thicken the soup without adding more cheese?
Whisk in 1 tsp of cornstarch with a bit of cold milk and add to the soup, simmering until thickened.
9. Can I blend the soup completely?
Yes, for a velvety smooth soup, use an immersion blender or regular blender (in batches).
10. What’s a good side dish for this soup?
Serve with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or warm herbed rolls.
🏁 Conclusion
Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and herb-infused — this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort. Whether you're sipping it by a rainy window or sharing it at the table with loved ones, it's a recipe that brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every spoonful.
With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes of cook time, it's the perfect weeknight wonder or cozy weekend indulgence. Customize it your way, top it to perfection, and enjoy every velvety bite.
Go ahead — stir the pot and let the comfort begin.