Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that wraps you up like a warm, cheesy blanket, look no further than Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. This recipe combines velvety potatoes, sharp cheddar, a fragrant trio of herbs and garlic, and a dash of cream for irresistibly rich and cozy results. Whether you’re chasing away a winter chill or cheering up a rainy day, the creamy texture and hearty flavors make this soup a surefire hit at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup lies in its honest, accessible ingredients, each bringing its own special something to the pot. Gather these kitchen essentials, and you’re halfway to a soul-soothing meal bursting with flavor, gorgeous color, and satisfying texture.
- Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a fantastic creamy base and body.
- Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth as it softens and melts into the soup.
- Garlic: Gives each bite a warm, savory kick that plays perfectly with the cheddar and herbs.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Brings savory richness; use your favorite for a personalized touch.
- Heavy Cream: Infuses decadence, creating that dreamy, velvety finish everyone loves.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts to create bold, tangy flavor and creamy texture—freshly shredded works best!
- Butter: Sautéing in butter builds flavor from the very first step—don’t skip it!
- Dried Thyme: Lends earthy, aromatic notes that round out the taste beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: The essential finishing touch for perfect seasoning and balance.
How to Make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start building the flavor base for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it sauté until soft and translucent—you’ll know it’s perfect when you catch a sweet, savory aroma. Next, add the minced garlic. It just needs a minute to release its fragrance and work that magic that sets the whole soup apart.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Now bring on the potatoes! Stir them in along with your chicken or vegetable broth, and turn up the heat until everything comes to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, and let it bubble away for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want those potatoes fork-tender and ready to transform into creamy goodness.
Step 3: Blend or Mash for Texture
Here’s where you control the final feel of your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Prefer it silky-smooth? Reach for an immersion blender and give it a good whirl right in the pot. Love a bit of chunky texture? A simple potato masher does the trick beautifully. There’s no wrong answer, so make it just how you like it.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Now for the best part! Pour in the heavy cream and add your sharp cheddar, stirring gently until the cheese melts into a creamy, rich swirl. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, then season to taste with salt and pepper. The scent at this stage is absolutely heavenly—it’s practically impossible to wait!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup into bowls and get creative with the garnishes—maybe a sprinkle of more cheddar, a few snips of fresh herbs, or even a swirl of cream. Gather everyone at the table, and watch the smiles grow with each spoonful.
How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Garnishes
Great garnishes can take Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup to the next level. Try a dash of extra shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley, or a crack of fresh black pepper right before serving. Fresh herbs not only bring a burst of color but also add a fragrant pop that brightens each bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup is pure comfort on its own, but pairing it with a crusty loaf of rustic bread is always a good idea for dunking. Want more? A crisp green salad or garlicky croutons alongside makes a lovely, well-rounded meal. For heartier appetites, add a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise your family or friends by serving Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, edible twist. Garnish with crispy bacon bits, fried shallots, or even roasted broccoli spears to add texture and excitement. Individual soup crocks with bubbling cheese on top also make for show-stopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, making lunch or dinner prep a breeze. The flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your cooled soup in sturdy freezer containers or zip-top bags (leave a little space for expansion). Just keep in mind that creamy soups can sometimes separate slightly after thawing; a quick stir during reheating brings everything back together.
Reheating
Gently reheat Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or cream if it’s become too thick. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover the bowl loosely and pause to stir every minute until hot and steamy. Be careful not to boil, as this might break the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and proceed as usual. You’ll still end up with an ultra-creamy, cozy bowl full of flavor and warmth.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold create the perfect creamy texture, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand—you may just get a slightly different consistency.
How do I avoid stringy cheese in my soup?
Gradually stir in the freshly shredded cheese over low heat after removing the pot from a boil. This gentle heat helps the cheese melt smoothly without any unwanted stringiness.
What herbs can I use besides thyme?
If you want to mix things up, fresh parsley, chives, or even a pinch of rosemary will add a lovely twist to Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The basic recipe for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup does not contain gluten as written, but always double-check your broth and any additional toppings for hidden gluten if you have sensitivities or allergies.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings smiles around the table quite like a steaming bowl of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. With its rich, comforting flavors and endlessly customizable finish, this soup is meant to be shared and savored. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for cozy nights and gatherings with friends!
PrintCheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this rich and creamy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Loaded with tender potatoes, savory aromatics, and a cheesy finish, this soup is a perfect blend of hearty and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potato Soup:
- 4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add 4 diced potatoes and 4 cups of broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend or Mash: For a creamy texture, partially mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Potato Soup, Cheddar Garlic Soup, Comfort Food, Homemade Soup