Description
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is warm, creamy, and easy to make, featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
- Optional garnishes: Cooked crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar, sour cream, fresh chives, croutons
Instructions
- Peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes and rinse under cold water.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth until smooth, bring to a simmer.
- Add the potato cubes, stir, and bring back to a gentle simmer. Cover and let cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Blend half of the soup until smooth and return to pot or use an immersion blender to reach desired texture.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in milk and cream. Add herbs and allow to heat for another 5 minutes without boiling.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese gradually until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Serve hot, garnished with toppings of choice.
Notes
For best results, add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess. Adjust salt to taste after adding cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American