If you are craving something soul-satisfying and packed with bold flavors, this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender russet potatoes gently melting into a creamy base infused with garlic, sharp cheddar, and a hint of herbs and smoked paprika—each spoonful feels like a warm hug. It’s the perfect comfort food to whip up on a chilly day or anytime you want to impress family and friends with effortless, wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this soup plays a starring role, from the creamy potatoes and sharp cheese to the aromatic garlic and herbs. These simple essentials come together to create a rich, flavorful soup that’s both hearty and vibrant, ensuring every bite delights your senses.
- Russet potatoes: Their fluffy texture breaks down nicely to thicken the soup naturally, creating a velvety mouthfeel.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness when sautéing the aromatics.
- Unsalted butter: Provides creaminess and rounds out the savory notes beautifully.
- Red onion: Offers a sweet, mellow foundation flavor when softened.
- Garlic cloves: Bursting with pungent aroma and depth, garlic is essential for that unforgettable flavor punch.
- On Everything All-Purpose Blend: This seasoning blend enhances the soup with layers of herbs and subtle spice.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that complements the cheddar cheese perfectly.
- White cooking wine: Adds a delicate acidity and complexity, balancing the creamy richness.
- Vegetable stock: Provides a savory base that keeps the soup light yet flavorful.
- Heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously silky and indulgent.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated for a sharp, tangy melty finish that makes this soup irresistible.
- Kale (optional): Toss in for a pop of color and a nutritious twist without overpowering the flavors.
How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics with Flavor
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a medium-sized dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and chopped red onion. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it lays the aromatic groundwork that infuses every spoonful with a rich garlic and onion essence. Then, stir in the smoked paprika and On Everything All-Purpose Blend to add a smoky, herbaceous twist that hints at the complexity to come.
Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes to Perfection
Now, toss in the peeled and cubed russet potatoes, stirring to coat them in the aromatic mixture. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring everything to a boil for a minute or two. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the soup gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and beginning to break down. If you like your soup thicker with a creamy base, allow the potatoes to simmer a bit longer to achieve that natural thickness. Alternatively, you can stir in a slurry of flour and water for extra body if you prefer chunkier pieces in your soup.
Step 3: Add Cream, Wine, and Cheese for Ultimate Creaminess
Once the potatoes are just right, stir in the heavy cream, chopped kale if you’re feeling adventurous, and white cooking wine. This trio adds depth, color, and silkiness that elevates the soup to a whole new level of comforting indulgence. Next, fold in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese bit by bit, stirring frequently until it melts smoothly into the soup. The cheese imparts that signature tangy, gooey goodness that’s simply irresistible. Finish off this step by removing the soup from heat to preserve the creamy texture and bright flavors.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe into warm bowls and get ready for the tastiest moment of your day. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of green onions for a touch of freshness and color that makes every bowl look as good as it tastes. Serve with crusty bread or your favorite side for a meal that’s both satisfying and soul-warming. Bon appétit!
How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions add a vibrant punch of color and brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy soup. You could also sprinkle some extra sharp cheddar on top or a dash of smoked paprika to make the presentation pop and excite your guests’ taste buds before the first spoonful.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with rustic crusty bread, buttery garlic toast, or even a crisp green salad to balance out the meal. These simple sides complement the rich, creamy texture of the soup and make the dining experience feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or individual ramekins topped with cheddar crisps or homemade croutons. You can also drizzle a little infused oil or a swirl of cream on top to add flair and elevate the humble potato soup into a bistro-style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture. Before serving leftovers, just give it a good stir because some settling might occur.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is simple and convenient for busy days. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the cream might alter slightly upon thawing, but the flavors remain deliciously intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking or separating. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to loosen it up and bring back that silky smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this soup?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture that thickens the soup naturally, Yukon gold potatoes also work wonderfully and add a slightly creamier feel.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version, but keep in mind the soup’s flavor and texture will be a bit different since dairy contributes to its signature richness.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable stock, olive oil in place of butter, a plant-based cream substitute, and nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead of cheddar. The herbs and spices still bring plenty of flavor.
How spicy is the smoked paprika in the recipe?
Smoked paprika is mild and smoky rather than hot, so it won’t add spiciness but will enrich the soup with warm, smoky notes that complement the cheddar beautifully.
What can I add for extra texture?
Chopped kale is a great option for some green crunch, or you can garnish with crispy bacon bits, toasted nuts, or crunchy croutons to add delightful texture contrasts.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. Full of rich, comforting flavors yet surprisingly easy to make, it’s destined to become a family favorite you’ll reach for again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the magic of creamy potato soup elevated by cheese, garlic, and herbs. Happy cooking!
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Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a comforting, creamy dish made with tender russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fragrant herbs. Sautéed garlic and onions create a flavorful base, while smoked paprika and a special all-purpose blend add depth. The soup is simmered until the potatoes are soft and slightly broken down, then enriched with heavy cream and kale for extra nutrition. Perfect as a warming meal on cool days, it can be served with fresh parsley or green onions and a side of crusty bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4–5 medium organic russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (can substitute with Yukon potatoes)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth
- 1 cup organic heavy cream
- 1–2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup kale, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp white cooking wine (can substitute with additional vegetable stock)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and butter: In a medium-sized Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. When the butter melts, proceed to the next step.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and chopped red onions to the pot. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika and the On Everything All-Purpose Blend until well combined.
- Add potatoes and stock: Stir in the cubed potatoes, then pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil for 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. For a thicker texture, simmer an additional 10 minutes until the potatoes begin to break down. Alternatively, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour mixed with water to thicken if you prefer chunkier potatoes.
- Finish with cream, kale, wine, and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped kale (if using), and white cooking wine. Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Serve: Remove from heat and ladle into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions (scallions). Serve immediately, optionally with a side of bread.
- Enjoy: Savor this delicious, hearty soup immediately while warm.
Notes
- Heavy cream adds richness; for a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- You can substitute the white cooking wine with additional vegetable stock if preferred.
- Kale is optional but adds a nutritious green element; you can also substitute with spinach or omit entirely.
- For a thicker soup, simmer potatoes longer to break down or use flour slurry as a thickener.
- Sharp cheddar can be replaced with other cheeses such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella as per taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
