Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: A Creamy Classic for Cozy Nights

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup isn’t just a mouthful to say—it’s a warm, creamy bowl of comfort that your taste buds will thank you for. Imagine sharp cheddar cheese melting into tender potatoes, while garlic and herbs do a happy dance in the background. Whether you’ve had one of “those” days or you’re just looking for something hearty that doesn’t take all night, this soup’s got your back.

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What is Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is basically your sweater-weather BFF in a bowl. It combines creamy potatoes, rich cheddar, garlic, and dried thyme for a flavor that feels like a hug from the inside out. The beauty of it? It’s made with pantry staples and comes together in just 40 minutes—yep, faster than your grocery delivery. While it sounds fancy (because let’s be real, anything with “herb” in the title sounds gourmet), it’s easy enough to whip up on a Tuesday night when the fridge is looking bleak and the couch is calling.

Reasons to Try Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

First off: it’s comfort food at its finest. But also? Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup checks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and—hallelujah—it reheats like a dream. Got picky eaters? Toss on some Beef or croutons and suddenly it’s a top-tier meal. Working from home and need lunch that’s not cold leftovers? Hello, cozy microwave magic. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free without even trying. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re wearing pajama pants under that Zoom-friendly sweater.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Here’s your quick shopping list—most of which you probably already have:

• 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

Optional toppings: crispy Beef, fresh herbs, extra cheese, or croutons (no judgment if you go heavy-handed on all four).

Instructions to Make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Making Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a relaxing kind of cooking—simple, hearty, and wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping cozy meals for the week, these step-by-step instructions break it down clearly so anyone can do it (even if you’re juggling toddlers or multitasking Zoom calls). Let’s get into the delicious details.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics for a Flavorful Base

Start by grabbing a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven—this will help hold the heat evenly and prevent sticking. Over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it starts to sizzle just a little.

Now toss in 1 diced medium onion. Cook it slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes or until it turns translucent and soft. You’re not going for color here—you just want the onion to release its sweetness and mellow out.

Once your onion is tender and fragrant, it’s time to introduce the star flavor: garlic. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir continuously for 1 more minute. Don’t let it brown—burnt garlic tastes bitter, and we’re not here for that.

Want more cozy, aromatic soups? You’ll love our Creamy Mushroom Soup with Thyme that layers similar earthy flavor notes for a comforting bite.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Once your aromatics are ready, it’s time to bulk things up. Add 4 large peeled and diced potatoes (about 2 pounds) to the pot. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size—about 1-inch cubes—so they cook evenly.

Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. Chicken broth adds richness, while vegetable broth keeps things vegetarian. Either way, use a good-quality stock—this forms the soup’s main body.

Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low or medium-low, cover the pot loosely, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork or knife without much resistance.

Tip: For a hearty spin on comfort soups that feature potatoes, check out this popular Creamy Mushroom Potato Soup—another weeknight winner.

Step 3: Blend or Mash to Your Preferred Texture

Here’s where you get to choose your soup’s final texture. If you like a rustic and chunky soup, use a potato masher right in the pot and mash about half the potatoes, leaving some whole. This gives you body and creaminess without being too smooth.

If you’re craving something velvety and silky, go ahead and use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend carefully until you reach the desired consistency. You can also transfer some of the soup to a standard blender (just let it cool slightly first and never fill it more than halfway).

Either way, don’t overdo it—you want the soup to feel homemade, not like baby food.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Cheddar Cheese

Reduce the heat to low before adding the creamy goodness—this is important to prevent curdling.

Now pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently to combine. Let it warm up for a minute or two, then add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until it’s fully melted and the soup is dreamy and creamy.

Season with 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Give it one final stir and taste test. Want more richness? Add a bit more cheese. Need more zip? A splash of hot sauce can brighten things right up.

Fun Fact: Fresh thyme works beautifully here too. If you’ve got some on hand, sprinkle a little on top before serving for a pop of flavor and color.

Step 5: Serve with Style and (Optional) Toppings

Ladle your piping hot Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup into bowls. Garnish with any of the following, depending on your mood or pantry:

• A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions or fresh thyme
• Crumbled crispy Beef
• Buttery croutons or even a dollop of sour cream

Pair with a chunk of warm bread, and you’re all set for a cozy dinner that tastes like it simmered all day—even if it only took 40 minutes.

Want another crowd-pleasing soup idea with minimal prep? You’ll love our Rotisserie Chicken & Mushroom Soup for an easy protein-packed twist on classic comfort food.

What to Serve with Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

This soup can totally fly solo, but it plays well with others. Think: a crusty loaf of sourdough, warm garlic bread, or a simple side salad to balance the richness. Want to make it a dinner to remember? Pair it with this Creamy Mushroom Potato Soup for a fun soup sampler night. Or serve alongside a cozy casserole like our Stuffing Chicken Casserole for the ultimate comfort food combo.

Key Tips for Making Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Pick the right potatoes: Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal—they cook down beautifully.
• Don’t skip the garlic: It’s the unsung hero here.
• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded bags have anti-caking agents that make the melt a little meh.
• Cream goes in last: To avoid curdling, add it after everything’s cooked.
• Taste as you go: Salt is your friend, especially with potatoes.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you. This soup stores like a champ. Let it cool, pop it into an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For freezing, skip the cream and cheese part—add those fresh when reheating. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts (just cover to avoid those creamy splatters). Add a splash of broth or milk if it’s looking a little thick.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Sure! It won’t be as rich, but whole milk works in a pinch. Add a bit of butter to up the creaminess.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in smoked gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—just swap chicken broth for veggie broth and skip any Beef toppings.

How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while stirring in the cheese.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions and garlic first, then toss everything into the slow cooker (except cream and cheese). Cook on low 6–7 hours, stir in cream and cheese at the end.

Final Thoughts

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the kind of dish you don’t need an excuse to make. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of cozy flavor without requiring culinary gymnastics. Whether you’re feeding a full table or just treating yourself on a rainy night, this soup delivers every time. And if you love this kind of comfort food, don’t miss our other creamy favorites like Rotisserie Chicken & Mushroom Soup or our Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup—both guaranteed to warm your soul.

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