Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

$To make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, you need: - 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into uniform cubes - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium) - 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option) - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish) You can easily make this soup fit different diets. For a dairy-free option, use: - Coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. - Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. For a lower-fat version, try: - Half-and-half instead of heavy cream. - Use a low-fat cheese to cut back on calories. Fresh herbs can bring a bright taste to this soup. Here are some great options: - Fresh thyme adds a nice earthiness. - Fresh rosemary gives a strong flavor. - Fresh parsley can lighten and freshen the soup. Feel free to mix and match these herbs based on what you love! {{ingredient_image_2}} For this soup, you need to prepare your ingredients first. Gather the following: - 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into uniform cubes - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium) - 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option) - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish) Make sure to chop everything before you start cooking. This makes the process smooth and quick. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick. Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Be careful not to burn the garlic. This can ruin the flavor. Now, add the diced potatoes and stir well. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes. This helps coat the potatoes with the onion and garlic flavors. Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure the potatoes are fully covered. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once the potatoes are fork-tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a traditional blender in batches. Just be cautious with the hot liquid. Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Season the soup with dried thyme, dried rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully. When ready to serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh chives and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese if you like. Enjoy! To get a smooth and creamy texture, blend the soup well. Use an immersion blender for ease. If you don’t have one, transfer the soup to a regular blender in small batches. Make sure not to fill it too full, as hot soup can splash. Add heavy cream slowly while stirring. This helps the cream mix in well and keeps it rich. One common mistake is overcooking the garlic. It can become bitter if burnt. Also, don’t skip the blending step. Leaving chunks can make the soup feel less creamy. Make sure the potatoes are fork-tender before blending. Lastly, be cautious with salt. Taste as you go, since the broth can add saltiness. Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top it with extra cheddar cheese and fresh chives for color. For an added treat, pair it with warm crusty bread. This makes for a perfect dip! You can also serve it with a light salad for a complete meal. Enjoy every spoonful! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese will elevate the flavor of your soup significantly. Opt for fresh chives and sharp cheddar for the best taste. Control the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend less of the potato mixture. For a thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth until your desired texture is achieved. Enhance Flavor with Toppings: Consider adding crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of truffle oil as toppings to add extra flavor and texture contrast. Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess. {{image_4}} You can make cheddar garlic herb potato soup even heartier by adding protein. Bacon adds a crispy, smoky flavor. Simply cook the bacon first, then remove it and chop it. Mix it into the soup right before serving. For chicken, cook and shred a rotisserie chicken. Stir it in after blending the soup. This makes every bite more filling. Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Adding carrots or celery can boost flavor and texture. Dice them small and sauté with the onion at the start. You can also use broccoli or spinach. Add these greens just before blending. They add color and nutrients, making your soup even better. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes. A pinch goes a long way! Mix it in while you cook the soup. You can adjust the spice to match your taste. For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This gives your soup a bold twist that is sure to impress. To keep your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup fresh, let it cool first. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to use it by. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. You want it hot, not boiling. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of broth or water. Stir until smooth and warm. You can freeze this soup for up to three months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above when you’re ready to serve. Enjoy the comfort of this hearty soup any time! Yes, you can use sweet potatoes! They will change the soup's flavor and color. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creamy texture. When using them, keep the cooking time similar. Make sure to peel and dice them like the russets. Your soup will still be hearty and tasty. Making this soup gluten-free is easy. The main ingredient to check is the vegetable broth. Look for a low-sodium broth that is labeled gluten-free. Most vegetable broths are safe, but always read labels. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free. This means you can enjoy the soup without worry. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half works well. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. Almond milk or cashew cream can add creaminess too. Each option will slightly change the flavor, but all will keep the soup delicious. Adjust the amount to reach your desired creaminess. This blog post guided you through making a delicious soup. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best texture. You learned how to add protein and spices for variety. Plus, I shared storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. Remember, making soup is fun and flexible. Don't be scared to try new things. Enjoy your cooking journey, and make it your own!$

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

A creamy and flavorful potato soup infused with garlic, herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into uniform cubes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium)
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as this will create a bitter taste.
Incorporate the diced potatoes into the pot and stir well. Allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat with the flavors from the onions and garlic.
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully submerged. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
After the potatoes are fork-tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender, but be cautious of the hot liquid.
Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing continuously until melted and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
Season the soup with dried thyme, dried rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese if desired.

Notes

Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping and garnish with extra chives.

Keyword cheddar, garlic, herb, potato, soup