Alright, flavor adventurers, gather ’round! I’m about to drop a recipe so outrageously delicious, it’ll become your new go-to comfort food. Get ready for my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup – it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with enough garlicky goodness to ward off vampires and bad moods alike. This isn’t your grandma’s potato soup (unless your grandma is secretly a culinary rebel).
I remember the first time I nailed this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup recipe. It was a cold, rainy night, and I was craving something seriously satisfying. Batch after batch just wasn’t hitting the mark – until I decided to roast the garlic. BOOM! The sweetness of the roasted garlic combined with the sharp cheddar…pure magic! That’s when I knew I had something special, a Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup so good, it demanded to be shared!
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unapologetic deliciousness, and a recipe that brings people together. Forget boring dinners; we’re talking celebration-worthy bowls of cheesy potato perfection!
Get ready to turn your kitchen into a culinary playground because you’re about to create some serious flavor memories. Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is where the flavor party gets started, flavor adventurers!
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: We’re not messing around with garlic today, folks!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A touch of earthy goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick! Adjust to your liking – if you want this creamy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup to be more fiery, add another 1/2 teaspoon.
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: Yukon Golds are my go-to for creamy texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Adds richness to the soup base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that ultra-creamy texture.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Don’t skimp on the cheese!
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning is key!
- Optional toppings: Chopped chives, crumbled bacon, sour cream

The secret to truly epic Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is using freshly grated cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese has cellulose that prevents it from melting as smoothly, so trust me – grate it yourself! You’ll find the best ingredients for this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup at your local farmer’s market. Fresh, high-quality ingredients always make a difference. Splurge on good quality cheddar for this yummy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup ingredient – trust me, it’s worth it!
Here’s the Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup game-changer that will blow your mind: roast the garlic. Roasting garlic mellows the flavor and brings out its sweetness, adding a depth of flavor you just can’t get with raw garlic. I will often double the garlic when roasting it because I use it in everything. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! Don’t stress – your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is going to be incredible.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of our flavor!
- Next, add the minced garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Your comforting Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup should smell AMAZING right now!
- Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This is where the potatoes get nice and soft. Pro tip for Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup perfection: make sure the potatoes are evenly cubed for consistent cooking! In my kitchen, this simple Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup takes exactly 17 minutes to cook the potatoes, but it will vary depending on the size you cut them.
- Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Now, for the creamy factor! This is where your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup transforms into pure magic.
- Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring to a regular blender), blend the soup until smooth. If you like a chunkier soup, leave some potato pieces intact. This is where you customize the texture! Here’s where most people mess up their tasty Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup – but not you!
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. This step is cheesy heaven! Your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup should look rich and decadent.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste as you go to get the flavors just right. While your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
PRESENTATION:
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup at cozy dinner parties. I like to serve this flavor-packed Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup in rustic bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream. For a smoky twist, crumbled bacon is a must! This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup absolutely slays at dinner parties!
For a lighter meal, pair this creamy delight with a crisp green salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect companion! You can even make Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup shooters for a fun appetizer. The possibilities are endless! This is the best Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup and it’s perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or even a comforting weeknight meal.
Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Use leftover Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup as a base for a creamy casserole or add it to mashed potatoes for extra flavor. During the fall, I like to add roasted butternut squash for a seasonal twist on this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup. In the summer, a sprinkle of fresh corn kernels adds a touch of sweetness.
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup reminds me of another flavor explosion, Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, so if this sounds delicious, you will love that recipe as well.
FAQs:
- Can I make this cheesy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup spicier?Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. I’ve even added a finely chopped jalapeño for extra flavor. I’ve tried using different variations, but red pepper flakes tend to work best.
- What if I don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes?Russet potatoes will also work, but they may not be as creamy. If using Russets, be sure to blend the soup thoroughly for the best texture. From my testing, I find that Yukon Golds work best.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?Yes! This satisfying Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if needed. I love prepping this the day before because the flavors really come together.
- Can I freeze this soup?Freezing is not recommended since dairy-based soups can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, be sure to thaw it slowly and whisk vigorously when reheating. But honestly, it’s so good, it probably won’t last long enough to freeze!
- What if I don’t have an immersion blender?Carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be sure to vent the blender to prevent pressure from building up. You can also use a potato masher for a chunkier soup. I use an immersion blender, it makes the process so easy.
- How do I know when my creamy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is perfectly done?The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. The cheese should be fully melted and the soup should be smooth and creamy. And most importantly, it should taste amazing! I am so confident that you will love this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup recipe.
- Can I use different types of cheese?Of course! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious in this soup. Experiment and find your favorite cheesy combination! My community has told me that they love using Gruyere.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream?You can substitute half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less creamy. For a richer flavor, try using crème fraîche. But trust me, the heavy cream is worth it! You won’t be disappointed!
CONCLUSION:
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold, unapologetic flavor that brings people together. It’s a celebration in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or any time you need a little comfort.
Here are my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup Power Tips:
- Roast the garlic: It’s a game-changer!
- Use freshly grated cheddar: It melts better and tastes better!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add your favorite toppings and seasonings to make it your own!
Some variations of this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup that I’ve created and loved include: Garlic Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, Spicy Chorizo Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup, and Roasted Poblano Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup. But honestly, the classic Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup always gets the biggest reactions.
I’m confident that this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup will become your new signature dish. So go ahead, flavor adventurer, and make some magic in the kitchen!
And don’t forget to share your creations with me! Tag me in your photos and let me know what you think. Now go make some amazing Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup memories! For more bold flavor adventures, check out this homemade garlic soup
You might also love these Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes, for a bold, filling meal. This classic Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup recipe makes me think of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup A creamy, cheesy, and comforting …, which is another recipe that I love!

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup and get ready for a taste sensation that will blow your mind! If you want another cheesy recipe, check out this Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup Recipe – Amanda’s Cookin’ – Soup, it is delicious!
Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup
This creamy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with potatoes, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a hearty and flavorful soup perfect for a chilly day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped chives, bacon bits
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Return to the pot.
- Stir in milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Heat through.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, or bacon bits.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or some cooked and crumbled bacon to the soup.