Easy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: Creamy & Delicious!

Alright, flavor adventurers! Get ready to dive headfirst into a bowl of pure comfort, Cuba Queen style. I’m talkin’ about my Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, a creamy, dreamy concoction that’ll have you saying “adios” to bland meals forever!

This ain’t your grandma’s watery potato soup, no way! I spent weeks wrestling with this recipe, tweaking and tasting until it hit that sweet spot of cheesy, garlicky, and herbaceous perfection. The first few attempts? Let’s just say they were… educational. Too bland, too thin, too… blah. But then, BAM! I added a secret blend of herbs and a ridiculous amount of sharp cheddar, and everything changed.

The moment I knew I’d nailed it? When my neighbor, Mrs. Rodriguez, took a spoonful and her eyes practically popped out of her head. “Quinn,” she declared, “this is like sunshine in a bowl!” And that, my friends, is exactly what I want to share with you.

This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup isn’t just a recipe, it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. It’s bold, it’s comforting, and it’s exactly the kind of food that makes you feel like celebrating life, one spoonful at a time. So grab your spoons, because we’re about to make some magic!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re focusing on quality over quantity, so don’t skimp on the good stuff.

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 5 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 pounds)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (the sharper, the better!)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Fresh ingredients for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup on a wooden cutting board.

The secret to epic Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is using Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture that transforms this soup into something truly special. Russet potatoes will work in a pinch, but trust me, go for the gold!

You’ll find the best ingredients for this easy to make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup at your local farmer’s market or a grocery store with a good produce section. Fresh herbs are amazing, but dried work perfectly fine here too.

Splurge on the cheddar cheese for this one Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup ingredient – trust me. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own for the ultimate creamy, cheesy experience.

For a flavor-boosting modification, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. It adds a subtle kick that complements the richness of the cheese and herbs.

Budget-friendly alternative: if you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. The soup won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious.

Store any leftover fresh herbs in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer. This is game-changing when I cook!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll be diving into a bowl of creamy, dreamy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in no time. Don’t forget to have fun with this herb infused potato soup!

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Don’t let the garlic burn, keep it moving! This is the base of all the flavor, so take your time.
  2. Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and sage to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Pro tip for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup perfection: test the potatoes with a fork. They should be easily pierced.
  3. Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be careful when blending hot liquids! In my kitchen, this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup takes exactly 2 minutes to blend to the perfect consistency with my immersion blender.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Don’t stress – your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is going to be incredible. This is where your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup transforms into pure magic.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go! Different broths and cheeses have varying levels of saltiness, so adjust accordingly. Your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup should look rich, creamy, and inviting at this point.
  6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. And there you have it – a bowl of pure comfort, Cuba Queen style!

Here’s where most people mess up their Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup – but not you! They rush the cooking process and don’t allow the potatoes to become fully tender. This results in a lumpy soup that lacks the creamy texture we’re after.

While your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! The vibrant colors and creamy texture make for a stunning photo. Don’t forget to tag me!

PRESENTATION:

This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a showstopper, so let’s make sure it looks the part! Presentation is key to make this truly shine!

Ladle the soup into bowls with a flourish! Don’t be shy, fill ’em up. Top with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream adds a touch of elegance.

Bold pairing suggestion: grilled cheese croutons! Cut your favorite grilled cheese sandwich into cubes and float them on top of the soup. Talk about comfort food heaven! This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup absolutely slays at dinner parties!

Perfect occasions for this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: chilly evenings, cozy weekends, or anytime you need a little bit of sunshine in a bowl. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup at potlucks!

For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the soup and swirl it with a toothpick. The contrast of colors and textures is stunning!

Leftover transformation: turn your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup into a cheesy potato bake! Pour the soup into a casserole dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

For a seasonal Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup variation, try adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall. It adds a touch of sweetness and warmth that’s perfect for the season. The creamy cheddar soup is so versatile!

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup cooking challenges and my tried-and-true solutions.

Q: Can I make this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup spicier?

A: Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering, or top each bowl with a drizzle of hot sauce. I’ve even experimented with adding a diced jalapeno to the onion and garlic for a serious kick!

Q: What if I don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes for my Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

A: Russet potatoes will work in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly different. Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture that makes this soup extra special. This herb infused potato soup needs that buttery smooth potato!

Q: How do I know when my Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfectly done?

A: The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be completely melted and smooth. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Q: Can I make this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegetarian?

A: Of course! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Check out The Best Vegetarian Potato Soup – Happy Veggie Kitchen for inspiration!

Q: What kind of cheddar cheese should I use for the Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

A: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its bold flavor, but you can use medium or mild cheddar if you prefer. Just make sure it’s good quality and freshly grated for the best melting results.

Q: Can I freeze this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

A: While it’s technically possible to freeze this soup, the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: My Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is too thick! What do I do?

A: Simply add a little bit more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Q: I don’t have heavy cream. What can I substitute in this cheesy potato soup?

A: Half-and-half or whole milk will work in a pinch, but the soup won’t be quite as rich. You can also try using a can of evaporated milk for a creamier texture. Remember to add a little butter if you choose this to make up for the butter fat lost.

CONCLUSION:

This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is more than just a recipe, it’s a celebration of flavor, comfort, and the joy of sharing good food with the people you love. It represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a whole lotta love.

My Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Power Tips:

  • Don’t skimp on the cheese! The more cheddar, the merrier.
  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture.
  • Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Variations I’ve created include:

  • Bacon Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
  • Broccoli Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: Stir in steamed broccoli florets for a healthy and delicious addition.
  • Spicy Chorizo Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: Add crumbled chorizo sausage and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick. This reminds me of another flavor explosion, my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

The Bacon Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup gets the biggest reactions every time!

A bowl of warm and inviting Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup garnished with fresh parsley.

I have complete confidence you’re going to nail this recipe and create a Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup that will have everyone begging for more. It’s so easy! Let’s check out another cheesy soup recipe: Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe. You can even make Potato Leek Cheddar Soup | Lindsey Eats!

So go ahead, flavor adventurer, make this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup your signature dish and share it with the world. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I can’t wait to see what you create!

Now go forth and create some Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup memories! The cheesy potato soup is waiting for you! Let me know what you think of this garlic potato soup recipe! You know, it’s really the herb infused potato soup that makes this what it is!

 

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Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Bowl of Delicious Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

This creamy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food! Packed with flavor from garlic, herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal.

  • Author: Quinn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken or vegetable broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
  4. Carefully transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup in the pot.
  5. Stir in milk or half-and-half and cheddar cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and soup is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheddar cheese before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk or half-and-half. You can also add cooked bacon or ham as a garnish.

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