Name: Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet); 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nothing beats the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty soup, especially when the temperatures start to dip. The Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is an idyllic choice as it combines rich flavors with comforting textures. Imagine the delicious taste of tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, and aromatic herbs mingling together in a comforting bowl of soup. This recipe is exceptionally easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a quick midweek dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. With its decadent creamy base complemented by the subtle smokiness of paprika, this soup is an embodiment of cozy meals that nurture both the body and soul.

The beauty of this soup recipe lies not only in its flavor profile but also in its simplicity and speed. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, your dinner table will host this delightful dish in just over half an hour. The combination of potatoes with robust cheddar cheese results in a wholesome, filling meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re making this after a long day at work or to cozy up with on a lazy Sunday, Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup offers a comforting embrace of taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights.
Rich & Creamy: The combination of cheddar and cream creates a luscious texture.
Flavor-packed: Herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with garlic, bring depth.
Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparing for the Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is simple and requires minimal setup. Begin by organizing your kitchen workspace for a smooth cooking process. You’ll need a large pot, an immersion blender (or a regular blender), and a sharp knife for chopping. Set aside a cutting board as your main prep station to dice onions, mince garlic, and chop potatoes. Having a ladle and a wooden spoon nearby will also streamline your cooking process, making it easier to stir and serve later.

Opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes as they provide a creamy texture suited to this soup. Before you start cooking, ensure to measure out all your ingredients such as the butter, olive oil, herbs, and shredded cheese, this organized setup will allow for a seamless cooking experience. Additionally, if you’re looking to practice sustainable cooking, reheating leftovers in eco-friendly storage bowls can help preserve both flavor and reduce waste.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sautéing the Base

Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion into the pot and cook until it turns translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step ensures that the onions are soft and release a sweet flavor.

Step 2: Building Flavor

Next, incorporate minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika into the pot. Let them cook for about a minute until fragrant. This brief cooking time allows the spices to deepen in flavor without burning.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This tenderizes the potatoes perfectly.

Step 4: Blending the Soup

Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer half of the soup into a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot for a mix of textures.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Finally, stir in the milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variations

Protein: Add cooked bacon or ham for an added smoky, savory taste.
Vegetables: Include chopped carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spices: Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or add a hint of cumin for warmth.

Cooking Notes

Use good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Freshly shredding the cheese yourself also helps with melting.
For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of broth or blend more of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit.
Top with additional shredded cheese or crispy croutons for texture.

Tips

Prep all your ingredients beforehand to make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
If you prefer a thinner soup, gradually add more broth until the desired consistency is achieved.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximate value per serving varies based on specific brands and quantity used
Protein: Depending on the variation, protein content is enhanced
Sodium: Monitor and adjust according to taste preference and dietary needs

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with other types like gouda or mozzarella for different flavors.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

This soup can be frozen, but it’s best consumed fresh for the optimal creamy texture, as freezing can sometimes cause curdling.

Can I make this soup vegan?

To make it vegan, use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.

How do I thicken or thin this soup?

Adjust the consistency by blending more or less, adding more broth to thin or more potatoes to thicken.

Conclusion

The Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting textures that makes it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire. It not only warms you to your core but also offers a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. You can customize this recipe with your choice of proteins and spices, making it suitable for various dietary needs and personal preferences. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this soup as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to you. Let us know how it turns out in the comments below and feel free to share your own unique twists. Happy cooking!