Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: A Cozy and Flavorful Bowl

When the weather turns chilly, nothing hits the spot like a steaming bowl of homemade soup. This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from fresh garlic and herbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food—hearty enough to serve as a meal yet simple enough to make on a weeknight. With tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, and a fragrant garlic-herb base, this soup will warm you from the inside out.

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Chef Carol

This cozy, creamy soup combines tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, fresh garlic, and fragrant herbs like thyme and parsley to create the ultimate comforting bowl of goodness — perfect for chilly nights or simple weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Soup, Comfort Food, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 bowls

Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

• large soup pot
• immersion blender or blender
• Cutting board
• knife
• ladle

Ingredients

  

• 4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 0.5 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: bacon crumbles, green onions, extra cheese

Instructions

 

• In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add diced potatoes, broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
• Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend half the soup in a blender and return it to the pot for a chunkier texture.
• Stir in milk (or half-and-half), cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup thickens.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley, extra cheese, bacon bits, or green onions. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

For a richer taste, use half-and-half instead of milk. Leave potato skins on for more texture and nutrients. Always shred cheese from a block for smoother melting. To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth. Freeze in portions and reheat gently to preserve texture.

Keyword cheddar herb soup, Easy comfort food soup, garlic potato soup, How to make potato soup thicker

What is Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

This soup is a creamy potato-based dish enriched with cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. The potatoes are simmered until tender, blended (partially or fully) for creaminess, then finished with melted cheddar and a touch of cream. Unlike plain potato soup, the garlic and herbs elevate the flavor, while the cheddar adds richness and depth. It’s a cross between a loaded baked potato soup and a rustic garlic-herb chowder.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves 6.

• 4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: bacon crumbles, green onions, extra cheese

Substitutions

• Vegan version: use plant-based butter, nondairy milk, and vegan cheddar
• Lighter version: swap sour cream for Greek yogurt
• Extra flavor: add a splash of white wine while sautéing onions and garlic

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté aromatics

In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes

Add diced potatoes, broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Blend for creaminess

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend half the soup in a blender and return it to the pot for a chunkier texture.

Step 4: Add creaminess and cheese

Stir in milk (or half-and-half), cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup thickens.

Step 5: Season and garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley, extra cheese, bacon bits, or green onions. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Tips for the Best Potato Soup

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture.
• Always shred cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Don’t boil the soup after adding cheese; keep it on low heat to prevent curdling.
• For a chunky version, mash potatoes lightly instead of blending fully.

Variations

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is flexible and can be adapted to your taste.

• Loaded potato version: Add crispy bacon, chives, and extra cheddar on top.
• Vegetable-packed version: Stir in diced carrots, celery, or spinach.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Creamy chicken potato soup: Add shredded cooked chicken for extra protein.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Potato soups can separate when frozen, but this one holds up fairly well. Cool completely, freeze for up to 2 months, and reheat gently while whisking.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen if needed.

Serving Ideas

Pair Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Roasted vegetables for a hearty side

It also makes a great appetizer for holiday meals.

Nutrition Breakdown

One serving (1 cup) contains about 280–320 calories, 12 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of fat. Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream keeps it lighter while still creamy.

Conclusion

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort and herby freshness. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight dinner, meal prep lunch, or holiday starter, this soup will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

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