There’s nothing like a warm bowl of creamy potato soup to make a chilly evening feel a little cozier. This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is comfort food at its finest — rich, flavorful, and ready with just a few simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal, this soup will warm your heart and your kitchen.
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner, Soup | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 6 servings | ~320 kcal |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet work best)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. - Add the potatoes
Stir in the diced potatoes and let them absorb the flavors for a minute or two. - Simmer the soup
Pour in the broth, add thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. - Blend for creaminess (optional)
For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup while leaving some chunks for texture. - Add the creamy goodness
Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. - Serve and garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with chopped chives or green onions. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Thicker soup: Mash a few potato chunks with the back of a spoon before adding the milk and cheese.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Low-sodium tip: Taste before adding extra salt — the cheese already brings a salty kick.
Recipe Variations
- Protein boost: Add cooked shredded chicken or diced turkey sausage for extra heartiness.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Use vegetable broth and a plant-based cheddar alternative.
- Lighter version: Swap whole milk for 2% milk or use unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-light option.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and warm dinner rolls.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete, cozy dinner.
- Top with extra shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little kick.
Conclusion
This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the kind of meal that makes your home smell amazing and your family gather around the table. Cozy, creamy, and so simple — it’s sure to become a new favorite. So grab your spoon, snuggle up, and enjoy every warm, flavorful bite!