Creamy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup Cozy Comfort Food 🥔🧄🧀
1. Introduction
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato soup recipe to hug you from the inside out. This creamy garlic potato soup combines the comforting richness of tender potatoes with the bold flavors of garlic, herbs, and gooey cheddar cheese to create a dish perfect for cozy nights or family dinners. Not only is this garlic herb potato soup incredibly nourishing, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make, truly embodying the essence of comfort food.
2. Ingredients for the Perfect Potato Soup Recipe
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup
Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. These are the foundational steps to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes. This step enhances the depth of flavor in your potato soup recipe.
Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the cubed potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bringing everything to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Blend for Creaminess
Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. If blending in batches, be cautious with the hot liquid. Pureeing creates the iconic creamy texture essential for a perfect creamy potato soup.
Add Cheese and Cream
Return the pureed soup to the pot (if needed), then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Continue to cook over low heat until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Potato Soup
Store any remaining garlic herb potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 2 months—just reheat thoroughly before serving. Keep in mind that cream-based soups may thicken upon cooling, so adding a splash of broth or milk can help restore the desired consistency.
5. Serving Suggestions for This Cozy Comfort Food
Serve your potato soup recipe topped with extra shredded cheddar, fresh chopped chives, or parsley for added flavor and color. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an added protein boost, consider serving with a side of crockpot teriyaki chicken or creamy crockpot chicken.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but for the best creamy texture, heavy cream or half-and-half is recommended. You can substitute milk in a pinch, but the soup may be slightly less rich.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and full-fat coconut milk or almond cream instead of dairy, and vegan shredded cheese. Omit the cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based version.
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, this potato soup recipe takes about 30-40 minutes, making it a quick comfort food for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Immersion blender – Perfect for blending the soup directly in the pot without mess and effort, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Large soup pot – Ideal for cooking and simmering all ingredients conveniently in one vessel.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision in your ingredients helps perfect the taste.
- Cheese grater – Freshly shredded cheddar cheese makes a noticeable difference in flavor and meltability.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can elevate your cooking experience and make creating this potato soup recipe even more enjoyable.
8. Related Recipes to Explore
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken with Potatoes
- Savory Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Decadent Chocolate Mousse Brownies
- Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
9. Conclusion
This potato soup recipe stands out as a creamy, garlicky, cheesy comfort food perfect for warming up any chilly day. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation make it a favorite for busy evenings, while its rich flavor and velvety texture will keep your family coming back for more. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite garnishes and pair it with delicious sides for a complete meal. Happy cooking and enjoy every spoonful of this cozy garlic herb potato soup!
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Creamy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup Cozy Comfort Food
A rich and creamy potato soup with garlic, herbs, and melted cheddar cheese, garnished with fresh herbs and crispy croutons for added crunch.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Crispy garlic croutons for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender carefully and blend until creamy.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, cook until cheese melts and soup is heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and crispy garlic croutons.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, simmer longer to reduce or add a splash of cream.
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 380 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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