Description
This comforting Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the ultimate winter warmer, packed with sharp cheddar, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy nights and easy enough for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Extra cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- Crispy bacon bits (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add cubed potatoes, stirring to coat. Pour in broth, add bay leaves, and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove bay leaves. Lightly mash some potatoes in the pot, keeping a chunky texture. For smoother soup, use an immersion blender briefly.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk, cream, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Gradually add cheddar cheese by the handful, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Thin with broth or milk if needed. Garnish with green onions, extra cheddar, and bacon bits if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or more milk. For vegetarian, use vegetable broth. Freshly grated cheese is key for smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg