Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

There’s just something comforting about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup that will have you wanting another bowl! This creamy and flavorful soup is perfect for chilly evenings, gatherings, or simply as a cozy weeknight meal. With its rich flavors of garlic and cheddar, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table while also being easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar and herbs creates a deliciously satisfying soup that warms the soul.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile Options: You can easily modify the recipe to be vegan by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup saves well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and mild flavors, this soup is likely to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Large pot (if not using a slow cooker)
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Ideal for hands-off cooking, allowing you to set it up and let it work its magic while you attend to other tasks.
• Knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

Ingredients

Potatoes

• 4-5 medium organic russet potatoes, peeled + cubed (You can also use Yukon potatoes)

Aromatics

• 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings

• 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 Tbsps white cooking apple vinegar (You can use additional veggie stock instead)

Liquids

• 4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth
• 1 cup organic heavy cream (See Notes!)

Cheese & Veggies

• 1-2 cups freshly-grated Sharp cheddar (See Post for other Cheese options!)
• 1 cup kale, chopped (optional)

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and unsalted butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Add the cubed potatoes to the pot along with On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and white cooking apple vinegar. Stir everything together to coat the potatoes.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Add the vegetable stock/broth into the pot, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.

Step 5: Blend Soup

Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Return to low heat. Stir in heavy cream and grated sharp cheddar until melted. If desired, mix in chopped kale for added nutrition.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls, garnish with additional cheese or herbs if desired, and enjoy your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or an appetizer, these suggestions will enhance your meal.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: The flavors of garlic bread complement the garlic in the soup, creating a delightful combination.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing and croutons will add texture alongside the soup.
• Mixed Greens: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast.

Top with Extra Ingredients

• Chopped Green Onions: Adding fresh green onions on top brings a burst of flavor and color.
• Crumbled Bacon Alternatives: Use turkey bacon or crispy chickpeas for crunch without pork.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

To ensure your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and herbs enhance the soup’s flavor significantly.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend part of it and return it to the pot for a creamier texture.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Gruyere for unique flavors.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Season Wisely: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving to achieve the desired flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Serving side dishes alongside your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that pair well with this comforting soup.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that adds gooeyness and crunch to your meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide a healthy contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with herbs and cheese, these bite-sized treats complement the soup’s flavors well.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory soup, making each bite enjoyable.
5. Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes and basil, bruschetta adds freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the soup.
6. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings texture and brightness, making it an excellent side choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common pitfalls when making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Here’s how to ensure your soup turns out perfectly!

• Boldly skip the peeling: Leaving the skins on can affect the texture of your soup. Always peel your potatoes for a smoother finish.
• Boldly ignore the garlic: Not using enough garlic can make your soup bland. Remember, the garlic is key to enhancing the flavor!
• Boldly overlook seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup properly may result in a dull taste. Be generous with herbs and spices to elevate your dish.
• Boldly rush the cooking time: Cutting short the cooking time can lead to undercooked potatoes. Allow enough time for them to soften before blending.
• Boldly forget optional ingredients: Skipping optional ingredients like kale can limit nutritional value and flavor complexity. Consider adding these extras for a nutritious boost.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as the soup may expand.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: Gently heat on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

What makes this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup creamy?

The creaminess comes from using heavy cream, which gives it a rich texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute with plant-based alternatives or additional broth.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegan by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream and omitting butter.

How can I customize my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or celery, or different types of cheese for varied flavors and textures.

How do I prevent my potatoes from browning?

To avoid browning, soak cut potatoes in cold water until you’re ready to use them. This keeps them fresh and prevents discoloration.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or cheeses based on your preferences. Whether enjoyed as a hearty dinner or a warm appetizer, this recipe will surely delight your taste buds and fill your home with inviting aromas. Try it today!