If you’ve been searching for a cozy, soul-warming dish to curl up with on chilly days, look no further than this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness, with tender chunks of potato, a punch of garlic, and a fresh herbal touch that makes every spoonful feel indulgent yet satisfying. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with friends, this soup hits all the right notes for flavor, texture, and heartiness.

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully to create a rich and flavorful base. Each element plays a key role—from the creamy sharp cheddar to the aromatic garlic and the earthy herbs—building layers of taste that linger on your palate.

Russet potatoes (4-5 medium, peeled and cubed): The starchy foundation that adds body and a velvety texture when cooked down.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 Tbsp): For sautéing and bringing subtle fruity flavor while keeping the base smooth.
Unsalted butter (1 Tbsp): Adds richness and helps develop the soup’s luscious creaminess.
Red onion (1/2, chopped): Introduces sweetness and depth that balance the garlic’s sharpness.
Garlic cloves (6, minced): The soul of the soup, offering a robust, fragrant punch.
On Everything All-Purpose Blend (2 tsps): A playful seasoning mix that layers in savory complexity.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Adds a hint of smokiness for a warm, inviting flavor twist.
White cooking wine (2 Tbsps): Brightens the soup with subtle acidity, rounding out the creaminess.
Organic vegetable stock/broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid that infuses the potatoes as they cook.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Boosts richness and smoothness, making this soup decadently creamy.
Sharp cheddar (1-2 cups, freshly grated): The star cheese, melting delectably into the soup for that perfect cheesy bite.
Kale (1 cup, chopped, optional): Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness for balance.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming the extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter in your dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, toss in the minced garlic and chopped red onion. Sauté them until they are translucent and wonderfully fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step builds the flavorful foundation that makes the soup irresistible from the first sip.

Step 2: Season and Add Potatoes

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and On Everything All-Purpose Blend, stirring to evenly coat the aromatics. Then add the cubed potatoes, giving everything a good stir to mix ingredients well. Pour in the vegetable stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where all those beautiful, comforting flavors start to meld.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. For an extra velvety texture, you can simmer an additional 10 minutes until the potatoes begin to break down naturally, thickening the broth. If you prefer chunkier potatoes but still want a thicker broth, stir in a slurry of flour and water at this stage. Patience here rewards you with the perfect texture every time.

Step 4: Stir in Cream, Wine, Kale, and Cheese

Once the potatoes are cooked just right, add the heavy cream, chopped kale if you’re using it, and the white cooking wine. Then fold in the freshly grated sharp cheddar, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly into the soup. This step transforms your bowl into a rich, cheesy dream that’s totally crave-worthy. Once everything is creamy and luscious, turn off the heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and get ready for a treat. The next part is all about personal touches to make it your own and elevate the presentation.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or vibrant green onions adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens every spoonful of the soup. These simple touches turn a homemade classic into a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, warm garlic toast, or buttery croissants to soak up every last drop. For a heartier meal, consider a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables to add contrasting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or ramekins topped with a little extra melted cheese and a sprinkle of paprika. This elevates your bowl from everyday comfort food into an impressive dish for sharing at dinners or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your soup will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When thawed, you might want to whisk or blend the soup once warmed to bring back its smooth, creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even warmth. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen it up while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for their starchiness and creaminess, Yukon gold potatoes also work wonderfully if you prefer a waxier texture. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is there a dairy-free option for the heavy cream and cheddar cheese?

Yes, for a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream and use a dairy-free sharp cheddar alternative. The soup will still be creamy and rich with these swaps.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Definitely! Swap butter for olive oil, use vegetable broth, and replace cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives. The kale and spices add plenty of flavor to keep it delicious.

What if I want the soup thicker or chunkier?

If you prefer chunkier potato pieces, avoid over-simmering. To thicken without breaking down the potatoes, use a flour and water slurry to gently thicken the broth without losing texture.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, adding veggies like carrots, celery, or even corn can complement the flavors beautifully. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the potatoes and stock.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup has quickly become a go-to comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With every creamy, cheesy spoonful filled with tender potatoes and fragrant herbs, it’s impossible not to smile. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a creamy and comforting dish featuring tender russet potatoes simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth with garlic, smoked paprika, and a special all-purpose seasoning blend. Enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of heavy cream, this soup offers a velvety texture and delicious herb-infused notes, perfect for a cozy meal. Optional kale adds a nutritious green twist, making it both wholesome and satisfying.

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a medium-sized Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and butter together. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the smoked paprika and On Everything All-Purpose Blend to infuse the base with deep flavor.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Incorporate the peeled and cubed potatoes, stirring to combine well with the aromatics and spices. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Simmer for Thickness: For a thicker soup, continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes until potatoes start to break down naturally. If you prefer chunkier potatoes and a thicker consistency, whisk 1-2 tablespoons of flour with water and stir it into the soup to thicken.
Finish with Cream, Kale, Wine, and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, optional kale, and white cooking wine. Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring frequently until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Serve: Remove the soup from heat and ladle it into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions (scallions). Serve warm with a side of crusty bread for a perfect comforting meal.
Enjoy: Sit back and savor this delicious, hearty, and nourishing cheddar garlic herb potato soup. Bon Appetit!

Notes

Heavy cream adds delicious richness; for a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
You can swap russet potatoes with Yukon gold potatoes for a slightly creamier soup texture.
Additional cheese options include Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variation.
To keep the soup gluten-free, avoid using flour as a thickener or substitute with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Adding kale is optional but recommended for extra nutrients and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and Sautéing
Cuisine: American