Description
Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting soup featuring Yukon Gold potatoes, roasted garlic, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs. It delivers maximum flavor without heavy cream and is perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 whole head of garlic, roasted
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top of the garlic head, drizzle with oil, wrap in foil, roast 40 minutes until soft.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter. Add chopped onion, cook 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over onions and butter. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Combine and Simmer: Slowly whisk in broth. Add diced potatoes and roasted garlic. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Blend (Partially): Use immersion blender to partially puree soup, leaving some chunks.
6. Add Dairy and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and cheddar until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
7. Finish with Herbs: Stir in thyme and most chives. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with remaining chives, extra cheese, or optional bacon bits.
Notes
Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding splash of broth or milk if thickened. Freeze up to 3 months; texture may be slightly grainy.
Substitutions: Use vegetable broth for vegetarian, vegan butter and plant-based milk with vegan cheddar for vegan option. Russet potatoes yield fluffier, thicker soup; Yukon Golds preferred for creamy texture.
Avoid: Pre-shredded cheese, boiling after adding dairy, overcooking potatoes before blending, skipping roasted garlic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg