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, savory soup is perfect for chilly evenings, casual gatherings, or a cozy family dinner. With its rich flavors and heartwarming ingredients, it’s a dish that caters to everyone—even those following vegan diets can enjoy a delightful version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and garlic creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this soup can be prepared in just 45 minutes.
• Versatile Options: You can easily customize the soup with different cheeses or add vegetables like kale for extra nutrition.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this soup tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are essential items you’ll need to whip up this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Large Pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: Perfect for infusing flavors over time, allowing the garlic and herbs to meld beautifully.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting potatoes and veggies quick and easy.
• Large Pot: Ideal for combining all your ingredients and simmering them to perfection.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup:

Vegetables

• 4-5 medium organic russet potatoes, peeled + cubed (You can also use Yukon potatoes)
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup kale, chopped (optional)

Fats and Oils

• 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

Seasonings and Broths

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

Liquids

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

Cheese

• 1-2 cups freshly-grated Sharp cheddar (See Post for other Cheese options!)

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes. Chop the red onion, mince the garlic cloves, and if you’re using kale, chop it as well.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spices and Potatoes

Sprinkle in the On Everything All-Purpose Blend and smoked paprika. Mix well before adding in the cubed potatoes. Stir everything together so that the spices coat the potatoes evenly.

Step 4: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the vegetable stock/broth along with the white cooking apple vinegar. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes are tender—about 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Blend or Mash

Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth or mash it slightly for a chunkier texture.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream, followed by freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted. If desired, mix in chopped kale at this point.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot with crusty bread or garnish with additional cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate the dining experience. This creamy, flavorful soup pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its comforting nature.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness.

Add a Splash of Vinegar

• A drizzle of apple cider vinegar can brighten up the flavors.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.

Top with Cheese

• Extra grated cheddar or a sprinkle of Parmesan can make it even richer.

Include Crunchy Toppings

• Crispy croutons or fried onions provide an enjoyable contrast in texture.

Pair with a Salad

• A light green salad offers a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Achieving the perfect bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup takes some attention to detail. Here are tips to ensure your soup is delicious every time.

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes create a creamy texture, but Yukon golds also work well for added flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go. You can always add more garlic or spices to suit your preference.
• Use Quality Broth: A rich vegetable stock enhances the overall flavor profile significantly.
• Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-creamy texture, consider blending part of the soup and mixing it back in.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese varieties like Gouda or Gruyère for unique flavors.
• Add Veggies: Incorporating chopped kale or spinach not only adds nutrition but also vibrant color.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Complementing your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers freshness.
2. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping and adds a delightful flavor contrast.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa and vegetables provide protein and fiber.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as carrots and Brussels sprouts add depth to your meal.
5. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese pair wonderfully with the creamy soup.
6. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh raw vegetables served with hummus offer a crunchy, healthy side option.
7. Apple Slices: Crisp apple slices drizzled with honey make for a sweet and refreshing complement.
8. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad tossed with herbs provides protein and balances out the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Boldly skip the prep: Not prepping your ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Always chop and measure everything before you start cooking.
• Boldly ignore the cook times: Cooking for too long or not long enough can ruin the soup’s texture. Follow the timing closely for perfect results.
• Boldly overlook seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup will make it bland. Taste as you go, and adjust the spices to your liking.
• Boldly choose the wrong potatoes: Using waxy potatoes instead of starchy ones can alter the soup’s creaminess. Stick with russet or Yukon potatoes for best results.
• Boldly neglect blending options: Not blending the soup enough can result in a chunky texture if that’s not what you want. Blend until smooth or leave some chunks for added texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually 3-5 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup:

Can I make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegan?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What is the best potato type for this soup?

Starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon golds work best as they create a creamy texture when cooked and blended.

How do I thicken my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, blend part of the soup and stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, add more grated cheese or use a cornstarch slurry.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrients.

How do I store leftovers of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for three months.

Final Thoughts

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not just comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spices based on your preferences. This delightful recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or serving guests at a gathering. Try it out today!