Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

The Story Behind the Recipe – A Hug in a Bowl 💛

There are recipes you make to feed your family, and then there are recipes you make to comfort them.
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is definitely the latter — a creamy, rich bowl of happiness that warms you from the inside out.

The story of this soup begins on one of those chilly autumn afternoons when the sky was gray and the house smelled faintly of rain. My little ones came running inside from the backyard, cheeks pink, noses cold, asking, “Mama, what’s for dinner?”

Without thinking, I said, “Soup, sweetheart — something warm and cheesy.” I opened the pantry, saw a bag of potatoes, a block of sharp cheddar, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme on the counter. That was all it took.

As the soup simmered, the kitchen filled with the comforting scent of butter, garlic, and herbs. We all sat around the table, bowls steaming, bread on the side — and before I knew it, there wasn’t a drop left. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just any potato soup; it was the potato soup.

Now, this recipe has become one of my family’s all-time favorites — the kind that makes cold days feel cozy and ordinary evenings feel special.

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What Makes This Recipe Special 🌟

• 🧀 Cheesy Comfort: Loaded with sharp cheddar for a deep, creamy flavor.
• 🥔 Hearty and Filling: Thick, chunky potatoes with a velvety base — pure comfort food.
• 🌿 Herb Infusion: Garlic, thyme, and rosemary make this soup beautifully aromatic.
• ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
• 🍞 Perfect Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for the ultimate meal.

This isn’t your average soup — it’s the kind that tastes like home, love, and everything warm.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

🥔 For the Soup Base:

• 6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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🧀 For the Cheesy & Herby Finish:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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🥓 Optional Toppings:

• Crispy bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar
• Chopped green onions
• Croutons or toasted bread

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

This step builds the rich base flavor your soup deserves.

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Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes.
This thickens the soup and gives it that luxurious, creamy texture later on.

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Step 3: Add the Broth & Potatoes

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking as you go to avoid lumps.
Add diced potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

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Step 4: Blend (Optional)

For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup — leave some chunks for texture.
If you like it rustic, skip this step and keep all those beautiful potato pieces whole.

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Step 5: Add Milk, Cream & Cheese

Stir in milk and heavy cream. Lower the heat and slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and silky.

Add garlic powder, paprika, and more salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 6: Simmer & Serve

Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes — just enough for all those flavors to mingle.

Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with extra cheese, fresh herbs, and crispy bacon if you like.
Serve with warm bread or biscuits and enjoy that first heavenly spoonful. 🥄

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With 🍽️

• 🥖 Crusty French Bread: Perfect for dipping into that creamy goodness.
• 🧈 Garlic Butter Biscuits: Double up on the garlic love!
• 🥗 Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing side to balance the richness.
• 🍷 Glass of White Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
• 🍗 Rotisserie Chicken: Turn it into a full meal by serving alongside protein.

Or simply serve it as is — this soup is hearty enough to stand alone.

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Customization & Variations 🌈

• 🥬 Veggie Boost: Add spinach, kale, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
• 🌶️ Spicy Twist: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• 🧄 Extra Garlic Lovers: Roast a whole bulb of garlic and blend it into the soup for a deeper flavor.
• 🧀 Different Cheeses: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar for a gourmet twist.
• 🥓 Loaded Potato Style: Top with bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions for a loaded soup vibe.
• 🌱 Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheddar — still creamy and delicious!

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Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture.

(Avoid boiling again after adding cheese — gentle heat keeps it smooth and creamy!)

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g

Creamy, cheesy, and hearty — the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully — just store it covered in the fridge.

2. Can I use instant potatoes?
You can, but fresh potatoes give the best texture and flavor.

3. What’s the best cheese for melting?
Sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works perfectly.

4. Can I skip the heavy cream?
Yes — use extra milk for a lighter version or half-and-half as a middle ground.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Swap the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free blend to thicken the soup.

6. Can I add meat?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled sausage are all great additions.

7. How do I make it thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered a few extra minutes, or mash some potatoes right in the pot.

8. Can I use red potatoes?
Yes! They hold their shape well and give a creamier texture.

9. What if my soup is too thick?
Just stir in more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

10. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days — but trust me, it’ll be gone long before then!

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl. 🥰
It’s rich, flavorful, and fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma of butter, herbs, and melted cheese.

I love that it’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to share on a chilly Sunday evening with the family. It’s that one recipe that makes everyone slow down, smile, and ask for seconds.

When life gets a little hectic, this soup reminds me that warmth, love, and good food can fix almost anything. 💛

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Tried This Recipe? 💕

Did you make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

📸 Snap a photo and share it with me on Pinterest — tag @Granny’s Lil Kitchen so I can see your cozy bowls of soup!

Leave a comment below and tell me how you customized it — extra garlic? more cheese? or maybe bacon on top? I’d love to hear your twist!

Keep cooking, keep smiling, and keep your kitchen full of love and laughter. 🥣💛