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 delicious soup is perfect for cozy evenings, gatherings with friends, or as a warming dish on chilly days. With its rich flavors of cheddar and garlic combined with fresh herbs, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it offers slow cooker options and can easily be made vegan for everyone to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: This soup combines cheddar and garlic for a cozy taste that warms the soul.
• Versatile Options: Easily adapt this recipe for vegan diets or customize it with your favorite veggies.
• Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy taste make it a hit with children and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or even at potlucks—everyone will love it!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in ease and efficiency.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker or large pot: A slow cooker allows for easy hands-off cooking while a large pot gives you flexibility for stovetop preparation.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring easy clean-up.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precision when cutting potatoes and other ingredients, making prep faster and safer.

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Ingredients

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 & Oils

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

Seasonings & Broth

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

Dairy & Cheese

• 4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth
• 1 cup organic heavy cream (See Notes!)
• 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 and mince the garlic cloves. If using kale, wash and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In your slow cooker or pot, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cubed potatoes to the pot along with smoked paprika, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, white cooking apple vinegar (or veggie stock), and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Cook

For slow cooking, cover and set on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours until potatoes are tender. If using a stovetop pot, bring to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce to simmer for about 35 minutes.

Step 5: Blend & Finish

Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in heavy cream gradually while mixing. For added richness, fold in freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped kale if desired. Enjoy your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup warm!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

This delicious Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your soup experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of a warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds extra flavor and pairs beautifully.

Add Toppings

• Chopped Chives: Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Croutons: Add crunchy croutons for texture and a delightful contrast.

Include a Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the flavors in the potato soup.

Serve in Bread Bowls

• Sourdough Bowls: Hollow out sourdough loaves to create edible bowls filled with soup.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Perfecting your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is easy with these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Potatoes: Choose organic russet or Yukon potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Mince Garlic Thoroughly: Ensure garlic is finely minced to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; add more salt or spices if needed.
• Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend half of the soup and mix it back in.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Pair your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup with these fantastic side dishes to create a complete meal.

1. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring sweetness and depth, balancing the rich flavors of the soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers make a hearty addition that complements the potato soup perfectly.
4. Quiche: A slice of quiche, such as spinach or cheese, offers protein and pairs well with the creamy soup.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dipping into the soup.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to savory potato soup.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a fun side dish option.
8. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing bite alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can leave your soup bland. Always season your ingredients as you cook.
• Using old potatoes: Old or sprouted potatoes can affect the soup’s flavor and texture. Always choose fresh, firm potatoes for the best results.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic burns easily and can turn bitter if cooked too long. Add it when you sauté onions, just until fragrant.
• Not using enough broth: Insufficient broth can make your soup too thick or dry. Ensure you follow the recipe for the right amount of liquid.
• Ignoring customization options: This recipe is versatile! Feel free to add vegetables or swap out cheese varieties to suit your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best results.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture. Yukon Golds also work well if you prefer a buttery flavor.

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

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different cheese types for varied flavors.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences. Try it today and indulge in a bowl of warmth!