Name: Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-5 medium organic russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (or Yukon potatoes); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; ½ red onion, chopped; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend (see Notes for homemade blend); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons white cooking wine (or additional vegetable stock); 4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth; 1 cup organic heavy cream; 1-2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup kale, chopped (optional); 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley

If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and flavorful bowl of warmth, you’ve got to try this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup balances creamy potatoes, bold cheddar, and fragrant herbs, making it a perfect cozy meal any time of year. Trust me, once you make it, your family will be asking for it on repeat—and I’ll share all my best tips to make sure you nail it every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a Bowl: This soup is incredibly cozy, with creamy potatoes and sharp cheddar that warm you from the inside out.
Bold, Balanced Flavors: The garlic, herbs, and smoked paprika add complexity without overpowering the natural potato goodness.
Easy Yet Impressive: You don’t need to be a pro chef to get this right; the steps are straightforward and forgiving.
Flexible and Adaptable: Whether you want to make it vegan, slow cooker friendly, or extra cheesy, you can tweak it to your liking.

A black scalloped bowl filled with thick, creamy yellow soup speckled with black herbs fills most of the frame, topped with chopped green onions placed in the center. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl, scooping up some of the soup. Around the bowl are pieces of crusty bread with a light brown crust and soft, airy inside. There are small sprigs of green parsley and scattered green onion pieces on a dark wood surface. A soft yellow cloth is placed under the bowl and around the bread pieces. The background is changed to a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, creamy potato soup, cheesy potato soup, garlic herb soup, comforting potato recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe turns out so well is because every ingredient complements the others beautifully. Using organic potatoes and fresh herbs really makes a difference, and simple pantry staples help build layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to gather for the best results.

Flat lay of peeled russet potatoes cut into cubes arranged neatly next to a halved red onion with deep purple skin and white interior, six peeled garlic cloves clustered beside fresh chopped kale leaves, a small mound of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl containing unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with creamy heavy cream, a small white bowl holding clear white cooking wine, and a small white bowl with a fragrant all-purpose spice blend of dried herbs and paprika, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, creamy potato soup, cheesy potato soup, garlic herb soup, comforting potato recipes

Russet or Yukon potatoes: I love russet for their starchiness that naturally thickens the soup, but Yukon works well too if you prefer creamier texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: Brings a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the aromatics without overpowering.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth—skip the salted to control the overall saltiness.
Red onion: Sweeter and milder than yellow onions, giving a delicate base flavor.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must here; the soup lives off that fragrant punch!
On Everything All-Purpose Blend: This is my secret weapon for authentic flavor—think sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
Smoked paprika: Just a teaspoon to add that warm smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with cheddar.
White cooking wine: A splash brightens the soup, but you can easily swap for extra vegetable stock.
Vegetable stock or broth: Use organic if possible—the richer the stock, the better the soup.
Heavy cream: This is what gives the soup its silky mouthfeel—full-fat is best unless you’re going vegan.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated is key for the best melt and flavor—don’t settle for pre-shredded!
Kale (optional): I add this for color, nutrients, and a slight bite, but you can skip or substitute with spinach.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is no exception! You can customize it to fit your dietary needs or just switch things up depending on what you have on hand. Here’s what I’ve tried and loved over the years.

Vegan option: I’ve replaced the butter with vegan margarine, used coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swapped cheddar for nutritional yeast. It’s surprisingly delicious and comforting!
Slow cooker twist: When life gets busy, I prep everything early, sauté the aromatics, then toss the rest into the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low. Add the cheese and cream at the end, and boom—dinner’s ready when you are.
Extra thick soup: I like my potatoes nearly breaking down to keep that natural thickness, but if you prefer chunkier soup, toss in a little flour slurry to thicken up at the end.
Cheese swap: Try mixing smoked gouda or Monterey Jack with your cheddar for a more complex cheesy flavor that still melts beautifully.

How to Make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for a Flavor Base

Start by warming the olive oil and butter in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter’s melted and shimmering, add your minced garlic and chopped red onion. I usually sauté these until translucent and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently so nothing browns too much—remember, you want that sweet and mellow base flavor.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and the On Everything All-Purpose Blend. Stir it all together so the spices bloom in the hot fat, which helps unlock their full flavor. I discovered this trick after adding spices later and feeling like something was missing—early spice blooming really brings that rich aroma forward.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Simmer

Toss in the peeled and cubed potatoes, stirring so they’re nicely coated with your spiced aromatics. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring it all to a boil for just a minute or two, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently. I usually go 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender, but here’s the thing: if you want a thicker, creamier soup, let them go a bit longer until they start breaking down naturally—about an extra 10 minutes. This avoids adding flour and keeps things silky.

Step 4: Final Touches—Cream, Cheese, and Greens

Once your potatoes are perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream, chopped kale (if using), and white cooking wine. Then, add your freshly grated sharp cheddar, stirring frequently until it melts into a luxurious, creamy texture. This step happens fast, so keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from clumping or separating.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove your soup from the heat and ladle it into bowls. I like topping mine with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a little fresh pop—and serving it with a thick slice of crusty bread. It’s the perfect handheld side to scoop up every last drop.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Freshness Matters: Using fresh garlic and freshly grated cheddar transforms this soup from good to unforgettable—instant flavor boost!
Simmer Low and Slow: I’ve learned that giving the potatoes extra time to break down naturally thickens the soup better than thickeners like flour.
Stir Cheese Slowly: Add cheese off the heat or on very low heat to avoid the dreaded grainy texture—slow melting keeps it silky.
Don’t Skip the Wine: Even a splash adds brightness that cuts through the richness and keeps every bite interesting.

How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

When I serve this soup, I like garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or sliced fresh green onions. It adds a lovely fresh bite and a burst of color that makes it feel extra special without any extra work. Sometimes I throw on a few crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar for an indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

A great thick soup deserves hearty sides, right? I usually pair this with crusty artisan bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully, and some roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots help round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when I want to impress, I like serving the soup in hollowed-out mini soup pumpkins or bowls lined with toasted pita bread “bowls.” It’s a fun, rustic presentation that makes everything feel cozy and festive—guests always ask for the recipe afterward!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pour leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate it for 2-3 days. When I reheat it, I do so gently on the stove to keep the texture silky, stirring often. This soup reheats really well without losing that fresh flavor or getting grainy.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 4-6 months. Just be sure to leave some room for expansion! When you’re ready, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove—sometimes adding a splash of stock or cream if it thickens too much.

Reheating

To keep the soup rich and creamy on reheating, I warm it slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. If it starts getting too thick, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to break the cheese down more quickly.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for vegan butter, heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream or a plant-based milk, and use nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative instead of cheddar. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful without dairy.
What’s the best potato to use for this soup?

Russet potatoes are my go-to because they break down nicely to thicken the soup naturally, but Yukon Golds also work well if you want a creamier, less starchy texture.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove. The flavors often deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Can I freeze the soup?

Definitely! Freeze in portions for up to 6 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on the stove, adding extra stock or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture.
What if I don’t have white cooking wine?

No worries! You can simply replace it with an equal amount of vegetable stock. The soup will still have plenty of flavor without the wine.

Final Thoughts

From the first time I tried this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, I was hooked—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. I’m confident you’ll love how creamy, cheesy, and flavorful it turns out, plus it’s perfect to enjoy solo or with loved ones. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make your new favorite comfort food!