There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup that wraps you up like a cozy blanket, isn’t there? Especially on those chilly winter nights when the snowflakes are dancing outside your window. My absolute favorite is this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with comforting goodness that warms you from the inside out. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you’ll understand why I crave it when the temperatures drop. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Perfect for dinner or a light lunch, this soup is not just a meal, it’s a moment of bliss. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup sing with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large potatoes, diced – I love using Russet potatoes for their creaminess, but any kind will do! Just make sure they’re nice and hearty.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – This adds a lovely sweetness when sautéed, so don’t skip it!
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must! It brings that aromatic zing that makes everything better.
- 4 cups vegetable broth – You can use store-bought or homemade. Either way, it’s the base of all that comforting flavor!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Go for sharp cheddar if you want a bolder taste. It melts beautifully into the soup!
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is where the magic happens! It gives the soup that rich, velvety texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing those aromatics to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a lovely herbal note that complements the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – This gives a wonderful earthy flavor, just like a walk through a fragrant herb garden!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always important for bringing out the flavors of your ingredients.
Make sure to have everything ready to go! Trust me, it makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable.
How to Prepare Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients lined up like a little army of flavor, let’s get cooking! Making this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is super straightforward, and trust me, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be worth every minute. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
First things first, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly! Just be careful not to let the garlic burn, or it can turn a bit bitter.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes
Next up, add those diced potatoes to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir, then crank up the heat to bring everything to a nice boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll want to check them occasionally; nobody likes mushy potatoes, right?
Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese
Okay, here comes the fun part! Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, along with the dried thyme and rosemary. Mix it all together until the cheese is melted and the soup is beautifully creamy. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. I always say, taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning here makes all the difference.
Step 4: Blend if Desired
If you prefer a smooth texture, now’s your chance! You can use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer it to a blender in batches (be careful, it’s hot!). Blend until you reach your desired consistency. Once that’s done, serve it hot, and get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup! Each serving is not just comforting, but it also packs in some decent nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of the typical values you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Just a heads up, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure, this soup is a delicious way to get some warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is its versatility when it comes to cheese. While I love the sharpness of cheddar, you can totally swap it out for something like Gruyère for a nutty flavor or even a nice pepper jack if you’re feeling adventurous! Just make sure it melts well, and you’ll be golden!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good!), simply let the soup cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if it thickens a bit—nobody likes a chunky soup!
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can definitely make this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup vegan! Just swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for that rich texture. For the cheese, look for a vegan cheese that melts well, or you could even try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Trust me, with these adjustments, you’ll still end up with a comforting bowl of soup that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
- Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and melted cheddar creates a luxuriously smooth and rich soup that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- Flavorful Herbs: The addition of thyme and rosemary brings an aromatic depth that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the cheese or add different veggies to make it your own!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it a great option for lunches throughout the week.
- Comfort in a Bowl: It’s the ultimate cozy dish for chilly days, providing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Tips for Success
Want to take your hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup to the next level? I’ve got some insider tips that’ll help you achieve the best results every time you make it!
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For the creamiest texture, I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They break down beautifully and create that luscious, velvety soup we all love!
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions and garlic is crucial! It builds a flavor base that makes your soup sing. Just keep an eye on the heat to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Season as You Go: Taste your soup as you’re cooking! Adjusting the salt, pepper, and herbs during the cooking process allows you to fine-tune the flavors to your liking.
- Blending Techniques: If you’re using a regular blender, be very careful! Let the soup cool slightly, and blend in batches, filling the blender no more than halfway. A lid can pop off if the steam builds up—yikes!
- Garnish for a Pop: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil on top before serving adds a lovely touch and enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you can, make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy the delicious leftovers!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this comforting soup, making it a dish you’ll want to whip up again and again!
Z nadrukami
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: 5 Cozy Blissful Bowls
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for cold days.
Składniki
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, thyme, and rosemary.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Blend soup until smooth if desired. Serve hot.
Uwagi
- Use any type of cheese you prefer.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 4g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Słowa kluczowe: hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup
