Amazing Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup

Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup has a way of warming me from the inside out, especially on those chilly evenings. I still remember the first time I made this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup from scratch for my family; the aroma of simmering potatoes, sharp cheddar, and roasted garlic filled the entire house, and my kids’ eyes lit up. It’s truly the best Homemade Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup I’ve ever tasted, rich and incredibly satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup

This soup is a winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love with this comforting dish:

• The flavor is absolutely incredible – a perfect balance of sharp cheddar and savory garlic.
• It’s surprisingly quick to make, perfect for a weeknight meal with a prep time of only 15 minutes.
• You get a good dose of vegetables and protein, making it a satisfying and relatively healthy choice.
• It’s incredibly budget-friendly, using simple, common ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Your whole family will adore this Creamy Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• The velvety texture of this Creamy Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
• It’s a truly satisfying and hearty meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Ingredients for Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup

Gathering the right Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup ingredients is the first step to making this incredible dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – This helps sauté the aromatics and forms the base of our soup.
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium) – Yellow onions offer a nice sweetness that mellows beautifully when cooked.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – The star of the show! Fresh garlic provides that essential pungent flavor.
• 4 cups peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1.5 pounds) – Yukon Golds are perfect because they cook down creamy without getting mushy.
• 4 cups chicken broth – This forms the liquid base of our soup, adding depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
• 1 cup milk – This makes the soup wonderfully creamy and rich.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Use good quality sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish – Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note at the end.

How to Make Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup

Making this Easy Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup is a straightforward process that rewards you with incredible flavor. Let’s get cooking!

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 cup chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll start to smell that sweet onion aroma filling your kitchen.
2. Step 2: Add the 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
3. Step 3: Stir in the 4 cups peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender. You can easily test this by piercing a potato cube with a fork – it should go in with no resistance.
5. Step 5: Carefully transfer about half of the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until smooth and creamy. This step is key to achieving that wonderful texture in your Easy Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup. Return the blended soup to the pot.
6. Step 6: Stir in the 1 cup milk and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is heated through. Make sure not to boil the soup after adding the cheese, as it can cause it to separate.
7. Step 7: Serve your delicious Easy Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup hot, garnished with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy this wonderful bowl of comfort!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup

Want to elevate your soup game? These tips will ensure your Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup is absolutely perfect every time:

• Using Yukon Gold potatoes is crucial. Their waxy texture breaks down beautifully, creating a naturally creamy soup without needing a lot of thickener.
• Don’t overcook the garlic; just a minute in the hot oil is enough to release its aroma without burning. Burnt garlic can make your entire pot taste bitter.
• When blending, only blend about half the soup. This gives you a creamy base while still leaving some potato chunks for texture.
• For the creamiest result, shred your cheddar cheese yourself from a block rather than using pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. For more tips on cooking, check out our cooking philosophy.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup?

The secret to a truly perfect Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup lies in the balance of creamy texture and rich, savory flavor. Using good quality sharp cheddar and not overcooking the garlic are key to achieving that wonderfully Flavorful Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup.

Can I make Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cheese and milk, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it and stir in the dairy and cheese until melted. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal. For more information on food preparation, you can visit our author’s page.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup?

Avoid common pitfalls by not over-boiling the soup after adding the cheese, as it can cause the dairy to separate. Also, be sure to cook the potatoes until they are very tender before blending for the smoothest texture. Understanding ingredient properties can help, as detailed in our disclaimer.

Best Ways to Serve Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup

This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. For a truly classic experience, serve this Potato Soup with Cheddar and Garlic alongside crusty bread for dipping – a warm baguette or some toasted sourdough are perfect. You could also offer a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the soup. Another great idea is to serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting, nostalgic meal that everyone will love. Learn more about our privacy practices.

Nutrition Facts for Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup

This comforting bowl of Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup is packed with satisfying flavors and nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more details on nutritional information, please refer to our contact page.

How to Store and Reheat Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup

Leftover Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup is a treasure, and knowing how to store and reheat it properly ensures you can enjoy this Quick Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup later. Once your soup has cooled down completely, which usually takes about an hour at room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to freeze it, make sure to use freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Avoid boiling, especially if you’ve already added the dairy and cheese. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the soup seems a bit thick after storage, just stir in a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup

What is Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup?

Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting soup that combines creamy mashed potatoes with the sharp, savory flavors of cheddar cheese and garlic. It’s a classic comfort food, often made with a chicken or vegetable broth base, milk, and tender cooked potatoes, all blended to a smooth, velvety consistency.

Can I make this Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this a Vegetarian Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients, including the potatoes, onions, garlic, milk, and cheddar cheese, are already vegetarian-friendly.

How do I make my Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup extra cheesy?

For an extra cheesy experience, I recommend using a good quality sharp cheddar cheese and shredding it yourself from a block. You can also stir in a little Parmesan cheese along with the cheddar for an added layer of savory flavor. Don’t boil the soup once the cheese is added, as this can make it greasy or separated.

What are the best potatoes for Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for this soup. They have a lovely creamy texture when cooked and blend beautifully without becoming gummy. Russet potatoes can also work, but you might need to be careful not to over-blend them. Using good potatoes is key to achieving that perfect texture in your Creamy Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup.

Variations of Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you might want to experiment with this delightful soup. Here are a few ideas to customize your Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup:

• Make it Vegetarian: For a wonderful Vegetarian Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup, simply swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. The creamy, cheesy flavor profile remains intact, making it a perfect meat-free option.
• Add Protein: Want to make it even heartier? Stir in some cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or even some crumbled cooked sausage near the end of cooking for a more substantial meal.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when you add the milk and cheese. This adds a subtle warmth that complements the garlic and cheddar beautifully.
• Slow Cooker Version: Combine the onions, garlic, potatoes, and broth in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Then, blend half the soup and stir in the milk and cheese, heating until melted. This is an incredibly easy way to enjoy Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup.

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