Description
A luxuriously creamy and flavor-packed potato soup made with Yukon Gold potatoes, garlic, herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese. This comforting homemade soup is simple to make yet delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (½-inch pieces)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter OR 3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika (optional)
- Optional Garnishes: Bacon, extra cheddar, sour cream, fresh herbs, croutons
Instructions
- Peel and cube potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 5–7 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over aromatics and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add potatoes and simmer 15–20 minutes until fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Using an immersion blender, blend until half to two-thirds smooth while leaving some chunks.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk, cream (if using), parsley, chives, and thyme. Warm gently 5 minutes without boiling.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Adjust to taste before serving.
Notes
Avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling. Always remove from heat before stirring in cheese for a smooth, creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes provide the best creaminess, but Russets can also be used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: potato soup, cheddar potato soup, garlic herb soup, comfort food, creamy soup recipe