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 delightful soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Plus, it offers both slow cooker convenience and vegan options for added versatility!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar, garlic, and herbs creates a warm and inviting flavor profile.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or an appetizer; it’s suitable for any occasion.
• Slow Cooker Friendly: Just set it and forget it! This soup can be easily made in a slow cooker for even more convenience.
• Vegan Option Available: Easily adapt this recipe to be plant-based without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in preparation and final results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Large pot or Dutch oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for hands-off cooking; just set it up and let it blend the flavors over time.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cuts on your ingredients, making preparation quick and efficient.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Base

• 4-5 medium organic russet potatoes, peeled + cubed (You can also use Yukon potatoes)
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

Fats & Seasonings

• 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Liquids

• 2 Tbsps white cooking apple vinegar (You can use additional veggie stock instead)
• 4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth
• 1 cup organic heavy cream (See Notes!)

Cheese & Greens

• 1-2 cups freshly-grated Sharp cheddar (See Post for other Cheese options!)
• 1 cup kale, chopped (optional)

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes. Chop the red onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set these aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed mixture into your slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, white cooking apple vinegar, vegetable stock/broth, heavy cream, and kale if using.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Blend & Serve

Once cooked, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to achieve a creamy consistency while leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot with crusty bread!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad – A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce and croutons topped with a creamy dressing offer a satisfying crunch alongside the smooth soup.

Topped with Additional Flavor

• Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
• Croutons – Add some crispy croutons for texture, making each spoonful even more enjoyable.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread – Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread or baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread – The buttery garlic flavor complements the cheesy notes in the soup beautifully.

With a Protein Boost

• Grilled Chicken – Adding grilled chicken strips on top can make this meal heartier and even more filling.
• Roasted Chickpeas – For a vegetarian option, crispy roasted chickpeas add protein and crunch.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

To ensure that your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh potatoes and herbs will elevate the flavors of your soup significantly.
• Adjust Thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more potatoes.
• Experiment with Cheese – Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for varied flavors that suit your palate.
• Incorporate Veggies – Adding chopped kale or spinach can enhance nutrition without compromising taste.
• Blend for Creaminess – For an ultra-smooth texture, blend part of the soup before adding in the cheese.
• Season to Taste – Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving; it can make all the difference!

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Pairing your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery, these breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
2. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice add nutrition and vibrant color to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until golden makes for a delicious side that balances flavors.
4. Cheese Quesadillas – Crispy quesadillas filled with melted cheese offer a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins – Slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide a comforting touch that pairs well with any soup.
6. Cucumber Sandwiches – Light and refreshing cucumber sandwiches can serve as a cool counterpart to warm potato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for when making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup:

• Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning your soup adequately can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.

• Overcooking the potatoes – If you overcook the potatoes, they may become mushy. Aim for tender potatoes that still hold their shape for a better texture in your soup.

• Not using fresh garlic – Using pre-minced garlic can lead to a loss of flavor. Fresh minced garlic provides a stronger and more aromatic taste.

• Ignoring the cream alternatives – If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, be sure to use plant-based creams or additional vegetable stock instead of heavy cream.

• Forgetting to prep ingredients – Not prepping your ingredients ahead of time can slow down the cooking process. Have all your ingredients washed, chopped, and measured before you start cooking.

• Neglecting garnishes – Skipping garnishes like fresh herbs or cheese can make your soup less visually appealing. Always finish with a garnish for added flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Place it in freezer-safe containers; it will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave – Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop – Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat until hot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup special?

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is special because it combines rich flavors from cheddar cheese, garlic, and herbs while remaining comforting and satisfying for any meal.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! You can easily make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegan by substituting heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and skipping cheese or using vegan cheese options.

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

Feel free to customize your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup by adding vegetables like carrots or celery, spices such as cayenne pepper for heat, or different types of cheese based on your preference.

What type of potatoes work best?

Organic russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they create a creamy texture when cooked. Yukon potatoes are also a great alternative!

Final Thoughts

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. Its creamy texture pairs wonderfully with various toppings such as fresh herbs or croutons. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or add-ins to make it your own. Enjoy every warm bowl!