Cozy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: A Creamy Comfort Food Delight
🎉 Introduction
Warm up your evenings with this hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Packed with creamy goodness and a delightful blend of spices, this comforting bowl of soup is not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience perfect for chilly nights. Loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs, each spoonful is a burst of flavor that will have you longing for more. Ideal for meal prep, this soup is ready to warm your lunches throughout the week. Let’s dive into the details of creating this rich and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until smooth.
Step 5: Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Heat the soup over low heat until the cheese melts and the soup is warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
🥄 Variations
- For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure your vegetable broth is free of animal products.
- Add crumbled chicken for a heartier protein option.
- Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your vegetable broth is gluten-free.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the fridge and flavors develop even more when stored overnight.
Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Q: What should I do if I don’t have fresh herbs?
A: You can use dried herbs as substitutes. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Definitely! This soup is perfect for meal prep and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners.
Q: Can I add proteins like chicken or beef?
A: Yes, cooked and shredded chicken or beef can be added for extra protein and heartiness.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food, blending delectable flavors with a creamy texture that warms the soul. Easy to prepare and full of nourishing ingredients, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings and variations. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful soup!
Cozy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: A Creamy Comfort Food Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until smooth.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Heat the soup over low heat until the cheese melts and the soup is warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating. Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure your vegetable broth is free of animal products.
- Add crumbled chicken for a heartier protein option.
- Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
