Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
This is the ultimate comfort food classic. This recipe creates a luxuriously velvety soup with deep, layered flavors from aromatic garlic, a bouquet of fresh herbs, and the sharp, satisfying bite of perfectly melted cheddar cheese. It's a foolproof guide to a perfect result every single time.
Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 4-5 medium organic russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 red onion chopped
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth
- 2 Tbsps white cooking wine Optional
For the Flavor & Creaminess
- 2 tsps "On Everything" All-Purpose Blend See notes for homemade version
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup organic heavy cream
- 1-2 cups freshly-grated Sharp cheddar cheese Freshly grated is key
- 1 cup kale chopped, optional
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until translucent. Stir in the smoked paprika and all-purpose blend, cooking for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Simmer the Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, stir to coat, then pour in the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup directly in the pot until smooth, leaving the rest chunky. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a regular blender, blend, and return to the pot.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped kale (if using), and white cooking wine. Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the freshly-grated sharp cheddar, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. This prevents a grainy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the soup is creamy, serve immediately. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions: Pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich. Set up a toppings bar with crispy bacon bits, homemade garlic croutons, extra shredded cheddar, and fresh chives. Storage: Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling.Helpful Notes
- Slow Cooker Option: Sauté garlic and onions, then add everything (except cream and cheese) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in cream and cheese during the last 15-20 minutes.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, full-fat coconut milk/cream, and dairy-free cheese shreds or 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast.
- Homemade "On Everything" Blend: Combine 1 tsp each of sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
- Fixing Grainy Soup: If grainy, keep soup on very low heat and whisk vigorously. A splash more cream can help.