If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe with you—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic and herbs that make every bite feel like a cozy hug. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become your go-to comfort meal that’s just as perfect for a quick weeknight dinner as it is for impressing friends on a lazy weekend.

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich Creaminess: The combination of heavy cream and sharp cheddar creates a luxuriously smooth texture that comforts every spoonful.
Perfect Herb & Garlic Blend: The On Everything All-Purpose Blend adds a deep layered flavor with garlic and herbs that keeps you coming back for more.
Natural Thickening from Potatoes: Simmering potatoes break down just enough to naturally thicken the soup without needing flour or starch.
Simple, Whole Ingredients: Using organic potatoes and stock means the flavors shine bright, making this both wholesome and hearty.

Two black tart-shaped bowls filled with smooth creamy orange soup speckled with small herbs, each topped with a small cluster of bright green chopped scallions in the center. The bowls rest on a dark wooden surface with pieces of light brown toasted bread on a white plate to the left, fresh green parsley sprigs around, a wooden bowl of chopped scallions on the right, and golden spoons resting on a soft yellow cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe plays a critical role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the earthy potatoes to the sharp cheddar cheese, these components mingle in the pot to create something truly memorable. Here’s why I love what goes into this soup and a few tips on what to look for while shopping.

Russet potatoes: These are starchy and break down nicely when simmered, naturally thickening your soup; Yukon Gold works well too if you want a creamier texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity undertone and helps sauté garlic and onions beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
Red onion: Offers a sweeter, milder flavor than yellow onions, which blends gently with the cream.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the soup with that irresistible fragrant punch.
On Everything All-Purpose Blend: A custom or store-bought seasoning mix that includes garlic, onion, sesame seeds, adding authentic and complex herbs and spices.
Smoked paprika: Adds warm smokiness without heat, enhancing the soup’s depth.
White cooking wine: Helps deglaze the pan and adds a subtle acidity that brightens the overall flavor (you can swap with extra vegetable stock).
Vegetable stock: A great base that makes the soup hearty and flavorful; organic is ideal.
Heavy cream: Enriches the soup for a luscious mouthfeel and balances savory notes beautifully.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides the bold, tangy cheesiness that’s a star in this soup—freshly grated melts best.
Kale (optional): Adds a nice pop of green and a bit of texture, and sneaks in some extra nutrients.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you prefer a dairy-free version or want to jazz it up with extra veggies, it’s easy to make this recipe truly your own. Here are a few simple customizations I’ve played around with:

Variation: I sometimes swap out kale for spinach or even add roasted corn for a slight sweetness and crunch, which my family loves.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese to keep it creamy without compromising on flavor.
Spices: For a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder—just don’t add too much, or you might overpower that comforting cheesy flavor.
Thicker soup: If you prefer chunkier potatoes, add a tablespoon of flour mixed with water toward the end for that extra body without losing creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

I start by heating olive oil and butter in my favorite Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter’s melted and gently bubbling, I toss in the minced garlic and chopped red onion. The key here is to let them cook just until translucent and smelling fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes max. This step wakes up those flavors and sets a delicious foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Layer in Spices and Potatoes

Next up, I sprinkle in the smoked paprika and On Everything All-Purpose Blend, stirring well to coat the aromatics. Then I add the peeled and cubed potatoes, stirring everything together briefly before pouring in the vegetable stock. Bringing the pot to a boil for a couple of minutes helps meld those flavors as I prepare to let it all simmer gently.

Step 3: Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender and Soup Naturally Thickens

After boiling, I reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes—or longer if I want it thicker—until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce comfortably with a fork. Sometimes I go a bit extra, around 25-30 minutes, to let the potatoes break down and give the soup a naturally creamy, thicker consistency. This eliminates the need for extra thickening agents.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Wine, Cheese, and Optional Greens

Once the potatoes are soft and the soup has a lovely base, I stir in the heavy cream, chopped kale if I’m using it, and a splash of white cooking wine to brighten the flavors. Then comes the best part—folding in freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese little by little until the soup is luxuriously creamy and cheesy. I keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely, then remove the pot from heat.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

I ladle the soup into bowls and crown each with freshly chopped parsley or scallions to add that fresh pop of color and flavor. Pair it with some crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that everyone loves.

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pick the right potatoes: Russets are my go-to for this soup because they break down nicely, creating natural creaminess without extra starch.
Freshly grate your cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that prevent melting smoothly—freshly grated sharp cheddar melts perfectly.
Don’t rush the simmer: Low and slow is where the magic happens; letting potatoes soften gradually adds depth and thickens the soup naturally.
Taste and adjust seasonings last: The cheese and cream can mellow flavors, so do a final taste test before serving and add salt or more herbs if needed.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Two black bowls with scalloped edges are filled with thick, creamy orange soup speckled with herbs and topped with chopped green onions at the center. The bowls sit on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled texture. To the left, a black plate holds several slices of light golden brown crusty bread, with a few pieces scattered nearby. A bulb of garlic with some cloves separated is also placed on the surface near the bread. On the right, a small wooden bowl contains more chopped green onions, sitting next to two golden spoons resting on a soft, crumpled yellow cloth. Some fresh green herbs are scattered around the scene for garnish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with freshly chopped parsley or sliced scallions; the brightness really complements the richness. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon gives it an extra special touch that my family always asks for. If you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of chili oil or a dash of smoked paprika on top adds a beautiful color pop and subtle kick.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with thick slices of crusty artisan bread or warm garlic breadsticks—you’ll want something sturdy to soak up all that cheesy goodness. A side salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, balancing out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like serving the soup in little rustic bread bowls—your guests love the extra comfort factor and the edible bowl is a fun twist! You could also ladle the soup into mini cast-iron skillets or colorful ceramic mugs for a casual, charming presentation. Adding a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers takes it up a notch for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Since the potatoes thicken the soup naturally, it might be a bit thicker when you reheat it—just add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you thaw it, give it a good stir and warm slowly on the stove. I avoid freezing with kale in it because the texture changes, so I add fresh greens after reheating instead.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream or sticking on the bottom. Stir frequently and add a touch of stock or water if it seems too thick. If your soup has separated slightly, a quick whisk will bring it back together beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use your favorite vegan cheese. Just make sure your vegetable stock is vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a tasty dairy-free version.
What can I use if I don’t have white cooking wine?

No wine? No problem! Simply replace it with an equal amount of vegetable stock or even a splash of lemon juice for acidity. It’ll still add brightness and help balance the rich flavors.
How can I thicken the soup if I want chunkier potatoes?

If you prefer big potato chunks and want a thicker soup, mix 1–2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup. Allow it to cook a few minutes until thickened, and you’re good to go.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, celery, or even roasted peppers for different textures and flavors. Just keep in mind to adjust cooking times so everything cooks evenly and tastes balanced.
Is it better to peel the potatoes or keep the skin on?

Peeling the potatoes creates a smoother texture, which is what I prefer for this soup, but you can absolutely leave the skins on for added fiber and a rustic bite. Just be sure to scrub them really well if you choose that route!

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. I’ve made it countless times, tweaking it just a bit here and there, but it always winds up creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become your own little kitchen comfort. Once you do, I can almost guarantee it’ll be the soup everyone asks for again and again. So, tie on your apron and enjoy the cozy deliciousness!