There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl to turn a chilly day around, and my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe does exactly that with every spoonful. This soup is the perfect hug in a bowl—packed with tender potatoes, a rich sharp cheddar cheese, fragrant garlic, and a hint of herbs that make each bite deeply comforting. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a cozy treat to share with loved ones, this recipe strikes the ideal balance of simple ingredients and soul-satisfying flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark wooden surface with several raw, light brown potatoes scattered around. There is a white garlic bulb with some of its dry stem intact near the top right. Next to the garlic is a white onion with a reddish tint and a dry stem. Above the onion and garlic is a small round wooden bowl filled with a mix of dried green herbs and red spices, divided into different sections within the bowl. To the upper right corner, there is a small wooden cup filled with white liquid. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This soup is a beautiful example of how straightforward ingredients can come together to create something fantastic. Each component plays a vital role in building texture, depth, and that irresistible cheesy aroma you’ll crave. Here’s what you’ll want on hand before you start:

4-5 medium organic russet potatoes, peeled + cubed: These create the hearty base with a creamy texture when cooked down.
1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Brings a velvety, silky feel that complements the creaminess of the soup.
½ red onion, chopped: Offers a sweet and mild flavor to balance the garlic’s punch.
6 garlic cloves, minced: The star flavor—garlic infuses the soup with warmth and depth.
2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend: A blend of herbs and spices to elevate the savory profile—feel free to make your own if you like!
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky earthiness, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
2 Tbsps white cooking wine: Brightens the dish, cutting through the richness with a subtle acidity.
4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth: Builds the flavorful liquid base without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
1 cup organic heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and comforting in every sip.
1-2 cups freshly-grated sharp cheddar: The signature flavor burst that turns simple potatoes into a cheesy delight.
1 cup kale, chopped (optional): Adds a lovely pop of color and a nutritious green touch.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming the olive oil and butter together in a medium-sized Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and chopped red onion. Sauté them for about 1 to 2 minutes until they turn translucent and release a heavenly fragrance. This step is where the soup begins to develop that irresistible base flavor.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Potatoes

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and On Everything All-Purpose Blend, stirring to combine evenly with the onions and garlic. Toss in the cubed potatoes and give everything a good stir to coat those chunks in the aromatic mixture. This helps the potatoes soak up all those savory notes as they cook.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Pour the vegetable stock over the potatoes and bring the pot to a boil for a minute or two. Then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. The goal is to cook the potatoes until tender, and I love to go a little longer until they’re almost falling apart. This natural breakdown is what thickens the soup beautifully, but if you prefer chunkier potatoes, simply stir in a flour-and-water slurry to get your desired thickness.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Kale

Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, stir in the heavy cream, kale if you’re using it, and white cooking wine. Then add the freshly grated sharp cheddar, stirring frequently until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and luscious. At this point, it’s time to pull the pot off the heat and get ready to serve.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

The image shows a round wooden cutting board with a handle placed on a white marbled surface. On the board, there are several pieces of peeled, light yellow potato chunks spread out. A large kitchen knife with a black handle rests on the right side of the board with some potato pieces touching the blade. Next to the board on the upper left side, there are two whole unpeeled potatoes with a rough, tan skin. The wood of the cutting board has a natural brown color and visible grain patterns. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes can make a big difference when serving this soup. Freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions add a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the rich cheddar flavor. Sprinkle liberally for that picture-perfect presentation and an extra pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

A hearty soup like this shines when paired with the perfect sides. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are ideal for dipping and soaking up every last drop of cheesy goodness. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad if you want to balance out the richness with some fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for that rustic, cozy touch. You could also top each serving with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits (if not vegan) or a few toasted pine nuts for added texture. No matter how you present it, the magic of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe will shine through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover soup (and believe me, there might be), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy lunches or dinner the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating as the cheese can settle or thicken the soup as it cools.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but because of the cream and cheese, expect a slight change in texture. To freeze, cool the soup completely, transfer it to a freezer-friendly container, and store it for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, stir well and gently reheat over low heat to bring it back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

Reheat your soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. If it seems too thick, thin it with a splash of vegetable broth or milk until you reach your preferred consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, so you keep that smooth, velvety texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use olive oil only, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and choose vegan cheddar to keep the richness and flavor intact without dairy.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

No worries! You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika and add a small pinch of cumin or chipotle powder for a similar smoky warmth. It won’t be identical but will still add lovely depth.

Can I use red potatoes instead of russets?

Yes! Red potatoes will work, but they tend to hold their shape more and may require a bit longer simmering to get that creamy, almost broken-down texture that makes this soup so hearty.

Is it okay to make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Start by sautéing the aromatics on the stovetop, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4–5 hours until the potatoes are tender, then stir in your cream and cheese at the end for the perfect finish.

How spicy is this soup?

This recipe has a gentle warmth from the garlic and smoked paprika but isn’t spicy in the traditional sense. If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when you add the seasonings.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe enough when you want something comforting, flavorful, and remarkably easy to make. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and your heart with cozy satisfaction. Go ahead and treat yourself or your loved ones—you’ll be amazed at how quickly one bowl turns into two.

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe