Description
This hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is rich, creamy, and packed with tender potatoes, flavorful meat, sharp cheddar, and fragrant herbs. It is the perfect comforting bowl for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked beef bacon or diced smoked beef sausage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cooked beef bacon or smoked beef sausage and cook for 2–3 minutes to release flavor.
- Add the diced potatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream, then simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, blend more of the potatoes or simmer longer to reduce.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream.
- Cook the beef bacon or sausage separately until crisp before adding for deeper flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
