I don’t know about you, but when the weather cools down, I find myself reaching for a pot, a spoon, and whatever vegetables I can gather to make soup. This hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is comfort in a bowl. It’s one of those comfort food recipes that warms you twice—first while it simmers on the stove, filling the kitchen with a rich, cozy smell, and then again when you take that first spoonful. We’re talking about tender potatoes mingling with garlic, herbs, and just the right amount of cheddar that melts into something creamy but not heavy. It’s the kind of thing you eat slowly, maybe with a thick slice of bread on the side, and you don’t feel weighed down afterward. I’d put it right up there with heart healthy soup recipes and vegetable soup recipes that make you feel good inside. Healthy soup recipes don’t have to be boring. This one is balanced—filling yet light, familiar yet special. It’s a healthy hearty soup that I’ve made again and again when I need a quick dinner or when friends stop by. If you like soups recipes that taste like home, this is one to keep in your back pocket.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
3) Ingredients for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
4) How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
5) Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
6) Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
8) Try these Soups next!
9) Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This soup combines potatoes, garlic, herbs, and cheddar in one comforting bowl.
It’s filling yet still light enough to enjoy any time of year.
Great for family dinners, gatherings, or as part of your comfort food recipes collection.
Simple ingredients make it affordable and easy to prepare at home.

2) Easy Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

When I think of comfort food recipes, this soup always comes to mind. Potatoes bring heartiness, cheddar gives it richness, and herbs keep it fresh. I love making it on a weeknight when everyone needs a meal that feels like home. The smell alone makes people wander into the kitchen asking what’s cooking.

This recipe doesn’t demand complicated steps. If you can chop potatoes and stir a pot, you’re already halfway there. I’ve made it after long days when all I wanted was something filling but not heavy. It fits right into healthy soup recipes that still feel indulgent.

Soup has a way of slowing down the evening. You sit with a warm bowl, maybe a slice of bread, and suddenly the day feels softer. It’s the kind of dish you share with neighbors or friends who stop by unexpectedly.

3) Ingredients for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Russet Potatoes: These are the backbone of the recipe. Their starch creates a thick and creamy texture that feels satisfying without much effort. I peel and cube them for smoothness, though leaving the skins on gives a rustic feel.

Onion: A chopped onion softens in olive oil and adds a base flavor that ties everything together. It becomes sweet and mellow, the kind of taste you only notice when it’s missing.

Garlic: Minced garlic gives depth. Three cloves feel right to me, though I’ve gone heavier on cold nights. Garlic makes the soup smell inviting long before it reaches the table.

Olive Oil: A small drizzle helps cook the onion and garlic gently. It also adds a smooth mouthfeel that balances the sharper notes of the cheddar.

Broth: I switch between vegetable and chicken broth depending on who’s eating. Either way, it carries the flavors of the potatoes and herbs beautifully.

Milk: This lightens the soup while keeping it creamy. If you want a richer bowl, you can try half-and-half. For lighter versions, almond milk works too.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts into the hot soup and makes it taste full. It’s comforting without being overdone, perfect for healthy hearty soup recipes.

Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary are my go-to. They give the soup a cozy, familiar taste. Fresh parsley on top brightens every bite.

Salt and Pepper: Adjust as you like. They bring balance to the creaminess and highlight the herbs.

4) How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Add the onion and garlic. Cook them until soft and fragrant, which sets the stage for everything else.

Step 2. Stir in cubed potatoes along with thyme and rosemary. Let them cook briefly so the herbs cling to the potatoes.

Step 3. Pour in the broth. Let it come to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let the potatoes simmer until tender. This takes about twenty minutes.

Step 4. Mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This thickens the broth naturally, keeping the texture hearty without extra cream.

Step 5. Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts smoothly into the broth. Taste for seasoning.

Step 6. Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.

5) Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

I’ve found that chopping the potatoes evenly helps them cook at the same pace. Uneven cubes lead to half mushy and half underdone pieces, which distracts from the soup’s smoothness.

If you want stronger herb notes, rub dried herbs between your fingers before adding them to the pot. This releases more oils and makes the flavors pop. It’s a small trick I’ve used for years.

Serve the soup with bread or a simple salad. The richness pairs nicely with something light on the side. Sometimes I even make it with a sandwich for a quick dinner that feels put together.

6) Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Ahead of Time

I often make this soup the day before I plan to serve it. By the next day, the flavors deepen and blend in a way that feels even more satisfying. Soups recipes tend to benefit from a little rest in the fridge.

If you’re prepping for company, cook it fully, let it cool, and then refrigerate it in a covered container. Reheat slowly over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

The potatoes stay tender and the cheddar remains smooth even after reheating. That’s why I recommend this one for anyone who likes make-ahead meals.

7) Storing Leftover Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for three to four days. I store mine in a glass container with a lid, though any airtight container works fine.

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove. High heat can separate the cheese, so patience helps keep the texture smooth. Add a splash of milk or broth if it feels too thick.

If you want to freeze it, do so without the cheese. Add fresh cheese after thawing and reheating for the best texture.

8) Try these Soups next!

9) Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup