Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, ready to welcome you into my cozy corner of the internet, where comfort food dreams come true. And today, we’re diving headfirst into a bowl of pure bliss – my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup. Get ready for a flavor adventure that turns an everyday meal into something truly special!
I’m beyond excited to share this recipe with you. Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s potato soup (unless your grandma is seriously into bold flavors!). This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is creamy, dreamy, and packed with enough garlic and cheddar to make your taste buds sing.
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is a happy accident. I was craving something warm and comforting on a chilly evening, and started experimenting with different flavors. It went from “hmm, this is good” to “OMG, I have to share this with the world!” pretty quickly. You’ll feel the same, I promise! So grab your favorite pot, and let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup ingredient list is all about building that perfect balance of comfort and flavor! You can grab almost everything during your normal shopping trip.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, bacon bits
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup gets its amazing taste from the combination of garlic and cheddar. If you are feeling bold, try adding some roasted garlic for a deeper, richer flavor. It’s my secret weapon to take it from good to incredible!
No worries if you don’t have Yukon gold potatoes – I use russet potatoes all the time in my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing! For an even more decadent flavor, try using heavy cream instead of milk. You might even want to try the Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup from Amanda’s Cookin’ to compare.
Here’s my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup secret for even bolder flavor: add a dash of smoked paprika. You can grab this during your normal shopping trip! I love adding extra garlic to my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup for that extra kick! Just peel your garlic cloves in advance to save time.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, let’s dive into creating this bowl of deliciousness! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl of Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup in no time.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup should smell absolutely incredible right now!
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the garlic, as it can burn quickly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Personal Timing Insight: In my kitchen, this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup usually takes about 15-20 minutes to simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Anticipation Moments: This is where patience is key! Let those potatoes get nice and soft so they blend perfectly into the creamy soup. While your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
Helpful Guidance: Don’t worry if your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup looks a little lumpy at first. Just keep blending until it’s nice and creamy.
- Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
Cooking Discovery: This is my favorite part of making Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup – watching the magic happen! The cheese melts into this glorious, cheesy heaven.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the sour cream.
Happy Accidents: I once accidentally added a little too much sour cream, and it made the soup even richer! Don’t be afraid to experiment a little with your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup.
How to Serve Up This!
Serving up this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is where the fun really begins! Here are a few ways I love to enjoy it, and some ideas to make it extra special.
I love to enjoy this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and some crispy bacon bits. People literally do happy dances when this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup hits the table with a side of crusty bread for dipping! For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my homemade garlic soup.
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also amazing for game nights, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Want to wow your guests? Serve it in bread bowls for an extra touch of deliciousness.
For a bold flavor pairing, try serving this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. You can even add a swirl of hot sauce for a little extra kick! Want to take things to the next level? Try adding some shredded pulled pork to your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup for a hearty, satisfying meal.
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can transform them into amazing potato cakes. Just mix the leftover soup with some flour and an egg, form into patties, and fry until golden brown. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers and create something new and exciting!
FAQs:
Got questions about this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions I get asked, along with my enthusiastic and practical advice.
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and forgiving. If you can boil water, you can make this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup!
Q: What if I mess up my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up! But even if you accidentally add too much salt or not enough garlic, it’ll still be delicious. Just adjust the seasonings to your liking, and remember that cooking is all about experimenting.
Q: How can I prep this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup for busy weeknights?
A: You can chop the onions, garlic, and potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also make the entire soup in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture might change a bit due to the dairy. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely before reheating, and stir it well to bring it back together. Consider using less milk or cream if you plan to freeze it.
Q: Can I make this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Q: What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
A: You can use any cheese you like! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious in this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup.
Q: This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup sounds great, but does it pair well with other dishes?
A: Absolutely! I’d recommend serving with Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes. And for another recipe with garlic, check out the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup | Orchids + Sweet Tea.
Q: What if I want to create this using my crock pot?
A: If you’re looking for an easy variation, consider a crock pot version! I’d suggest viewing Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup A creamy, cheesy, and comforting … to help get you started. It’ll be creamy, cheesy and comforting.
CONCLUSION:
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup isn’t just a recipe – it’s a hug in a bowl! It brings me so much joy to create, and even more joy to share with the people I love.
My Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup Flavor Secrets:
- Roasted Garlic: Roasting the garlic before adding it to the soup adds a deep, smoky flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: A dash of smoked paprika takes this soup to the next level.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary add a bright, earthy note.
Here are a few delicious variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Bacon Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup: Add crumbled bacon to the soup and use bacon grease to sauté the onions and garlic. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup!
- Broccoli Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup: Add steamed broccoli florets to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
Whether you’re making the classic version or experimenting with your own variations, I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative! This is all about making a cheesy potato soup you’ll enjoy!
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own amazing Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup! Get ready to create a garlic potato soup recipe that’s unique to you! Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures with me! 💕🔥
Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup
This creamy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Loaded with tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: bacon bits, sour cream, chives
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until slightly creamy, leaving some chunks of potato. Alternatively, carefully transfer half of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
- Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until cheese is melted and soup is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as bacon bits, sour cream, or chives.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to the soup.