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Cheddar Garlic Herb Soup – Cheddar Garlic Soup
This rich and creamy cheddar garlic soup combines the bold flavors of sharp cheddar cheese with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings, this comforting bowl delivers exceptional taste while providing essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin C. Ready in just 45 minutes, this budget-friendly recipe costs approximately $8-10 to make and serves four people generously.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly comfort food that costs less than $3 per serving while delivering restaurant-quality flavor and satisfaction
- Quick 45-minute preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining without sacrificing taste
- Packed with calcium from cheddar cheese and vitamin C from garlic, supporting bone health and immune system function
- Versatile base recipe that easily adapts to dietary preferences with dairy-free cheese or vegetable broth substitutions
- Creates amazing leftovers that taste even better the next day, making meal prep effortless and delicious
Why This Cheddar Garlic Soup Recipe Works
The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and technique. Using russet potatoes creates a naturally creamy base without excessive dairy, while sharp cheddar provides bold flavor that doesn’t get lost in the soup. The garlic gets sautéed first, developing sweet, mellow notes that complement rather than overpower.
Fresh herbs added at the end maintain their vibrant flavor and color. The immersion blending technique creates silky smoothness while keeping some texture. This method ensures the cheese melts evenly without becoming grainy or separated.
What You’ll Need for This Cheddar Garlic Soup
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 4 medium (1.5 lbs) | Creates creamy base and body |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup shredded | Main flavor component |
| Fresh garlic | 4 cloves minced | Aromatic foundation |
| Medium onion | 1 chopped | Adds sweetness and depth |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups low-sodium | Liquid base for cooking |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creates rich, velvety texture |
| Fresh thyme | 2 tsp chopped | Earthy herb flavor |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp chopped | Fresh finish and color |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Seasoning balance |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large heavy-bottomed pot | Even heat distribution for cooking |
| Immersion blender | Creates smooth, creamy texture |
| Sharp knife | Precise vegetable preparation |
| Cutting board | Safe food preparation surface |
| Wooden spoon | Gentle stirring without scratching |
| Measuring cups | Accurate ingredient portions |
How to Make Cheddar Garlic Soup
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep Vegetables | Peel and dice russet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking. Mince garlic and chop onion finely. |
| 2. Sauté Aromatics | Heat butter in large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. |
| 3. Add Potatoes & Broth | Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. |
| 4. Blend Until Smooth | Use immersion blender to puree soup until creamy but slightly chunky. Blend in batches if using regular blender. |
| 5. Add Cheese & Cream | Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and heavy cream until completely melted and smooth. |
| 6. Season & Serve | Add fresh thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while hot. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Grate your own cheddar cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting and superior flavor without anti-caking agents
- Keep heat on low when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency throughout
- Save some cheese and herbs for garnishing individual bowls, creating an attractive presentation and extra flavor boost
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end since cheese saltiness varies by brand and age of the cheddar
- Add cream gradually while stirring constantly to prevent curdling and ensure silky smooth texture in every spoonful
Serving and Storage Tips for Cheddar Garlic Soup
Serving Tips
Serve this cheddar garlic soup in warmed bowls topped with extra shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of cream. Pair with crusty sourdough bread or buttery crackers for the perfect comfort meal. This soup works beautifully for casual family dinners or elegant dinner parties.
For special occasions, serve in bread bowls or alongside Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a complete comfort food spread. The soup stays warm in a slow cooker on low heat for buffet-style serving.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of broth or cream if needed to restore original consistency.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Cheddar Garlic Soup
Don’t rush the cheese melting process by using high heat, which causes separation and grainy texture. Always reduce heat to low before adding cheese and stir constantly until smooth.
Avoid using pre-shredded cheese exclusively, as anti-caking agents prevent smooth melting. Fresh-grated cheese creates superior texture and flavor. Don’t skip the sautéing step for garlic and onions, as this develops essential flavor foundations.
Never boil the soup after adding cream and cheese, as this causes curdling. Keep temperature low and gentle throughout the final cooking stage.
You Must Know
- Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor balance, while mild cheddar may result in bland soup lacking character and depth
- Russet potatoes work better than waxy varieties because they break down more easily, creating natural thickening without flour
- Fresh herbs added at the end maintain vibrant color and flavor, while dried herbs can be added earlier during cooking
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months, though texture may change slightly and require gentle reheating with extra liquid
Suggestions for Cheddar Garlic Soup
Transform this base recipe by adding crispy bacon bits, roasted broccoli, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor dimensions. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.
Create variations with different cheese combinations like gruyere and cheddar or add roasted red peppers for color and sweetness. This pairs beautifully with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for an indulgent meal.
For inspiration, try similar comfort soups like Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup or explore Sandy’s Homemade Broccoli and Cheddar Soup for additional techniques.
FAQs:
Yes, this soup actually improves in flavor when made a day ahead. Store in refrigerator and reheat gently on stovetop, adding extra broth or cream if needed to restore consistency.
Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor balance, while extra-sharp can be too intense. Avoid mild cheddar as it may result in bland soup. Always use freshly grated cheese for optimal melting.
Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt, use low-fat cheese, or add pureed cauliflower to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. Increase vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition.
Grainy texture usually results from overheating the cheese or adding it to soup that’s too hot. Always reduce heat to low before adding cheese and stir constantly until smooth.
Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, whisking to restore smooth texture. You may need to add extra liquid during reheating.
Conclusion
This cheddar garlic soup delivers restaurant-quality comfort food in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and techniques. The combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and aromatic garlic creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and budget-friendly.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this versatile recipe adapts easily to dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients. With proper technique and quality ingredients, you’ll create a memorable soup that becomes a household favorite. Try it alongside Keto Cloud Cake for a complete comfort meal experience.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cheddar Garlic Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 per serving 1x
Description
A rich and creamy cheddar garlic soup featuring tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic garlic in a velvety base. This comforting soup is perfect for cold days and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Ingredients
- 4 medium (1.5 lbs) Russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded Sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cloves minced Fresh garlic
- 1 chopped Medium onion
- 4 cups low-sodium Vegetable broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 tsp chopped Fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped Fresh parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Peel and dice russet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking. Mince garlic and chop onion finely.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add Potatoes & Broth: Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use immersion blender to puree soup until creamy but slightly chunky. Blend in batches if using regular blender.
- Add Cheese & Cream: Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and heavy cream until completely melted and smooth.
- Season & Serve: Add fresh thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Grate your own cheddar cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting and superior flavor without anti-caking agents
- Keep heat on low when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency throughout
- Add cream gradually while stirring constantly to prevent curdling and ensure silky smooth texture in every spoonful
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 cup)
- Calories: 385 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cheddar garlic soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, homemade soup, cheese soup, garlic soup
