Can I make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Begin by sautéing the garlic and onions on the stove for better flavor. Then transfer them along with the potatoes, broth, herbs, and seasonings into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese during the last 10-15 minutes and stir until melted and creamy. This method allows the flavors to develop slowly for a rich taste.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping or not melting smoothly in the soup?

For a smooth, creamy cheese texture, always use freshly grated sharp cheddar rather than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that stop it from melting properly. Add cheese towards the end of cooking on low heat and stir gently until fully melted. Avoid boiling the soup after adding cheese, as high heat can cause clumping or a grainy texture.

Is Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup naturally gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any flour or gluten-containing thickeners. Just ensure you use a gluten-free vegetable or chicken broth, as some store-bought broths may contain hidden gluten. Potatoes break down during cooking to give the soup a creamy consistency without the need for gluten-based thickeners.

How should I store leftover Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup and how long does it last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To freeze, place the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags and keep it for up to 4-6 months. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Stir occasionally while reheating to maintain a creamy texture and prevent separation.

Can I make this potato soup vegan without losing flavor?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by swapping butter with vegan margarine or oil, using full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute for the heavy cream, and replacing cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Adding roasted garlic and fresh herbs can help boost the savory depth and maintain the soup’s rich taste even without dairy.

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe For Hearty Comfort

Name: Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-5 medium organic russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (or Yukon gold potatoes) These form the hearty base, providing starch that thickens the soup naturally and adds a comforting, earthy flavor.; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Used for sautéing, it adds a healthy fat that enhances the aroma of garlic and onions while keeping the soup light.; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter This helps in browning the onions and garlic, contributing to a rich, creamy mouthfeel.; ½ red onion, chopped Offers a subtle sweetness and depth, balancing the sharpness of the cheddar and herbs.; 6 garlic cloves, minced Brings a pungent, savory kick that pairs wonderfully with the herbs, making this cheddar garlic herb potato soup truly aromatic.; 2 tablespoons of a homemade blend of sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley This seasoning mix infuses the soup with layers of flavor, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned and herbaceous.; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds a smoky undertone that elevates the overall taste, giving the soup a distinctive edge.; 2 tablespoons white cooking wine (or additional vegetable stock) Provides acidity to brighten the flavors or can be swapped for stock to keep it simple.; 4 cups organic vegetable stock or broth Serves as the liquid base, helping to simmer the potatoes and create a flavorful broth.; 1 cup organic heavy cream (or full-fat coconut cream/milk for vegan option) Makes the soup luxuriously creamy; the vegan alternative keeps it dairy-free without losing richness.; 1-2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese shreds/nutritional yeast for vegan option) Melts into the soup for that cheesy goodness, with substitutes ensuring it’s adaptable for different diets.; 1 cup chopped kale (optional) Adds a nutritious green element, boosting vitamins and a slight crunch if you want to make it heartier.

Description

🥔 This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a comforting meal packed with wholesome ingredients, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
🧄 Enjoy a creamy, hearty soup that combines rich cheddar and fresh herbs for a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

4–5 medium organic russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (or Yukon gold potatoes) These form the hearty base, providing starch that thickens the soup naturally and adds a comforting, earthy flavor.

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Used for sautéing, it adds a healthy fat that enhances the aroma of garlic and onions while keeping the soup light.

1 tablespoon unsalted butter This helps in browning the onions and garlic, contributing to a rich, creamy mouthfeel.

½ red onion, chopped Offers a subtle sweetness and depth, balancing the sharpness of the cheddar and herbs.

6 garlic cloves, minced Brings a pungent, savory kick that pairs wonderfully with the herbs, making this cheddar garlic herb potato soup truly aromatic.

2 tablespoons of a homemade blend of sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley This seasoning mix infuses the soup with layers of flavor, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned and herbaceous.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds a smoky undertone that elevates the overall taste, giving the soup a distinctive edge.

2 tablespoons white cooking wine (or additional vegetable stock) Provides acidity to brighten the flavors or can be swapped for stock to keep it simple.

4 cups organic vegetable stock or broth Serves as the liquid base, helping to simmer the potatoes and create a flavorful broth.

1 cup organic heavy cream (or full-fat coconut cream/milk for vegan option) Makes the soup luxuriously creamy; the vegan alternative keeps it dairy-free without losing richness.

1–2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese shreds/nutritional yeast for vegan option) Melts into the soup for that cheesy goodness, with substitutes ensuring it’s adaptable for different diets.

1 cup chopped kale (optional) Adds a nutritious green element, boosting vitamins and a slight crunch if you want to make it heartier.

Instructions

First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Gather and prep all items: Peel and cube 4-5 medium organic russet potatoes, chop ½ red onion, mince 6 garlic cloves, and measure out your herbs and spices. This mise en place makes the process efficient and helps avoid any rush. For vegan adaptations, have substitutes like coconut cream on hand to keep things simple.

Second Step: Sauté the Aromatics In a medium-sized Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they’re translucent and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 2 tablespoons of your homemade herb blend for that signature flavor. If you’re going dairy-free, use vegan butter here to maintain creaminess.

Third Step: Add Potatoes and Stock Toss in the cubed potatoes and pour in 4 cups organic vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil for 1-2 minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. For a thicker cheddar garlic herb potato soup, let it simmer an extra 10 minutes or mix in 1-2 tablespoons of flour with water but choose gluten-free flour if needed. This step works well for low-calorie versions by using less oil.

Fourth Step: Incorporate Cream and Cheese Stir in 1 cup organic heavy cream, 1 cup chopped kale if using, 2 tablespoons white cooking wine, and 1-2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring on low heat until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy, about 2-3 minutes. For vegan or dairy-free diets, swap the cream and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast to preserve the taste without issues.

Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Remove the soup from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving. Top with freshly chopped parsley or green onions and pair with bread for a complete meal. This takes about 35 minutes to cook overall, serving around 4 people. Remember, freshly grated cheese melts best, as pre-shredded might not blend as smoothly, enhancing your cheesy herb potato soup experience.

Notes

🥣 Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen for 4-6 months; defrost before reheating.
🍲 Prepare in a slow cooker by sautéing aromatics first, cooking ingredients on low for 6-8 hours, adding cream and cheese at the end.
🧂 Adjust spices and herbs to taste for desired boldness in flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 292 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 961 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: cheddar potato soup, garlic herb soup, hearty potato soup, creamy potato soup