Description
A cozy, creamy potato soup made with Yukon Gold potatoes, garlic, onion, cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs. Rich and hearty with a smooth, comforting texture—perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something warm and savory.
Ingredients
2.5 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½‑inch pieces (about 6–7 medium)
4 tbsp unsalted butter or 3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1½ cups)
5–6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tbsp)
¼ cup all‑purpose flour
4 cups low‑sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups whole milk (or half‑and‑half for extra richness)
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
1 tsp fine salt, to taste
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch cayenne or smoked paprika (optional)
Optional garnishes: cooked crumbled bacon, extra cheddar, sour cream or Greek yogurt, more chives/parsley, croutons
Instructions
- Peel and cube the potatoes into ½‑inch pieces, then rinse briefly to remove excess starch.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat oil + butter). Sauté the onion for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Gradually whisk in the broth, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the potatoes, cover, and simmer on medium‑low for 15–20 minutes until very tender.
- Blend about half the soup for a creamy‑chunky texture, then return it to the pot.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the milk and optional cream, along with parsley, chives, and thyme. Warm gently—do not boil.
- Remove from heat and add the shredded cheddar by handfuls, stirring until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Ladle into bowls, add garnishes as desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip bacon garnishes.
To make gluten-free, use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour or blend more potatoes for thickening.
Use freshly shredded cheese from a block for a smoother texture.
To reheat, warm slowly on stovetop and avoid boiling after adding dairy.
Can be frozen up to 2–3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg