Description
A comforting bowl of creamy potato soup with sharp cheddar, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
- Cooked crumbled bacon (optional garnish)
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese (optional garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional garnish)
- More fresh chives or parsley (optional garnish)
- Croutons (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes, then rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the butter (or oil/butter mix) over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring continuously to cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the broth and bring to a simmer, loosening any browned bits.
- Add potato cubes, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Blend half the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot with the rest.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in milk and cream, cooking for 5 minutes without boiling.
- Remove from heat and gradually add cheddar, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use half-and-half and fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning after adding cheese, as it can be salty.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American