Hey there, fellow comfort seekers! Let’s talk about those days when you need a big hug in a bowl, something warm and satisfying for the whole family. That’s where this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup comes in – it’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening! This cheesy, garlicky goodness has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share my sanity-saving comfort food version with you.
I remember the first time I tried making a Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup. My youngest was going through a picky phase, and I was desperate for something, anything, he would actually eat! I knew he loved potatoes and cheese, so I started experimenting. The first batch was… well, let’s just say it needed some work! But after a few tweaks, this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup recipe was born, and it’s been a dinnertime win ever since.
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is all about simple comfort food. It’s about using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and turning them into something truly special. It brings a sense of calm and satisfaction to our sometimes chaotic dinner table. If you’re a busy mom looking for a recipe that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters, then you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need
Here’s the lineup for our comforting Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (veggie broth works too!)
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup milk (I use whole milk for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon, sour cream, green onions
Trust me, this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! No need to hunt down obscure spices or fancy ingredients. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.
Shopping tip: I usually grab an extra bag of potatoes because they are great for so many family-friendly sides! Potatoes are the base to make comfort foods like Garlic and Cheddar mashed potatoes or even for hearty beef stew.
If you don’t have Yukon gold potatoes, Russets will work. Just make sure to peel them! This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. I love to sneak in a little extra chopped celery or carrots when I have them on hand. My family gets extra comfort when I add a dash of smoked paprika. It gives the soup a warm, smoky flavor that’s just irresistible!
One comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime? Pre-chopped onions! Seriously, those few minutes saved make a world of difference on a busy weeknight. I also like to shred the cheddar cheese ahead of time so it’s ready to go when I need it. This helps in making an easy garlic cheddar soup.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get started on this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward. Think of me as your virtual sous chef, guiding you through each step.
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Ah, that garlicky aroma!
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup usually takes about 30 minutes start to finish.
- Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. I like to leave some chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer some of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
- Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup should smell amazing by now.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. More salt? A pinch of pepper? You’re the boss!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup. I would add the cheese too early, and it would clump up. Now I wait until the very end, and it melts perfectly every time! Don’t worry if your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup looks a little thin at first. It will thicken up as it cools. While your Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Another tip: if you want to make this soup even creamier, you can add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese along with the cheddar. It adds a richness that’s just divine!
How We Love to Eat This!
Now for the fun part – serving this comforting Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup! My family has a few favorite ways to enjoy it. The kids devour this cheesy garlic potato soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a classic combo that never fails. We also love to load it up with toppings like crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh green onions. So good!
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a great option for a cozy weekend lunch. The aroma of garlic cheddar potato soup recipe wafting through the house is so inviting and comforting.
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they reheat beautifully. I often pack it in a thermos for my husband’s lunch. It’s a welcome change from sandwiches! We’ve also tried a seasonal variation by adding roasted butternut squash to the soup. It adds a touch of sweetness that’s surprisingly delicious. Friends have raved about how the extra cheddar adds a unique flavor.
For a fun presentation, I like to serve the soup in individual bowls and let everyone add their own toppings. It’s like a Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup bar! It gets the kids involved and makes dinnertime a little more interactive. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for another family favorite.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions, so let’s tackle them! Here are some common concerns I hear from fellow busy moms about this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup:
- Is this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The potatoes and cheese make it surprisingly hearty. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup? Start by letting them add their own toppings. A sprinkle of bacon or some colorful green onions might entice them to give it a try. You can also try blending the soup completely smooth to hide any chunks.
- Can I meal prep this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup for busy weeks ahead? Yes! This soup is a great meal prep option. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze this creamy garlic cheddar potato soup? While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly. The potatoes can become a little grainy. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
- I’m not a fan of cheddar cheese. What else can I use? Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp provolone would be delicious in this soup. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite cheesy combination!
- My Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is too thick. What do I do? Simply add a little more milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Can I make this Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Add all the ingredients (except the milk and cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Then, stir in the milk and cheese until melted and creamy.
- My family is dairy-free. Can I still make this? Absolutely! Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives. There are some great options available these days that taste surprisingly similar to the real thing.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s quick, easy, and satisfying. It’s a dinnertime win that everyone enjoys.
Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup Comfort Hacks:
- Pre-chop veggies whenever possible.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes.
- Add a secret ingredient: a pinch of smoked paprika!
Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Loaded: Top with bacon, sour cream, green onions, and shredded cheese.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
My husband loves the spicy version, while my kids prefer the loaded version. I encourage you to make it your own way! Add your favorite toppings, experiment with different cheeses, and adjust the seasonings to your liking. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this creamy garlic cheddar potato soup. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your family as it has to mine! Enjoy this satisfying Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup and remember, you’ve got this, Mama! Now, go and make this easy garlic cheddar soup!
Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup
This creamy Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup is pure comfort food! Packed with savory garlic and cheesy cheddar, it’s the perfect warm and satisfying meal for a chilly day.
- 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 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, bacon bits
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. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a regular blender).
- Return the soup to the pot. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
- Stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and bacon bits, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use cream instead of milk. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or celery.