Creamy, cheesy, and pure comfort in a bowl 🥔💛
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup to chase away the chill! This rich, creamy soup combines fluffy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and roasted garlic for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s hearty enough for dinner but simple enough for a quick lunch. Perfect for cozy nights in or easy meal prep, this soup fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with happiness. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour, all in one pot — no fancy tools, no fuss, just classic homemade comfort made easy.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
📝 Ingredients List
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 roasted head of garlic for extra flavor)
- 4 cups diced Yukon gold potatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 4 slices beef bacon or turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓✨
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Potato masher or immersion blender
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Ladle
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced or roasted garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 🌿
- Simmer the potatoes: Add diced potatoes and pour in broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mash or blend: Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or an immersion blender for smooth, creamy soup.
- Add creamy base: Stir in milk, cream, cheddar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese melts and soup becomes thick and velvety. 🧀
- Add bacon & finish: Stir in crumbled beef or turkey bacon for smoky depth.
- Serve & garnish: Ladle into bowls, top with green onions, chives, and extra cheddar. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy bite! 😋
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or milk if thickened.
- Freeze-friendly: For best results, freeze before adding cheese and cream. Reheat and add dairy fresh.
- Add texture: Leave some potato chunks for a rustic, hearty feel.
- Make it extra cheesy: Blend in a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for ultra-creamy flavor.