Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch slurry for gluten-free)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (to taste)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch and set aside.
- In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and herbs; cook until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in broth until smooth. Add diced potatoes and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk, heavy cream (if using), and cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamy texture, or leave chunky if preferred.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or smoked paprika. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Top with sour cream, chives, and extra cheese for a loaded-style soup.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Make spicy by adding diced jalapeños or extra cayenne.
- Swap cheddar with smoked Gouda, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for variety.
- To thicken without flour, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg