Garlic Potato Soup: The Ultimate Bowl of Cozy Comfort

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic potato soup is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The combination of Yukon Gold potatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a comforting base, while the addition of cheddar cheese gives it a deliciously savory twist. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or looking for a filling soup for meal prep, this recipe hits the spot. It’s simple to make, yet packs a lot of flavor in each spoonful, making it the perfect bowl of comfort food.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
4 cups (960ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 cup (240ml) unsweetened almond milk or whole milk
2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced

Flavor Enhancers:

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Fresh chives or green onions, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup as it cooks.

Step 3: Build the Base

Gradually add the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), stirring constantly. Once combined, add the diced potatoes, thyme, dill (or fresh dill), salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Blend

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer part of the soup to a stand blender, blend, and return it to the pot.

Step 6: Add Milk and Cheese

Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chives or extra cheese before serving hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese and plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) to make this soup dairy-free.
No Flour: To thicken without flour, blend more potatoes or use a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a bit of water) to achieve the desired consistency.
Add Protein: Stir in cooked bacon bits or shredded chicken for extra protein.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat on the stovetop, adding a little milk if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I get the soup to be smoother?

For a smoother soup, blend it more thoroughly using an immersion blender or a stand blender. You can blend all of the soup if you prefer a completely creamy texture.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can easily add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for added flavor and texture. Simply chop and add them with the potatoes.

Can I use a different type of potato?

While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this soup due to their creamy texture, you can substitute with russet potatoes if needed. Just note that the texture may be slightly different.

Can I add herbs like rosemary or parsley?

Yes! Fresh or dried rosemary and parsley are great additions to this soup. Add them along with the thyme and dill for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Garlic Potato Soup is the ultimate bowl of cozy comfort. With creamy potatoes, savory garlic, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or as a comforting treat for yourself, this soup is sure to satisfy. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.

Garlic Potato Soup: The Ultimate Bowl of Cozy Comfort