Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) 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, freshly ground (or to taste)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and cube potatoes, then rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Sauté onions in butter or oil until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, stir to form a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in broth, then add potatoes and simmer until tender.
- Blend half the soup for creaminess while leaving some potato chunks.
- Stir in milk, cream, and fresh herbs, then heat gently without boiling.
- Remove from heat and gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Serve hot with garnishes like bacon, extra cheese, or croutons.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for smoother melting.
- Rinsing potatoes prevents a gummy texture.
- Blend carefully to avoid hot splatters.
- Add cheese off heat to prevent graininess.
- Garnish for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg