Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 lbs 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
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups 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 (or to taste)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
- Optional garnishes: cooked crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, croutons
Instructions
- Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the butter (or olive oil and butter).
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Introduce the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the potato cubes, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Ladle half of the soup into a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in whole milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream, followed by the fresh herbs.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne or smoked paprika, and serve warm with garnishes.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh herbs and avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg