Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato (Print-Friendly Version)

Comforting soup with cheddar, garlic, fresh herbs, and tender Yukon Gold potatoes in a creamy base.

# Ingredients List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1.13 kilograms Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 5-6 garlic cloves, minced

→ Dairy

04 - 57 grams unsalted butter
05 - 473 milliliters whole milk
06 - 120 milliliters heavy cream
07 - 200 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

→ Pantry

08 - 32 grams all-purpose flour
09 - 960 milliliters low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Pinch of cayenne pepper

→ Herbs

13 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
15 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

# Detailed Cooking Steps:

01 - Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes; rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
02 - In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
04 - Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate raw taste.
05 - Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a simmer.
06 - Add cubed potatoes to the pot and cook until tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
07 - Remove half of the soup and blend until smooth using a blender with the lid vented; return to the pot.
08 - Stir in whole milk, heavy cream, fresh parsley, chives, and thyme; heat gently without boiling.
09 - Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted.
10 - Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
11 - Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Rinsing potatoes removes excess starch for a smoother texture.
02 - Avoid pre-shredded cheese to ensure better melting properties.
03 - Do not boil soup after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
04 - Vent blender lid when blending hot liquids to avoid pressure buildup.
05 - Optional garnishes include crumbled bacon and sour cream.