Ingredients
2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes)
4 tbsp unsalted butter OR 3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
¼ 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)
½ cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional)
2 cups (about 8 oz / 225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Pinch cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
Peel and cube the potatoes, then rinse under cold water. Set aside.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter (or oil/butter mix). Add onion and sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, stir, and cook 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in broth, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
Add potatoes. Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until very tender.
Blend half the soup until smooth, then return to pot.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk (or half-and-half) and cream. Add parsley, chives, and thyme. Heat 5 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne/smoked paprika to taste.
Ladle into bowls, garnish as desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh herbs and freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture. Adjust seasonings to taste. Garnish generously for added richness.
FAQs: Yukon Gold potatoes are best, but Russets work too. Use veggie broth for vegetarian soup. Add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg