3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded from a block
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced potatoes, broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to a steady simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are completely tender and break apart easily when pressed with a spoon.
Turn off the heat. Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or an immersion blender for a smoother, velvety consistency.
Stir in heavy cream and freshly shredded cheddar cheese with heat off or on the lowest setting. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Do not return to a boil.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh chives and parsley before serving.
Notes
Always shred cheese fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking coatings that prevent smooth melting and can make the soup grainy.
Do not bring the soup back to a boil after adding the cream and cheese. High heat causes the dairy to break and the texture will become oily and grainy.
For a lighter version, replace half the heavy cream with whole milk. Avoid skim milk as it will thin the soup too much.
Freezing is not recommended. The cream and cheese become grainy after thawing. Freeze the potato-broth base only and add dairy fresh when reheating.