Creating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, coating them in the garlic and onion mixture for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. For a creamier texture, blend thoroughly; for a chunkier soup, blend just a few times. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted completely.
6. Season: Add dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped chives for added color and flavor.