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

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.

2. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

3. Blend the Soup: Once the potatoes are cooked through, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches to blend. Return the blended soup to the pot.

4. Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Gradually add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and is fully incorporated.

5. Season the Soup: Add the chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to mix all ingredients.

6. Simmer for Extra Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, giving all the flavors a chance to meld together.

7. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.