Creating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be a simple and enjoyable process if you follow these steps:

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer it to a blender in batches and blend.
6. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh chives and extra cheese if desired.

These straightforward steps will provide you with an incredible bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup that will impress everyone at the table.