Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Cold winter nights call for a comforting broccoli potato cheese soup that wraps you in warmth and flavor.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with hearty vegetables in this soul-satisfying dish.

Sharp cheddar melts into a velvety base, creating a luxurious experience for every spoonful.

Crisp broccoli florets add a delightful crunch against smooth potatoes and rich cheese.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal kitchen effort.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this delectable recipe in under an hour.

Prepare to be amazed by how such straightforward components can produce such an incredible meal.

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup For Cozy Dinners

  • Reinvent Classic Comfort: Transform the traditional sloppy joe into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that brings new excitement to family dinner.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine all the beloved sloppy joe flavors into one dish, reducing prep time and minimizing kitchen cleanup with a single-pan approach.
  • Kid-Approved Meal Hack: Dress up a classic sandwich concept with cheesy biscuit topping that makes dinner fun and irresistible for children and adults alike.
  • Customize with Ease: Boost nutrition by adding mixed vegetables or swap ground beef for turkey, making this recipe adaptable to different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients Needed For Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

For the Base:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy fat that helps build the soup's foundational flavor.
  • Onions: A sweet and aromatic vegetable that provides depth to the soup's taste.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds robust flavor and complexity.
  • Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and creamy soup texture.
For the Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: A starchy vegetable that adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup.
  • Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that brings color and earthy flavor to the soup.
For the Liquids and Dairy:
  • Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the soup's base and provides additional depth.
  • Cheese: A melty ingredient that creates a rich and creamy texture with tangy flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: A luxurious dairy product that adds richness and smoothness to the soup.
For the Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
  • Cream Cheese, Nutmeg, Sour Cream: Optional ingredients that can add extra flavor and creaminess.

Directions For Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Success

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Select a large, heavy-bottomed pot and place it on medium heat. Melt butter until it becomes smooth and slightly bubbling.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Dice fresh onions and mince garlic cloves. Gently sauté these ingredients in the melted butter until they become soft, translucent, and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the soup and eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Pour and Simmer Liquid Gold

Add chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Chop potatoes and broccoli into bite-sized pieces:
  • Potatoes
  • Broccoli florets

Gently drop these vegetables into the liquid and allow them to simmer until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Create Creamy Decadence

Introduce rich dairy elements to transform the soup:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sharp cheese variations
  • Heavy cream

Stir until cheese completely melts and soup reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Enhance and Elevate Flavors

Season the soup with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Optional herbs like thyme or parsley

Taste and adjust seasonings to personal preference.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Optional toppings include:
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Green onion slices
  • Extra cheese sprinkle
  • Sour cream dollop

Enjoy your comforting, homemade broccoli potato cheese soup immediately.

Tips To Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Shine

  • Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist and added natural sweetness.
  • Use low-fat cheese and milk to create a lighter version of this comforting soup without sacrificing flavor.
  • Roast broccoli before adding to the soup to enhance its nutty taste and add deeper complexity to the dish.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when thickening the soup.
  • Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while keeping some vegetable chunks for added interest and bite.

Tasty Options For Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Spicy Southwest Soup: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and top with crispy chorizo crumbles for a zesty kick.
  • Loaded Veggie Soup: Mix in cauliflower, carrots, and spinach for extra nutrition and color. Garnish with crispy bacon bits.
  • Vegan Creamy Version: Replace dairy with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk. Use vegetable broth for rich, smooth texture.
  • Alpine Style Soup: Incorporate Swiss and Gruyère cheeses, add chopped ham, and finish with fresh thyme for a European-inspired variation.

Pairing Ideas For Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the creamy soup into deep ceramic bowls, creating a warm, inviting presentation that hugs every spoonful.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, cheesy goodness.
  • Loaded Soup Spectacular: Top with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar for a hearty, restaurant-style finish.
  • Harvest Salad Pairing: Complement the soup with a light mixed green salad featuring toasted pumpkin seeds and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture.

Store Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup For Later

  • Store the soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and restore creamy consistency. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup seems too thick.
  • When reheating, warm slowly and stir continuously to maintain the soup's smooth texture and prevent cheese from breaking or becoming grainy.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese alternatives.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour as a thickener. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

  • How can I add more protein to this soup?

Consider adding cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or white beans to increase the protein content.

  • What are the best cheeses to use for this soup?

Cheddar cheese works best, but you can also use a blend of sharp cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack for more complex flavor.

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Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy broccoli potato cheese soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending hearty vegetables with rich, melted cheese. Warm, satisfying spoonfuls invite diners to savor this classic American winter favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 diced carrot
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a spacious stockpot over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle flour into the aromatic vegetable mixture, continuously whisking to create a smooth roux and prevent lumping, cooking for 2 minutes.
  3. Gradually stream chicken broth into the pot, carefully incorporating the liquid while stirring to maintain a consistent texture.
  4. Add cubed potatoes and chopped broccoli florets, allowing the ingredients to simmer at medium-low heat until vegetables become tender and soft, roughly 15-20 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low, introducing shredded cheese and heavy cream, stirring consistently until cheese completely melts and soup develops a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  6. Enhance flavor profile by incorporating optional ingredients like cream cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, or a dollop of sour cream, blending thoroughly.
  7. Taste and refine seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor.
  8. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as additional cheese, crisp bacon bits, or fresh herbs for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting flour quantity or adding more broth for a lighter consistency.
  • Enhance dairy-free options by replacing cheese and cream with nutritional yeast and plant-based milk alternatives.
  • Boost nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like carrots or cauliflower during the simmering stage.
  • Minimize lumpy texture by whisking flour thoroughly and adding liquid gradually to prevent clumping.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 258 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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