Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

The Dreamiest Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe Ever Made

Cozy winter nights demand a hearty cheddar broccoli potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

Steaming bowls of creamy goodness promise comfort in every spoonful.

Rich cheese and tender vegetables create a luxurious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Potatoes provide a smooth, velvety base while sharp cheddar adds a tangy punch.

Fresh broccoli brings vibrant color and nutritious crunch to this classic soup.

Each ingredient tells a delicious story of home-style cooking and pure satisfaction.

Pack your ladle and dive into this soul-satisfying recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Your Family Will Love

  • Minimal Prep Magic: Toss ingredients directly into the baking dish without pre-cooking pasta or browning meatballs, saving precious kitchen time and reducing cleanup.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic Italian flavors with cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Eliminates multiple cooking steps by baking everything together, creating a hassle-free meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and dishes to wash.
  • Freezer-Friendly Potential: Easily adaptable for meal prep, allowing you to make extra portions and freeze for quick future meals that can be reheated with the same delicious results.

Ingredients For Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

For the Base:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy fat that helps build the soup's foundation and adds depth of flavor.
  • Onion: A savory vegetable that provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
For the Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that create a thick and satisfying texture in the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the primary cooking liquid for the soup.
  • Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and earthy flavor to the soup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and tangy cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich, creamy element.
For the Finishing and Seasoning:
  • Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and creamy soup consistency.
  • Milk, Cream: Dairy ingredients that contribute to the soup's rich and velvety texture.
  • Bacon, Sour Cream, Salt, Pepper: Toppings and seasonings that add extra layers of flavor and richness.
  • Green Onions: A fresh garnish that provides a mild, oniony crunch and visual appeal.

Stepwise Guide For Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Stepwise Guide For Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet and savory fragrance.

Step 2: Create Thickening Roux

Sprinkle flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a golden roux that will help thicken the soup and provide a rich, nutty undertone.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Elements

Stir in:
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a smooth and luxurious texture that coats each ingredient.

Step 5: Enhance With Flavor Boosters

Fold in:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Sour cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference, balancing the richness with just the right amount of salt and pepper.

Step 6: Prepare For Serving

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Garnish with:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra crispy bacon bits
  • Additional shredded cheese
  • A dollop of sour cream

Serve immediately while hot and wonderfully creamy.

Pro Tips For Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

  • Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother melting and better soup consistency.
  • Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect texture throughout the soup.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the soup from becoming too salty.
  • Thicken soup naturally by partially mashing some potatoes instead of adding extra flour for a more rustic, homemade feel.

Options For Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Fans

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based butter, swap dairy cheese for nutritional yeast, and add cashew cream instead of milk and cream.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, cumin, and top with cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.
  • Hearty Protein Boost: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or ham, add quinoa for extra protein, and include roasted cauliflower for additional texture and nutrition.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Blend in roasted red peppers, sprinkle feta cheese, add fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.

Sides For Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Dinners

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Ladle this creamy soup into large, rustic bowls and place in the center of your dining table. Surround with warm crusty bread slices for dipping and create a comforting family-style meal experience.
  • Hearty Lunch Companion: Pack this soup in a thermos for a warm midday meal at work or school. Pair with a small side salad and whole grain crackers to make a satisfying and nutritious lunch that keeps you full and energized.
  • Gourmet Appetizer Presentation: Serve small portions in elegant shot glasses or mini ceramic bowls as an appetizer at dinner parties. Top with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and chives for an impressive and sophisticated starter that will wow your guests.

Storing Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Easily

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without adding dairy toppings like sour cream or bacon.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit bacon, and use plant-based cheese and cream alternatives.

  • Is this soup healthy?

While delicious, it’s a rich, calorie-dense dish. You can lighten it by using low-fat dairy and reducing cheese quantity.

  • How do I prevent the soup from becoming lumpy?

Whisk flour thoroughly when adding to butter and gradually add liquids while continuously stirring to maintain smooth consistency.

  • Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but dairy-based soups might separate slightly when thawed. Reheat gently and stir well to restore original texture.

Print
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Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

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

Description

Hearty cheddar broccoli potato soup delivers comfort in each spoonful, blending creamy textures with rich flavors. Warm kitchen gatherings become memorable when you savor this soul-satisfying dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup green onions
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Optional: diced ham
  • Optional: cayenne pepper
  • Optional: hot sauce
  • Optional: cream cheese
  • Optional: leeks
  • Optional: carrots
  • Optional: celery
  • Optional: broccoli

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium warmth, gently sweating onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Dust flour across the aromatic vegetable mixture, continuously stirring to create a smooth roux and prevent burning, cooking for roughly 2 minutes.
  3. Pour chicken broth incrementally while whisking, ensuring no lumps form, then introduce diced potatoes and allow the liquid to simmer until tubers become tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Lower heat and incorporate milk and heavy cream, stirring consistently to prevent scorching, then gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the liquid base.
  5. Introduce crispy bacon fragments, dollop sour cream, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed for balanced flavor profile.
  6. Transfer steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with chopped green onions, optional extra cheese shreds, additional bacon crumbles, or a complementary dollop of sour cream for enhanced visual appeal and texture.

Notes

  • Prevent cheese from clumping by gradually adding shredded cheese at lower temperatures and stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Enhance flavor depth by roasting broccoli before adding to the soup, which caramelizes natural sugars and adds a nutty, rich dimension.
  • Make soup gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or potato starch, maintaining the same thickening properties.
  • Boost nutritional value by using low-fat milk and reducing cream, creating a lighter version without sacrificing taste and maintaining creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 440 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 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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