Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Cozy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Creamy broccoli potato cheese soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with its rich, comforting embrace.

Aromatic vegetables mingle seamlessly with smooth, melted cheese and tender potatoes.

Hearty ingredients promise a satisfying meal that fills empty stomachs and warms cold hands.

Fresh broccoli adds vibrant green color and nutritious crunch to every spoonful.

Layers of flavor unfold as each ingredient contributes its unique character to the delightful blend.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly simple to prepare, this soup becomes a quick favorite for busy households.

Let’s whip up this delicious comfort in a bowl and savor every delectable bite.

Why Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Is a Family Favorite

  • Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a heartwarming soup that hugs your taste buds with creamy, cheesy goodness and nutritious vegetables.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delightful soup in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected hunger pangs.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors and hidden vegetables, this recipe transforms a classic soup into a nutritious meal everyone will love.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for different dietary needs, this soup can be easily modified with vegetarian or gluten-free alternatives while maintaining its rich, satisfying taste.

Ingredients for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Broccoli: A green vegetable packed with nutrients that adds a fresh and slightly earthy flavor to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide a creamy texture and help thicken the soup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and tangy cheese that melts beautifully and gives the soup a rich, comforting taste.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base flavor that adds depth to the soup.
Liquid and Thickening Agents:
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid base for the soup and adds additional flavor.
  • Milk, Flour: Work together to create a smooth, creamy texture and help thicken the soup.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the soup.
Additional Ingredient:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics at the beginning of the cooking process.

How to Cook Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Step 1: Butter Up the Pot

Heat a large pot over medium flame and melt butter. Toss in diced onions and cook until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and let it sizzle for about a minute, filling your kitchen with a delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Veggie Foundation

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Broccoli florets
  • Vegetable broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the vegetables become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Create a Silky Thickener

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and milk until completely smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into the soup, stirring continuously to prevent any lumpy surprises.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Cook the soup until it reaches a creamy consistency. Slowly stir in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a rich, velvety texture.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve alongside a slice of crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Tips for Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup

  • Swap white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutrient-packed twist and added natural sweetness.
  • Choose low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to make the soup lighter and suitable for different dietary needs.
  • Enhance flavor by roasting broccoli and onions before adding to the soup for deeper, caramelized notes.
  • Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by reducing heat and adding cheese gradually while stirring constantly.
  • Boost protein content by stirring in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits just before serving for extra texture and flavor.

Variations to Try with Broccoli Potato Soup

  • Vegan Comfort Soup: Replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, swap cheddar for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, and add cashew cream for richness.
  • Low-Carb Green Cauliflower Edition: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, use heavy cream instead of milk, and add extra sharp cheese for depth.
  • Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Use cornstarch instead of flour, select gluten-free vegetable broth, and incorporate roasted garlic for enhanced flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Alpine Style: Include diced ham or chicken, sprinkle Swiss cheese instead of cheddar, and garnish with crispy bacon bits for extra protein boost.

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep ceramic mugs for a warm, inviting presentation that feels like a hug in a bowl.
  • Bread Dipper Delight: Serve alongside crispy garlic toast or sourdough slices, perfect for soaking up every creamy spoonful of cheesy goodness.
  • Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives on top to add crunch and extra flavor layers that make each bite exciting.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Pair with a light mixed green salad to balance the richness of the soup and create a complete, satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

Best Storage Practices for Broccoli Potato Soup

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before storing.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat on stovetop by warming over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture. Add a splash of milk or broth if soup seems too thick.

FAQs

  • Is this soup vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth and contains no meat ingredients, making it a vegetarian-friendly dish.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly and can save you prep time. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the soup.

  • What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar or a cheese blend for variety. Avoid soft cheeses that might not melt smoothly.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Replace whole milk with low-fat milk, use less cheese, or add extra vegetables like cauliflower to increase nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat flour for added fiber.

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Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy broccoli potato cheese soup blends hearty vegetables with rich, comforting flavors. Cheese and herbs meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Thickening Agents and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat (around 350°F). Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
  3. Introduce diced potatoes and broccoli florets into the pot. Pour vegetable broth over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely submerged.
  4. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing vegetables to simmer until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes.
  5. Create a smooth slurry by whisking flour and milk in a separate bowl until completely integrated and free of lumps.
  6. Gradually stream the flour mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and promote even thickening.
  7. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the soup reaches a creamy consistency, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
  8. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
  9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  10. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately alongside crusty artisan bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Keep stirring the flour and milk mixture slowly to prevent clumping and create a silky smooth base.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Consider roasting broccoli and potatoes briefly before adding to the soup for deeper, more caramelized taste profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 295 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 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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