Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Simple Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Cold winter nights call for a creamy cheddar broccoli potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl filled with velvety textures and rich flavors.

Sharp cheese melts beautifully into tender vegetables, creating a hearty blend.

Potatoes provide a smooth, comforting base that anchors every spoonful.

broccoli adds a gentle crunch and nutritious green color to this classic recipe.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly to craft a soul-satisfying meal.

Grab your favorite soup pot and start cooking – deliciousness awaits you.

FAQs

  • Is this soup healthy?

While creamy, it contains nutritious vegetables like broccoli and potatoes packed with vitamins and minerals. The soup provides good protein from cheese and offers a balanced meal.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth and replace dairy cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives to create a vegetarian version.

  • How can I make the soup thicker?

Use less liquid or add extra flour during the roux stage to create a thicker, more substantial soup consistency. You can also blend some potatoes to naturally increase thickness.

  • What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but mild cheddar or a cheese blend like monterey jack and cheddar also work wonderfully in this recipe.

Why Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Is a Crowd 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 under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and satisfying.
  • Nutritious Family Pleaser: Packed with potatoes, broccoli, and protein-rich cheese, this recipe sneaks healthy ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults will love.
  • Flexible Flavor Adventure: Easily customize the soup by swapping vegetables, adjusting cheese types, or adding extra toppings like crispy bacon or green onions to match your mood and pantry.

Ingredients for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide a hearty base and creamy texture to the soup.
  • Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color, flavor, and health benefits to the dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and gives the soup its rich, tangy flavor.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory foundation for the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and additional flavor to the soup.
Thickening and Creamy Ingredients:
  • Butter, Flour: Ingredients that create a roux to thicken the soup and provide a smooth consistency.
  • Milk or Cream: Dairy component that adds richness and creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Grab a large pot and melt butter over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

  • Butter
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Step 2: Create a Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.

This builds a rich foundation for your soup. Slowly pour in vegetable broth, whisking steadily to prevent any lumpy surprises.

  • Flour
  • Vegetable broth

Step 3: Introduce Hearty Potatoes

Drop diced potatoes into the bubbling broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Let the potatoes become tender and soft, about 10-15 minutes.

  • Potatoes

Step 4: Add Green Goodness

Fold in fresh broccoli florets and let them cook until they’re vibrant and tender, roughly 5-7 minutes.

The vegetables should be perfectly cooked but still maintain a slight crunch.

  • Broccoli

Step 5: Blend in Creamy Richness

Pour in milk or cream, creating a luxurious base.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely, transforming the soup into a smooth, velvety delight.

  • Milk or cream
  • Cheddar cheese

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

Give the soup a final stir and ladle into warm bowls. Serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cheddar Broccoli Soup

  • Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Shred fresh cheddar cheese directly from a block for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Lower heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for deeper flavor, or use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Let soup simmer gently to develop deeper flavors and prevent scorching at the bottom of the pot.

Variations to Enjoy with Cheddar Broccoli Soup

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk/cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative that maintains creamy texture and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make the soup safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Add cooked chicken or bacon bits for extra protein and a hearty meal option.

Serving Suggestions for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep ceramic mugs or rustic bowls for a homey, comforting presentation that warms from the inside out.
  • Bread Dunking Delight: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread slices, perfect for soaking up the creamy, cheesy goodness and adding extra texture.
  • Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or extra shredded cheddar on top to add crunch, freshness, and an extra flavor punch that makes each spoonful exciting.
  • Hearty Lunch Companion: Pair with a simple mixed green salad to create a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides a light, refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Best Storage Tips for Cheddar Broccoli Soup

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavor and texture intact.
  • Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain quality.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
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Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

Description

Creamy cheddar broccoli potato soup blends hearty ingredients into a comforting classic. Cheese and vegetables mingle perfectly, offering a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Aromatics and Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 1 1/2 cups milk or cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing onions until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly, releasing its aromatic essence.
  2. Sprinkle flour into the mixture, stirring continuously to create a roux. Toast the flour for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste, then gradually incorporate vegetable broth, whisking smoothly to prevent lumps.
  3. Add diced potatoes to the liquid base, increasing heat to establish a rolling boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing potatoes to tenderize for 10-15 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
  4. Introduce broccoli florets into the simmering soup, cooking for 5-7 minutes until vegetables reach perfect tenderness while maintaining vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
  5. Pour in milk or cream, creating a luxurious foundation. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring consistently until completely melted and integrated, producing a silky, uniform texture.
  6. Calibrate flavor profile with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed. Ladle into warm bowls, serving immediately while soup maintains optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

  • Make sure to dice onions and potatoes uniformly for consistent cooking and texture throughout the soup.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer flavor profile.
  • Consider using low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content, allowing more precise seasoning at the end.
  • Swap whole milk with lighter alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lower-calorie version that still maintains creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 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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