If you are searching for a soul-soothing, creamy, and delightfully cheesy bowl to warm you up on a chilly day, this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender broccoli, fluffy potatoes, and layers of rich cheddar cheese, this soup offers a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition in every spoonful. It’s incredibly satisfying whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served to guests craving something homemade and hearty. Once you try this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite go-to for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a luxurious texture and vibrant flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy, and fresh tastes.
- Butter: For sautéing onions and garlic, adding a rich base flavor.
- Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and bright color.
- Garlic: Infuses warmth and a hint of spice.
- Chicken stock (or vegetable broth): The flavorful liquid foundation that brings everything together.
- Potatoes: Create a creamy, hearty body for the soup.
- Broccoli florets: The star vegetable, delivering freshness and a pleasing texture.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the soup to perfect velvety consistency.
- Milk: Enriches the soup with creaminess and smoothness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into luscious cheesiness, making this soup irresistible.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor note.
- Optional garnishes: Bacon crumbles, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for extra zing.
How to Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Base
Start by melting butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add chopped carrots with a pinch of salt and pepper to draw out their natural sweetness and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take just about a minute. This flavorful base will make your soup aromatic and deeply satisfying.
Step 2: Simmer Potatoes
Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This step is crucial for creating the creamy texture that makes this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe so smooth and comforting.
Step 3: Add Broccoli
Stir in the broccoli florets, either fresh or frozen. Let the soup continue simmering for 5 to 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp. This keeps the soup balanced, with fresh vegetable flavor complementing the creamy potatoes.
Step 4: Thicken with Cornstarch
Mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then slowly stir it into your simmering soup. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the soup thickens to a luscious, velvety consistency. This step ensures your soup coats the spoon beautifully without being too thin.
Step 5: Add Milk and Cheese
Pour in the milk to enrich the soup’s creaminess. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously to help it melt evenly throughout the soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Your soup will now be wonderfully cheesy and comforting, the hallmark of this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon crumbles if you like. If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle on red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce for an exciting twist. This final touch brings additional personality to your plate.
How to Serve Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can transform your soup from delicious to unforgettable. Try crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky crunch, extra sharp cheddar cheese for ooey-gooey melty goodness, or fresh herbs like chives for a pop of green freshness. A dusting of red pepper flakes adds just the right kick for those who love some heat with their comfort food.
Side Dishes
This soup truly shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad provides a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving. The bread is perfect for sopping up every last cheesy bite, while a crisp salad offers refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to impress guests with edible containers. If you’re hosting a casual party, set up a toppings bar with options like crispy bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and hot sauce. Presentation really brings home the warm and inviting spirit of this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and store in the fridge. It should keep well for up to 3 to 4 days. Before reheating, give it a good stir since ingredients may settle during storage.
Freezing
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. For best flavor, enjoy frozen soup within 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating or sticking to the pan. Add a splash of milk if it has thickened too much. Avoid boiling once cheese is incorporated to keep the soup perfectly creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to keep the soup vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor. The cheese and vegetables provide plenty of richness on their own.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine in this recipe and can be even more convenient. Just add it straight to the pot during step 3 without thawing beforehand.
What kind of cheese is best for this soup?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its bold flavor and smooth melting quality. You can experiment with a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a different twist.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The soup remains delicious and hearty with these swaps.
How thick should the soup be?
The perfect texture is creamy with enough body to coat your spoon but not overly thick or gloopy. The cornstarch slurry helps achieve this balance, but feel free to adjust the amount slightly to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade soup that warms the heart and belly alike, and this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe delivers exactly that feeling. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to share with friends, this recipe is certain to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of cheesy goodness that feels like a hug in a bowl!
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Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar melted into a creamy broth. This hearty soup combines sautéed aromatics with simmered vegetables and cheese, perfect for warming up on chilly days or serving as a satisfying meal any time.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups milk (whole or your preference)
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Optional Garnishes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Bacon crumbles, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce (for garnish or extra flavor)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in chopped carrots with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Simmer Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the stockpot and pour in chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes until the broccoli is soft and cooked through.
- Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this slurry into the simmering soup and allow it to cook for a few more minutes, thickening the consistency.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in the milk gradually and then add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese little by little, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and integrated into the soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese or bacon crumbles if desired. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian.
- For a creamier version, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk.
- Adding bacon crumbles provides a smoky flavor but can be omitted for a vegetarian option.
- You can prepare this soup in advance; reheat gently and stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
- If using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw before adding to the soup.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less of the cornstarch slurry depending on your preference.
