Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms your soul and satisfies your taste buds, look no further! This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make. Packed with wholesome ingredients like potatoes, broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this soup brings everyone together around the table.

What truly makes this recipe special is its simplicity and heartiness. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Plus, the kids love it! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen little ones happily slurping up their bowls. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely adore making this soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 40 minutes, you can have a pot of delicious soup ready to go!
• Family-friendly: With its cheesy goodness and vibrant colors, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Flexible ingredients: You can easily adapt it based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.
• Comforting flavors: The combination of broccoli and cheese is simply irresistible, creating a cozy bowl of bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is simple and straightforward. You likely already have many of these wholesome items in your pantry or fridge. Let’s take a look at what you need:

For the Soup Base

• 1-2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken stock
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 cup milk

For the Vegetables

• 2 large potatoes (peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes)
• 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

For Flavor

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative based on what you enjoy or have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add some spice: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Mix in some greens: Spinach or kale can be added for extra nutrition and color.
• Creamier texture: Substitute the milk with heavy cream for an ultra-rich version.
• Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese for a delicious dairy-free option.

How to Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt one to two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, sauté the diced onion until it softens—this should take about 3 minutes. This step is key as sautéing brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Seasonings

Next, toss in your diced carrots along with salt and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften too. The combination of flavors here is delightful!

Step 3: Stir in Garlic

Now add minced garlic and sauté everything together while stirring for about 30 seconds. This step enhances the aroma and flavor profile of your soup beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer with Potatoes

Add your chopped potatoes and pour in the chicken stock. Cover everything up and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for about ten minutes; this allows the potatoes to cook through while soaking up all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate Broccoli

After ten minutes, add in your broccoli florets. Continue simmering until both broccoli and potatoes are tender—this should take another ten minutes. You want those potatoes fork-tender so they blend perfectly into the soup.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into milk until smooth. Then stir this mixture into your hot soup. This will thicken it up nicely without any animal-derived gelatin.

Step 7: Cheese It Up!

Finally, sprinkle in that shredded sharp cheddar cheese! Stir until it’s all melted and smooth. The result? A creamy explosion of cheesy goodness that will make your heart sing!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle your Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy every spoonful with loved ones—it’s perfect with crusty bread or on its own!

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites as much as it has mine! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Making this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you make it even better!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and potatoes enhance the flavor and texture of the soup, making it more vibrant and delicious.

• Adjust the cheese: If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to use medium cheddar or even a blend of cheeses. This allows you to customize the richness of the soup.

• Blend for creaminess: For an ultra-smooth texture, consider blending half of the soup before adding the cheese. This adds creaminess without needing extra dairy.

• Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a little kick that balances the cheesy flavors.

• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

How to Serve Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Serving this soup can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can transform a simple bowl into something special.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: Fresh chives can add a mild onion flavor and a lovely pop of color on top.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top right before serving adds visual appeal and enhances cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

• Grilled cheese sandwiches: The classic combination! Crispy bread with melted cheese complements the creamy soup perfectly.
• Garden salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Garlic bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is not only delicious but also perfect for dipping into your warm bowl of soup.
• Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables brings additional nutrients and flavors that pair well with this comforting dish.

Enjoy your hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup accompanied by these suggestions for a cozy meal that warms both heart and soul!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for a quick, delicious meal later in the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious soup recipe!

Can I use frozen broccoli in the Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe. Just add it directly to the pot during cooking; there’s no need to thaw it first.

What cheese works best for this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its rich flavor. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for different tastes!

How can I make this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe vegan?

You can substitute the butter with plant-based butter, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and replace dairy milk with almond milk or any preferred non-dairy alternative.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

Yes! You can reduce the amount of cheese used or substitute reduced-fat cheese. Additionally, using skim milk instead of whole milk will help lower calorie content.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a comforting dish; it’s also a wonderful way to enjoy nutritious ingredients while bringing warmth into your home. Feel free to get creative with your toppings or sides as you serve this dish. Enjoy every spoonful—happy cooking!