Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Nothing beats a big bowl of this hearty soup on a chilly evening—it’s like a hug in a bowl!

What makes this soup so special is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. You can whip it up in no time, and everyone will love it! Whether you’re serving it as a light dinner or pairing it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy goodness and vibrant colors of broccoli!
• Make Ahead: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to prepare in advance.
• Nourishing Ingredients: Packed with veggies and cheese, it’s not only comforting but also nutritious.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or served alongside sandwiches or salads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is easy and fun! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store. These are simple, wholesome ingredients that bring all the flavors together beautifully.

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

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Make It Creamier: Substitute half-and-half for the milk if you want an even richer texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if you like a little kick.
• Cheese Swap: Try different types of cheese like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.

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, add the diced onions and sauté until they begin to soften—about 3 minutes. This step is key because it builds a flavorful base for your soup!

Step 2: Cook the Carrots

Next, add the diced carrots along with salt and pepper. Cook them together for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. The sweetness of the carrots complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Now it’s time to introduce garlic! Stir in three minced cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step adds incredible depth to your soup—garlic always brings out those comforting aromas!

Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Stock

Add in your chopped potatoes along with four cups of chicken stock. Cover everything up and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble away for about ten minutes, which helps soften those potatoes just right.

Step 5: Incorporate Broccoli

After ten minutes, toss in your broccoli florets. Continue simmering until both broccoli and potatoes are tender—this should take another ten minutes or so. You want everything fork-tender so that each bite has that lovely creaminess!

Step 6: Thicken with Cornstarch Mixture

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with one cup of milk until smooth. Then pour this mixture into your hot soup while stirring continuously. This will help thicken your soup without any lumps—smoothness is key here!

Step 7: Melt in Cheese

Finally, stir in one and a half cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. The cheese ties everything together, creating that luscious texture we all crave in a good soup!

Step 8: Serve Up Your Soup

Now it’s time to serve! Ladle your warm Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup into bowls and enjoy every comforting spoonful. You might even want some crusty bread on the side—it’s perfect for dipping!

Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Making this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a breeze, but a few pro tips can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and potatoes not only provide better flavor but also enhance the nutritional content of your soup.
• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cornstarch mixed with milk. For a thinner consistency, simply add more chicken stock until you reach your desired texture.
• Experiment with cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a unique twist on flavor and creaminess.
• Blend it up: For an ultra-smooth soup, blend the soup after cooking until smooth and creamy before adding in the cheese. This will give it a velvety texture that’s irresistible!
• Make it ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Serving your Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: These add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the rich soup beautifully.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide an excellent crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese on top just before serving makes for an appealing look and adds even more cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: The warm, buttery flavors of garlic bread pair perfectly with the creamy soup, making for a comforting meal.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup while adding freshness to your meal.
• Vegetable sticks with hummus: Crunchy veggies served with hummus offer a healthy option that complements the creamy texture of the soup nicely.
• Quinoa salad: This nutritious side brings a nutty flavor and additional protein, rounding out your meal without overpowering the star dish.

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delightful Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste amazing, but it also stores well, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.

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.
• Consider dividing into single servings for easy grab-and-go meals.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down and pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
• For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as above or use a microwave.
• Stir well during reheating and add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our delicious Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe!

Can I make this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk along with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will still be fantastic!

What can I do if my Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is too thick?

If your soup turns out thicker than you like, simply stir in more vegetable broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. It’s an easy fix!

How long does this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this soup will remain fresh for about 3-4 days. Perfect for meal prep!

Can I add other vegetables to this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or even some corn. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s sure to bring comfort to your table. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dish as much as I do. Share it with family and friends, and create wonderful memories together around your dining table. Happy cooking!