Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Cozy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Creamy broccoli potato cheese soup warms hearts on chilly evenings like a cozy blanket of comfort.

Cold weather calls for something hearty and delicious that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas.

Nutritious ingredients blend together to create a velvety smooth experience that satisfies deep hunger.

Chunks of tender vegetables mingle with rich, melted cheese for a delightful texture adventure.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.

Robust flavors promise to delight everyone around the table, from picky children to adventurous adult palates.

Let’s dive into this simple yet spectacular soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Flavor Variations for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for olive oil. Add cashew cream for extra richness.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use cornstarch instead of flour, ensure vegetable broth is gluten-free, and choose gluten-free cheese varieties.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture and flavor.
  • Spicy Mexican-Inspired Version: Add jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, include cumin and chili powder for a zesty kick to the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep ceramic mugs for a rustic, homey feel that warms you from the inside out.
  • Bread Companion Platter: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread slices, perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness.
  • Gourmet Topping Bar: Offer crispy bacon bits, green onion slices, extra cheese shreds, and croutons so everyone can customize their bowl with personal flavor touches.
  • Elegant Dinner Starter: Present in small appetizer portions with a delicate herb garnish for an impressive first course at a dinner party.

Storage Guidelines for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep the soup in a sealed container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Cool the soup completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top, and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just add them directly to the soup and adjust cooking time slightly, as they’re already partially cooked.

  • Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup without gluten.

  • What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar is classic, but you can also use sharp cheddar for more flavor, or experiment with gouda, monterey jack, or a cheese blend for variety.

  • How can I add more protein to this soup?

Consider stirring in cooked, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, or adding a can of drained white beans to boost the protein content.

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Overview

  • Quick Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warmth, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack your family's diet with vegetables and protein, creating a balanced dish that's both delicious and healthy without multiple cooking steps.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love this creamy, cheesy soup that transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying meal everyone can enjoy together.
  • Simple Cooking, Maximum Flavor: Master this recipe with basic kitchen skills, requiring minimal prep and cooking techniques that even beginner cooks can confidently handle.

Ingredients for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides a hearty texture and nutritional boost to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy root vegetable that creates a creamy and thick base for the soup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese that melts smoothly and adds rich, tangy flavor.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onions: Aromatic vegetable that builds a foundational flavor for the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
  • Milk or Cream: Dairy ingredient that contributes to the soup's creamy and silky texture.
Seasonings and Thickeners:
  • Butter: Rich dairy product that helps sauté vegetables and adds a smooth flavor.
  • Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and consistent soup texture.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall flavor profile.

How to Cook Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Onions in Butter

Grab a big pot and melt butter over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook them until they turn soft and glassy, releasing their sweet aroma.

  • Butter
  • Onions

Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Create a Silky Base

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and stir quickly.

Let the flour cook for about a minute to remove the raw taste and create a smooth foundation for your soup.

  • Flour

Stir continuously to prevent any clumping.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Gold

Slowly stream vegetable broth into the pot, whisking constantly to ensure a perfectly smooth texture without any pesky lumps.

  • Vegetable broth

Keep stirring to blend everything seamlessly.

Step 4: Simmer the Potatoes

Drop in the chopped potatoes and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer gently for 10 minutes until they start to soften.

  • Potatoes

The potatoes should be tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Add Broccoli Brilliance

Toss in the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.

The vegetables should become tender and vibrant green.

  • Broccoli florets

Ensure the vegetables are cooked but still retain their bright color and texture.

Step 6: Cream and Cheese Magic

Pour in milk or cream and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxuriously creamy soup.

  • Milk or cream
  • Cheddar cheese

Stir until the cheese is fully incorporated and the soup looks smooth and inviting.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.

Give it a final stir and ladle into warm bowls.

  • Salt
  • Pepper

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Tips for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Swap vegetable broth with chicken stock for a richer flavor profile if preferred.
  • Use low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives to make the soup lighter and more diet-friendly.
  • Chop broccoli into smaller pieces for faster cooking and more even texture throughout the soup.
  • Consider blending half the soup for a creamier consistency while keeping some vegetable chunks for added texture.
  • Garnish with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese to elevate the soup's presentation and taste.
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Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting broccoli potato cheese soup brings hearty warmth to winter dinners. Creamy Wisconsin cheddar and tender vegetables create a nourishing meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, diced

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Thickening Agents:

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

Instructions

  1. Warm a generously-sized cooking vessel over medium heat and melt butter until it shimmers, creating a golden base for the aromatic foundation.
  2. Gently introduce diced onions, allowing them to become translucent and release their delicate fragrance, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour across the softened onions, stirring vigorously to create a silky roux that will thicken the soup’s luxurious texture.
  4. Slowly cascade vegetable broth into the mixture, whisking continuously to prevent any unwelcome clumping and ensure a smooth consistency.
  5. Introduce diced potatoes to the liquid, elevating the temperature until the mixture reaches a robust boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the potatoes to tenderize.
  6. Gently fold in vibrant broccoli florets, continuing to simmer for an additional 10 minutes until both vegetables reach a perfect tender-crisp state.
  7. Pour in milk or cream, creating a rich and velvety foundation, then gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into a seamless, creamy embrace.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  9. Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, serving immediately to capture its peak warmth and comfort.

Notes

  • Sauté onions slowly to develop a rich, sweet flavor without burning, which can make the soup taste bitter.
  • Whisk flour thoroughly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, velvety base for the soup.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet for a creamier texture and better thickening of the soup.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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