Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Chilly evenings call for warm, comforting bowls of this creamy cheddar broccoli potato soup that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty vegetables blend seamlessly with rich, melted cheese for a soul-warming experience.

Sharp cheddar adds a tangy depth to the velvety base, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Fresh broccoli florets provide a vibrant green contrast against the golden, smooth soup.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of creamy potatoes and sharp cheese notes.

Loaded with nutrients and packed with incredible taste, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Plating Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup with Flair

  • Cozy Bread Companions: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread slices for dipping into the creamy soup.
  • Hearty Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or toasted sunflower seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Salad Side Kick: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy soup.
  • Comfort Bowl Styling: Ladle the soup into deep ceramic bowls and add a swirl of sour cream or fresh chives for an elegant touch.

Soup Storage for Busy Weeknight Reheating

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups as they might separate.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup is steaming hot but not boiling.

FAQs

  • Is this soup healthy?

While comforting, the soup contains cheese and cream which adds calories. However, broccoli provides excellent nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a balanced meal with nutritional benefits.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based milk. The recipe remains creamy and delicious with these simple substitutions.

  • How can I make the soup thicker?

To increase thickness, you can add extra potato while cooking, use less liquid, or create a roux with flour before adding broth. Alternatively, let the soup simmer longer to naturally reduce and thicken.

Broccoli and Potato Soup – Hearty, Cheesy, and Bright

  • Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This hearty soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a satisfying meal.
  • Customize with Ease: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheese varieties, adding protein like bacon or chicken, or making it vegetarian-friendly for different dietary preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Nutrition Boost: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup sneaks healthy broccoli and potatoes into a creamy, cheesy dish that kids and adults will love equally.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a single pot preparation that minimizes cleanup and maximizes convenience for weeknight dinners or lazy weekend meals.

The Essentials for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Broccoli: A green vegetable that adds nutritional value and hearty texture to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide thickness and a creamy base for the soup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts smoothly and adds rich, tangy flavor.
Aromatic Base:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that create a deep, savory foundation for the soup.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Broth: Provides the liquid base that helps cook the vegetables and develop flavor.
  • Milk or Cream: Adds smoothness and helps create a luxurious, velvety texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the soup.
Additional Components:
  • Butter: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds richness to the soup.
  • Croutons, Extra Cheese: Optional garnishes that can add crunch and extra flavor when serving.

How to Prepare Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Place a large pot on the stove and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring and cooking until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 2: Build the Vegetable Foundation

Add fresh broccoli florets and chunky potato pieces into the pot.

Pour in rich, flavorful broth and increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Lower the heat and let the soup gently simmer.

Allow the vegetables to become perfectly tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Create Smooth Perfection

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky, creamy consistency.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender in small batches, blending until completely smooth.

Step 5: Enrich with Cheesy Goodness

Introduce shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring until it melts completely.

Pour in milk or cream to enhance the richness.

Season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

For extra indulgence, sprinkle additional cheese on top or add crunchy croutons as a delightful garnish.

Tips for Velvety, Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup

  • Gradually add shredded cheddar and stir constantly to ensure smooth, creamy melting without clumping.
  • Keep some broccoli florets whole before blending to add texture and maintain vegetable nutrients.
  • Adjust liquid volume by adding more broth or milk to reach desired thickness without compromising flavor.
  • Roast broccoli and potatoes briefly before adding to the pot to develop richer, deeper taste profiles.
  • Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a lighter, lactose-free version of the soup.

Cheddar Broccoli Soup Variations Worth Trying

  • Vegan Veggie Blast: Replace cheddar with nutritional yeast, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for olive oil to create a dairy-free version packed with nutrients.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, warming soup that tingles taste buds.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining a creamy, satisfying texture.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Mix in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to transform the soup into a heartier, protein-rich meal for muscle builders and active individuals.
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Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

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

Description

Creamy cheddar broccoli potato soup blends hearty comfort with rich, cheesy goodness. Warm spoons of this soul-satisfying recipe invite you to savor a delightful blend of tender vegetables and smooth, velvety texture.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Warm butter in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, gently sweating onion and garlic until translucent and aromatic.
  2. Introduce broccoli segments and cubed potatoes into the pot, cascading broth over the vegetables and elevating heat to trigger boiling.
  3. Transition to gentle simmering, allowing vegetables to tenderize thoroughly for approximately 15-20 minutes, ensuring potatoes become fork-soft.
  4. Transform soup’s texture using an immersion blender, creating a velvety consistency by pureeing directly in the pot, or carefully transfer to a standard blender for processing.
  5. Incorporate sharp cheddar gradually, stirring until completely dissolved and integrated, then blend in milk or cream for luxurious richness.
  6. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  7. Ladle into warm serving bowls, optionally adorning with additional cheese shreds or crisp croutons for textural contrast and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Choose firm, fresh broccoli with bright green color for the best flavor and nutrition boost.
  • Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the soup’s rich, tangy profile and create deeper taste complexity.
  • Cut potatoes and broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Swap whole milk with lighter alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lower-calorie, dairy-free version that still maintains creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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