Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup Recipe

The Coziest Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup Recipe For Cold Days

Creamy broccoli cheese and potato soup whispers comfort on chilly afternoons, inviting warmth into your kitchen.

Memories of grandmother’s cooking drift through steamy bowls filled with hearty ingredients.

Smooth textures blend perfectly with sharp cheddar’s tangy notes.

Robust vegetables mingle delightfully in this classic American recipe.

Nutritious greens swim alongside tender potato chunks, creating a satisfying meal.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Savor each spoonful and let this soup become your new cold-weather companion.

FAQs For Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup

  • Why is it important to wash and chop vegetables uniformly?

Uniform chopping ensures even cooking, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked, and creates a consistent texture in every spoonful of soup.

  • How does creating a roux help the soup?

The roux made from flour and butter helps thicken the soup, provides a smooth base, prevents lumpy texture, and adds a rich, slightly nutty flavor to the overall dish.

  • Why add heavy cream at the end of cooking?

Adding heavy cream at the end prevents curdling, maintains a smooth and velvety texture, and helps create a luxurious, rich finish to the soup without compromising the cream’s delicate composition.

What Makes Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup A Favorite

  • Create Comfort in a Bowl: This broccoli and potato soup delivers pure warmth with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, perfect for soothing souls on any day.
  • Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Learn simple steps like making a roux, sautéing vegetables, and blending flavors that elevate your culinary skills without complicated methods.
  • Nutrition-Packed Meal Solution: Packed with vegetables, protein from cheese, and essential nutrients, this soup provides a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals while tasting delicious.
  • Customize Your Culinary Experience: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding protein like bacon bits, or making it vegetarian with vegetable broth, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.

Ingredients In Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Broccoli: A nutrient-packed green vegetable that adds vibrant color and earthy flavor to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide a creamy texture and hearty base for the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup's savory profile.
  • Milk: Adds smoothness and helps create a rich, creamy consistency.
For the Dairy and Cheese:
  • Butter: Creates a golden base for sautéing and adds depth of flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and velvety texture to the soup.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a deep, tangy flavor and smooth melting quality.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Onions: Aromatic vegetables that build a savory foundation for the soup.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
For the Thickener:
  • Flour: Helps create a smooth roux and thickens the soup without forming lumps.

Steps To Make Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup

Step 1: Clean and Chop Veggies

Rinse broccoli and potatoes under cool running water. Using a sharp knife, cut the vegetables into bite-sized chunks that are roughly the same size. This ensures everything cooks evenly and looks appetizing when served.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Warm a large pot over medium heat. Drop in butter and let it melt completely, creating a golden foundation for building deep soup flavors. Swirl the butter around to coat the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add to the melted butter:
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced onions

Stir these ingredients frequently, allowing them to become soft and translucent. Their aroma will start to fill your kitchen with a delicious scent.

Step 4: Build Soup Thickener

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables. Whisk continuously to create a smooth mixture that will help thicken the soup and prevent any lumpy textures.

Step 5: Pour in Liquid Components

Slowly add to the pot:
  • Chicken broth
  • Milk

Stir constantly while pouring to ensure a silky smooth consistency develops without any unwanted clumps.

Step 6: Cook Potato Pieces

Drop potato chunks into the simmering liquid. Let them cook for 10-12 minutes until they become tender and start to break down slightly, releasing their starchy goodness into the soup.

Step 7: Add Broccoli Florets

Toss broccoli into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the florets turn bright green and become just tender. They should maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.

Step 8: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Taste and adjust seasonings to create a well-balanced flavor profile that makes your taste buds dance.

Step 9: Stir in Cream

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently to create a luxurious, velvety texture that makes the soup feel rich and indulgent.

Step 10: Melt Cheese

Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese completely melts and blends into the soup, creating a tangy and creamy final touch.

Step 11: Rest and Settle

Remove the pot from heat. Let the soup sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and the temperature to stabilize.

Step 12: Serve with Flair

Ladle the soup into warm bowls. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional cheese or fresh herbs on top to make your dish look as amazing as it tastes.

Cooking Tips For Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup

  • Wash Vegetables Thoroughly: Clean broccoli and potatoes meticulously to remove dirt and potential contaminants, ensuring food safety and pure flavor.
  • Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat when sautéing butter, garlic, and onions to prevent burning and develop rich, deep flavors without scorching.
  • Whisk Roux Smoothly: Continuously whisk flour into sautéed vegetables to create a lump-free base, which guarantees a silky-smooth soup texture and prevents clumping.
  • Preserve Broccoli Brightness: Cook broccoli florets briefly to maintain their vibrant green color and retain maximum nutritional value, avoiding overcooking that leads to dull, mushy vegetables.
  • Blend Cheese Gradually: Add shredded cheddar slowly and stir consistently to achieve a perfectly melted, smooth consistency without separating or becoming grainy.

Recipe Variations For Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup

  • Vegetarian Broccoli Potato Chowder: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter. Swap cheddar cheese for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to create a dairy-free, meat-free version.
  • Spicy Southwest Chowder: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder during sautéing. Incorporate roasted corn and top with crispy tortilla strips for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Soup: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Select gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
  • Lean Protein Boost: Mix in cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham during the final stages of cooking. This adds protein and creates a heartier, more substantial meal option.

Sides That Complement Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup

  • Savor Complementary Flavor Companions: Broccoli Cheddar Soup Pairings
  • Crusty Artisan Bread: Rustic sourdough or French baguette slices perfectly complement the creamy soup's texture, offering a delightful crunch and helping soak up every delicious spoonful.
  • Crisp Green Salad: Light mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy soup, balancing the meal's heaviness and adding nutritional variety.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay or unoaked white wine that cuts through the soup's creaminess while enhancing its subtle cheese and vegetable notes.

Storing Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup Properly

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups as cream may separate upon thawing.
  • Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
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Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy broccoli cheese and potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending hearty vegetables with rich, melted cheese. Warm spoons of this classic recipe invite you to savor each delightful, velvety bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 heads broccoli
  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquid:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables by thoroughly washing broccoli and potatoes, then chop them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  2. In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat, creating a golden base for sautéing aromatics until they become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and diced onions to the melted butter, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop a rich, savory foundation for the soup.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux that will help thicken the soup and prevent lumps from forming.
  5. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to incorporate the liquid and create a smooth, creamy consistency without any clumps.
  6. Introduce chopped potatoes to the pot, allowing them to simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes until they become tender and start to break down slightly.
  7. Add broccoli florets to the simmering liquid, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are bright green and just tender, maintaining their vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
  8. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, adjusting the flavors to create a well-balanced and aromatic profile.
  9. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, creating a luxurious and velvety texture that enhances the soup’s overall richness.
  10. Gradually incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated, which will provide a deep, tangy flavor and smooth consistency.
  11. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the temperature to stabilize before serving.
  12. Ladle into warm bowls, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Vegetable Precision: Consistently cut broccoli and potatoes into similar-sized pieces to guarantee uniform cooking and optimal texture throughout the soup.
  • Roux Mastery: Whisk flour carefully and continuously to prevent lumps, creating a smooth thickening base that ensures a silky soup consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, smooth texture without graininess.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken broth with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version, and use gluten-free flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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