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
- 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.
- In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat, creating a golden base for sautéing aromatics until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and diced onions to the melted butter, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop a rich, savory foundation for the soup.
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux that will help thicken the soup and prevent lumps from forming.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to incorporate the liquid and create a smooth, creamy consistency without any clumps.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, adjusting the flavors to create a well-balanced and aromatic profile.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, creating a luxurious and velvety texture that enhances the soup’s overall richness.
- Gradually incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated, which will provide a deep, tangy flavor and smooth consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the temperature to stabilize before serving.
- 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