This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is my go-to for a cozy and satisfying meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with healthy vegetables. I love how the tender potatoes and broccoli florets pair with the rich, cheesy broth. It’s the perfect soup for a chilly evening or a light lunch.
I first made this soup a few years ago when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover potatoes and broccoli. I was amazed by how flavorful and easy it was to make. Now, it’s a regular in my kitchen, and I often make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
- Creamy and Cheesy: This soup has a wonderfully creamy texture and a delicious cheesy flavor that will warm you up from the inside out.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Healthy and Delicious: This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables and protein, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this soup with different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Ingredients for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
Here’s what I use to make this delicious soup:
- Butter: I use unsalted butter to sauté the vegetables and add richness to the soup.
- Onion: A diced onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness, color, and nutrients.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
- Chicken Stock: I use low-sodium chicken stock as the base of the soup.
- Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to create a smooth consistency.
- Potatoes: I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture, but Russet potatoes will also work well.
- Broccoli Florets: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp, cheesy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the soup to taste.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Herby Twist: Add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, chives, or thyme.
- Veggie Variety: Toss in some other vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or corn.
- Creamy Swirl: Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche to each bowl before serving.
How to Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
I start by melting the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Then, I add the diced onion and sauté until it begins to soften. I add the carrots, salt, and pepper and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender. Finally, I add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes and Broccoli
I add the potatoes and chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer. I cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are starting to soften. Then, I add the broccoli florets and continue simmering until both the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, I whisk together the cornstarch and milk until smooth. Then, I stir this mixture into the hot soup and cook until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
I stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the soup is creamy.
Step 5: Serve
I ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot.
Tips and Tricks
- Potato Choice: I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture, but Russet potatoes will also work well.
- Broccoli Texture: Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder.
How to Serve
I love serving this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup with:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing that’s always a winner.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this hearty soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just add them to the soup frozen and adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try using Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just combine all of the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
There you have it! A creamy, cheesy, and delicious recipe for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintBroccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. It’s packed with healthy vegetables and a flavorful cheese blend, making it a delicious and satisfying soup.
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
- 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt one to two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion in butter until the diced onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add carrots, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then, add garlic and sauté, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Simmer Potatoes: Next, add the potatoes and chicken broth. Cover and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: Add broccoli and continue simmering until the broccoli and potatoes are tender—about 10 minutes. Potatoes should be fork-tender.
- Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into milk until smooth. Then, stir into the hot soup.
- Add Cheese: Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Serve: Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Broth: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese.
- Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more milk or broth. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Storage: Let your leftover soup come to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 300kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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