Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a delightful combination of flavors that warms the heart and soul. The creamy texture, rich cheese, and fresh vegetables create a visually stunning dish. This soup is perfect for chilly nights, cozy gatherings, or even as a comforting lunch. Its vibrant green broccoli and golden potatoes make every bowl appealing and inviting.

As you savor each spoonful, you’ll experience the cheerful blend of earthy potatoes, nutritious broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese. This article will guide you through the ingredients, preparation, and serving suggestions for this incredible soup. Get ready to bring warmth and joy to your table with this uncomplicated yet delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and cheese enhances flavor.
2. Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make it accessible for everyone.
3. Nutrition: Packed with vitamins and minerals, it’s healthy and satisfying.
4. Versatility: Great as a main dish or side, and easy to customize.
5. Presentation: Its vibrant colors make it look as good as it tastes.

You’ll find this recipe irresistible and enjoyable to make!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 45 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious soup, select 1-2 tablespoons butter, 1 onion, diced, 2 medium carrots, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 4 cups chicken stock, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 cup milk, 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes, 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen), 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper.

Butter

• Typically, unsalted butter adds richness and flavor.
• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, olive oil works well too.
• Be mindful not to let the butter burn; watch for a foamy texture.

Onion

• A yellow onion is commonly used for its sweetness.
• Dice finely to ensure an even flavor release when sautéed.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, shallots or leeks can be used.
• Cooking the onion until it’s translucent helps develop a nice base flavor.

Carrots

• Fresh carrots add both sweetness and color.
• Dice them to a similar size as the potatoes for even cooking.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, parsnips can add a different sweetness.
• Avoid using overcooked carrots, as they can become mushy in the soup.

Garlic

• Fresh minced garlic contributes an aromatic punch.
• Add garlic after the onion and carrot to prevent burning.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, garlic powder can be used, though fresh is best.
• Remember not to cook garlic too long; it should be fragrant but not brown.

Chicken Stock

• Homemade or store-bought chicken stock adds depth of flavor.
• Pour in the stock after sautéing the vegetables.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.
• Check the sodium content to adjust seasonings accordingly.

Cornstarch

• Cornstarch thickens the soup for a creamy consistency.
• Mix with a bit of cold water before adding to avoid lumps.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, use flour as a thickening agent.
• Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent clumping.

Milk

• Whole milk gives the soup a rich, creamy texture.
• Stir in milk after the soup has thickened.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, almond or oat milk adds a different flavor.
• Avoid boiling the milk after adding, as it can curdle.

Potatoes

• Starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold are perfect for creaminess.
• Peel and chop into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, cauliflower can be a low-carb option.
• Be cautious not to overcook; potatoes should be tender but not mushy.

Broccoli

• Fresh or frozen broccoli retains a vibrant color and nutritious value.
• Add them to the pot in the last few minutes of cooking.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, spinach can be used for a different texture.
• Ensure broccoli is tender before serving for the best bite.

Cheddar Cheese

• Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for its rich flavor.
• Stir in cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, mild or pepper jack cheese can be interesting.
• Grate the cheese freshly for better melting.

Salt and Pepper

• Essential for flavor enhancement.
• Season to taste throughout the cooking process.
• If you’re looking for alternatives, try garlic powder or herbs.
• Always taste test before serving to fine-tune the seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is easy and mess-free since it’s all done in one pot.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 diced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they are soft and the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic. Cook for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Pour in the Stock
Add 4 cups of chicken stock to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring it to a gentle boil. This step helps to infuse the flavors.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Mix ¼ cup of cornstarch with ½ cup of cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the boiling soup and cook for around 2-3 minutes until it thickens.

Step 5: Add Potatoes and Broccoli
Stir in 2 large peeled and cubed potatoes and 16 ounces of broccoli florets. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Add Milk and Cheese
Lower the heat, then slowly stir in 1 cup of milk and 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Season and Serve
Season your soup with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving up in warm bowls.

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Garnish each bowl with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad.
3. Portions: This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, perfect for a family meal.
4. Beverage Pairing: Pair it with a light white wine or iced tea for a refreshing touch.

Enjoy this comforting soup in the company of your favorite people!

Additional Tips

• Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright flavor boost.
• Customize with different cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda for varied taste.
• For extra protein, consider adding shredded chicken or beans before serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower: Swap half the broccoli for cauliflower for a creamy texture.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
3. Herbs and Spices: Include fresh herbs like thyme or dill to enhance flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For freezing, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.

Special Equipment

1. Large pot or Dutch oven
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Wooden spoon
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Ladle

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well and saves prep time. Just add it directly to the pot.

2. Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely! It features fresh vegetables and protein-rich cheese, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for a few days or can be frozen for later use.

4. How can I customize this soup?
Feel free to add more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, or try different cheeses to enhance flavors.

5. Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can sauté the veggies first and then transfer everything to a slow cooker to simmer for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is not only simple to make, but it also combines health and flavor in every spoonful! Perfect for any occasion, from cozy dinners to easy lunches, this soup will surely be a family favorite. Enjoy the creamy goodness, and don’t hesitate to make it again and again! Happy cooking!

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

A delightful combination of flavors that warms the heart and soul, perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons butter Unsalted butter adds richness; can substitute with olive oil.
• 1 medium onion, diced A yellow onion is commonly used for its sweetness.
• 2 medium carrots, diced Fresh carrots add sweetness and color.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic contributes an aromatic punch.

Liquids

• 4 cups chicken stock Homemade or store-bought; can substitute with vegetable broth.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch Thickens the soup; mix with cold water beforehand.
• 1 cup milk Whole milk provides a rich texture; alternatives include almond or oat milk.

Vegetables

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed Starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold work best.
• 16 ounces broccoli florets Fresh or frozen works; add near the end of cooking.

Cheese and Seasoning

• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Stir in at the end for creaminess.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper Adjust to taste.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and carrots, sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Cooking

1. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil.
2. Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir into the boiling soup and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
3. Add the cubed potatoes and broccoli florets, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese. Allow cheese to melt, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust if needed before serving.

Notes

Garnish with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve with crusty bread or salad. Can add lemon juice for a flavor boost and customize with different cheeses.