If you’ve ever craved a comforting, creamy soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re in for a treat with The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe. This classic combination of tender broccoli, hearty potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese comes together in a rich, velvety broth that’s just bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a chilly night or you simply want a satisfying homemade meal, this soup will quickly become your go-to for nourishing deliciousness that’s easy to prepare but impressive enough to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own special touch—fresh veggies for vibrant color and texture, creamy dairy for richness, and flavorful seasonings to tie it all together. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in:
- Butter (1 to 2 tablespoons): Adds a silky base for sautéing aromatics and developing depth in the soup.
- Onion, diced (1): Brings natural sweetness and creates a fragrant foundation.
- Carrots, diced (2 medium): Offer a subtle sweetness and brighten the soup’s flavor and color.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the soup with that signature savory warmth.
- Chicken stock (4 cups): Provides a flavorful liquid that enhances the overall taste and richness.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Helps thicken the soup gently while keeping it smooth and creamy.
- Milk (1 cup): Offers creaminess without overwhelming the balance of flavors.
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed (2 large): Add heartiness and a velvety texture as they cook down.
- Broccoli florets (16 ounces, fresh or frozen): Provide a bright, fresh vegetable element with that classic green pop.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Delivers the rich, tangy flavor that makes this soup irresistibly cheesy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- Ground pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right subtle kick to balance the richness.
How to Make The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables to Build Flavor
Start by melting your butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet or pot. Toss in the diced onion and gently cook it until it softens and becomes translucent—this usually takes about 3 minutes. Next, add the diced carrots along with the salt and pepper. Let these cook together for another 3 to 4 minutes so the carrots soften slightly while mingling their sweetness with the onions. Finally, add the minced garlic and sauté everything for just 30 seconds, being careful to avoid burning the garlic. This quick step creates a fragrant, flavorful base that layers your soup with richness right from the very start.
Step 2: Simmer Potatoes for Hearty Texture
Now it’s time to add the cubed potatoes and chicken stock to your skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Allow the potatoes to cook for about 10 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold their shape. This step ensures your soup has the perfect balance of creaminess and tender chunks, setting up a robust texture that comforts and satisfies.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Continue Simmering
Once your potatoes have started to soften, stir in the broccoli florets. Whether fresh or frozen, they’ll cook down to tender perfection in about 10 minutes. Simmer until both broccoli and potatoes are perfectly tender and fork-friendly. This fresh ingredient not only adds a lovely green hue but brings a subtle, pleasant earthiness that lifts the entire dish.
Step 4: Thicken Soup for Creamy Consistency
To achieve that signature luxurious consistency in The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe, whisk the cornstarch into the milk in a small bowl until completely smooth. Pour this mixture slowly into your simmering soup, stirring continuously. The soup will begin to thicken gently, transforming into a silky, luscious base ready to carry the bold cheddar flavors.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt into Perfection
Finally, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time until it fully melts into the soup. This step infuses every spoonful with a rich, tangy character and creates a velvety finish that’s incredibly satisfying. Be sure to keep stirring to prevent the cheese from clumping and to achieve that perfectly smooth texture everyone loves.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once everything is melted and combined, ladle your soup into bowls and enjoy it warm. Each spoonful offers a beautiful blend of creamy, cheesy, and vegetable flavors that truly live up to the name The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe. Prepare yourself for rave reviews and requests for seconds!
How to Serve The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your soup presentation and taste with fresh garnishes such as a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of green and freshness. A few extra shredded cheddar cheese strands or a swirl of sour cream can add creaminess and color contrast. Crumbled crispy bacon is another fantastic choice if you want a smoky crunch to complement the comforting soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast that’s perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. If you want to keep it hearty, serving alongside warm pretzel rolls or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich makes for a meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or a fun twist, serve The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks impressive but adds an edible element that soaks up every last bit of the soup. You could also offer a “toppings bar” with options like toasted nuts, chili flakes, or diced green onions to let guests customize their bowls, making it interactive and extra memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the soup even tastier the next day. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture intact.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating. Keep in mind that cream-based soups may separate slightly but will come back together when stirred gently while reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your soup gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or stock if the consistency thickens too much. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the cheese from clumping. In just a few minutes, you’ll have that comforting, cheesy goodness ready to serve afresh.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Absolutely! Vegetable stock works wonderfully and makes the soup vegetarian-friendly without compromising the rich flavor profile.
Does the soup need to be blended?
This recipe is best when left chunky to enjoy the mix of tender potatoes and broccoli with the smooth, cheesy broth. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can partially blend it but keep some chunks for texture.
What cheese works best aside from sharp cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor, but you can also experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free milk alternative and vegan cheese to create a delicious dairy-free version, though the texture might vary slightly.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. Adjust thickness by tweaking the cornstarch amount or adding more milk or stock if needed.
Final Thoughts
Making The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is such a joyful way to bring comfort and flavor into your kitchen. It’s a timeless blend that warms the soul and pleases every palate with its creamy texture and delightful cheese punch. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a quiet evening or sharing with loved ones, this soup will quickly become a treasured favorite. So grab those simple ingredients and start cooking—you’re about to experience a bowl of pure happiness!
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The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, comforting broccoli potato cheese soup perfect for a cozy meal. Tender potatoes and vibrant broccoli are simmered together with aromatic vegetables and blended with sharp cheddar for a rich, flavorful soup.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 to 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
Liquids and Thickener
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion in the butter until it softens, about 3 minutes. Add the diced carrots, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Potatoes: Add the peeled and chopped potatoes to the skillet along with the chicken stock. Cover and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes start to become tender.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue simmering the soup until both the broccoli and potatoes are tender, about 10 more minutes. Test with a fork to ensure potatoes are fork-tender.
- Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and milk until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the hot soup to thicken it, cooking for a couple minutes to incorporate fully.
- Add Cheese: Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the soup. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately while warm and comforting.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets with similar results.
- If the soup is too thick, add additional milk or stock to reach desired consistency.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor; mild cheddar will yield a less intense taste.
- To make the soup creamier, you can blend part of it before adding the cheese if desired.
