If you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup recipe is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with vibrant green broccoli and tender potatoes, this soup comes together quickly and is perfect for cozy nights when you just want something delicious and fuss-free. Whether you’re a comfort food devotee or looking for that perfect easy weeknight meal, this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is both simple and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh produce for an easy-to-make meal.
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of potatoes and cheddar creates an indulgently smooth soup.
- Nutritious and Filling: Loaded with broccoli for vitamins and fiber, making it both healthy and satisfying.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike thanks to its mild cheese flavor and wholesome veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is how simple and straightforward the ingredients are. Each element plays a key role — potatoes add body, broccoli brings freshness and color, cheddar cheese delivers that irresistible cheesy punch, and the broth ties everything together with comforting depth.
- Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or Russet for the perfect creamy texture when cooked and blended.
- Broccoli: Fresh florets offer vibrant color and tender-crisp bite, but frozen works too for convenience.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar both work, grated finely so it melts smoothly.
- Onion and Garlic: Provide a savory base and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds savory liquid that brings everything together without overwhelming the soup.
- Milk or Cream: Used to lend richness and silky mouthfeel to the soup.
- Butter: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a delicate hint of indulgence.
- Flour: A small amount thickens the soup gently to that ideal spoon-coating consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and bring out all the flavors.
Variations for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
This recipe is delightfully adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Adding your own twist can bring new layers of flavor or accommodate what you have on hand.
- Add Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon adds smokiness and crunch to contrast the creamy soup.
- Use Vegan Cheese: Replace cheddar with plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little warming heat.
- Swap Potatoes: Try sweet potatoes for a subtly sweeter, vibrant alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in shredded carrots or corn for added texture and sweetness.
How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and cube the potatoes to even sizes for uniform cooking, chop the broccoli into small florets, and finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped upfront makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, then add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, which builds a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Step 3: Add Flour and Broth
Sprinkle flour over the softened aromatics to create a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in the broth while whisking to create a smooth, thickened base for the soup.
Step 4: Cook Potatoes and Broccoli
Add the potato cubes to the pot and simmer until they are tender, usually about 15 minutes. Then, add the broccoli florets in the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep their bright color and slight crunch.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for that lovely homemade feel. If preferred, you can blend it completely for an ultra-creamy finish.
Step 6: Add Milk and Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in milk or cream to loosen the soup, then gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli retains a better color and firmer texture compared to frozen.
- Grate Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated cheddar melts more evenly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t Overblend: Leaving some texture adds a rustic and comforting bite to your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: Thin with more broth or milk if too thick, and simmer longer to thicken if needed.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-salting and balance the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Garnishes
Top with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a handful of crispy bacon bits, or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm crusty bread, buttery garlic rolls, or a simple green salad to round out the meal with delightful textures and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or pair with a grilled cheese sandwich cut into bite-sized pieces for dunking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a convenient grab-and-go option for later meals.
Freezing
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup freezes well—just leave out the milk and cheese when freezing and add them fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching, and add a splash of milk if it’s too thick after chilling.
FAQs
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and vegan cheddar substitutes to enjoy a creamy, cheesy vibe without dairy.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down well during cooking, creating a creamy texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great, especially if you’re short on time—just add it a little earlier to prevent overcooking.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It holds up well in the fridge for several days and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for meal planning.
How can I thicken my Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup?
Add a bit more flour when sautéing the onions or simmer uncovered longer to let excess liquid evaporate and thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and wholesome veggies that’s sure to become a favorite for chilly evenings. It’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect way to warm up with comfort food that feels like it was made just for you. Grab your pot, gather these ingredients, and treat yourself to a cozy bowl that makes any night better.