If you’re craving a comforting bowl of warmth on a chilly day, this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how this soup combines tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar into a creamy, cheesy delight that’s easy to whip up any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again — it’s that good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Comforting & Creamy: The combo of potatoes and cheese makes this soup silky and rich, perfect for cozy nights.
- Simple and Quick to Make: You’ll be surprised how little hands-on time it takes with easy steps anyone can follow.
- Packed with Veggies: Broccoli and carrots add fresh flavor and nutrients without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
- Kid-Friendly and Family Approved: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup recipe sing, you want fresh, quality ingredients that blend beautifully into a creamy texture. Each element plays its part — from savoring the sweetness of the carrots to the sharp punch of cheddar cheese.
- Butter: Use real butter for that rich, comforting base flavor this soup deserves.
- Onion: Diced onions add a subtle sweetness and depth as they sauté.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots bring color and natural sweetness; diced small so they cook evenly.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds just the right aromatic kick — don’t skip it!
- Chicken Stock: This creates the flavorful broth; homemade or a good quality store-bought one works great.
- Cornstarch: A secret weapon for thickening the soup perfectly without heaviness.
- Milk: Helps create that creamy texture; whole milk is my go-to for richness.
- Potatoes: I use peeled, medium-starch potatoes like Yukon Gold for a velvety finish.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen works, just make sure they’re bite-sized for even cooking.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star that brings the soup’s signature cheesy flavor — shred it yourself if you can!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning — adjust to your taste as you go.
Variations
I love that this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup recipe is so easy to customize according to what you have on hand or your preferences. I often tweak it a bit depending on the season or mood!
- Add Bacon or Ham: For extra smoky flavor, I sometimes toss in crispy bacon bits or diced ham — it makes the soup feel extra special for weekend dinners.
- Make It Vegetarian: Simply swap chicken stock for vegetable broth — the soup still turns out rich and flavorful, promise!
- Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika is my favorite trick to brighten it up.
- Use Different Cheeses: Mixing in a bit of Gruyère or Monterey Jack changes things up deliciously while keeping it creamy.
How to Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor
Start by melting one to two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s melted and slightly bubbling, toss in your diced onions and sauté until they soften — about three minutes. This step is key because those onions add a beautiful base flavor to your soup. Next, add the diced carrots, sprinkle in your salt and pepper, and cook everything for another 3-4 minutes. Right before you move on, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds so it doesn’t burn but releases that lovely aroma.
Step 2: Simmer Potatoes and Broccoli in Stock
Once your veggies are fragrant and softening, add the chopped potatoes and pour in the chicken stock. Cover your pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes start becoming tender. Then, stir in your broccoli florets and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until both broccoli and potatoes are fork-tender — this is when the magic happens and flavors meld together.
Step 3: Thicken and Cheese It Up
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the milk until it’s smooth and lump-free. Slowly stir this mixture into your hot soup — this will give it that luscious, thick texture without being gluey. Now for my favorite part: add in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir continuously until it melts into the soup creating that irresistible creamy cheese pull. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready for a cozy, comforting meal. I love serving it right away while it’s warm and gooey — this soup is the perfect hug in a bowl.
Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
- Use Fresh Sharp Cheddar: I learned that freshly shredded cheese melts way better and won’t get grainy compared to pre-shredded stuff.
- Don’t Overcook Your Broccoli: Adding broccoli later keeps it vibrant and tender without turning it mushy.
- Thicken Slowly: Stir the cornstarch-milk mixture in bit by bit to control soup thickness and avoid lumps.
- Season Gradually: I always season in stages — it’s easier to get the perfect balance without over-salting.
How to Serve Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I love adding a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese and a little fresh chopped chive or parsley—it adds brightness and a pop of color. Sometimes, I crumble a bit of crispy bacon on top for texture and that irresistible savory crunch.”
Side Dishes
I usually pair this soup with warm, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough, perfect for dunking into the cheesy broth. Garlic bread or a fresh green salad also balance the richness wonderfully if you want a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the soup in mini bread bowls or elegant white soup cups with a drizzle of extra sharp cheddar cheese sauce on top. A swirl of sour cream or a dash of smoked paprika can also add a restaurant-quality touch that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the soup cool down to room temperature before storing to keep freshness intact. When I reheat, I prefer to do it on the stovetop to gently warm it without breaking the cheese sauce.
Freezing
Freezing broccoli potato cheese soup is possible, but I’ve found the texture of the potatoes and broccoli can get a little mushy once thawed. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
I always reheat this soup on low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. This prevents the cheese from separating and helps maintain that creamy consistency. If it looks too thick after reheating, just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and is convenient. Just add it directly to the soup and simmer until tender. It might cook a little faster than fresh, so keep an eye on it.
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How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delightful vegetarian version without losing flavor.
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Can I use a blender to make the soup creamy?
Sure! You can partially blend the soup after cooking to make it creamier, then stir in cheese. Just don’t overdo it if you want some chunky potatoes and broccoli to remain.
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What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is my favorite because it melts beautifully and brings that classic cheesy flavor. But mixing in other melty cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack works too!
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Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the veggies a day ahead and store them in the fridge. The soup itself reheats well, but I recommend adding the cheese fresh before serving for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something deliciously satisfying, but fast and fuss-free. I love how its simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. If you give it a try, I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s been loved by my family and friends for years. So grab your pot, and let’s get cooking — you won’t regret it!
Print
Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup combines tender potatoes, fresh broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy, savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup is full of flavor and easy to make with simple ingredients simmered to perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 large potatoes (peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes)
- 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1-2 Tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt one to two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Carrots and Season: Add the diced carrots along with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to mix flavors.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Simmer Potatoes: Add the peeled and chopped potatoes along with the chicken broth. Cover the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Cook Broccoli and Potatoes: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and continue simmering until both broccoli and potatoes become tender, approximately another 10 minutes. Potatoes should be fork-tender.
- Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and milk, stirring until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the hot soup to thicken it.
- Add Cheese: Mix in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Using fresh broccoli will yield a firmer texture, whereas frozen broccoli softens more during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your taste for a richer or lighter soup.
- You can substitute milk with half-and-half or cream for a creamier consistency.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- This soup reheats well and thickens over time; add a splash of milk when reheating if necessary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg