Hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Embrace comfort in a bowl with this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup. This timeless classic brings together the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables with a rich, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy broth. It’s a truly satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet provides essential nutrients. Prepare to delight your taste buds with this easy-to-make, hearty soup perfect for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

This delightful Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup offers so many reasons to become a family favorite. You’ll quickly discover why it’s a staple for cozy nights and quick meals.

• It boasts a rich, creamy taste that appeals to everyone.
• The combination of potatoes and vegetables makes it incredibly hearty and filling.
• Packed with nutritious broccoli, carrots, and potatoes, it’s a wholesome choice.
• This family-friendly recipe is a clever way to encourage vegetable consumption.
• It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting lunch.

Ingredients

Creating this delicious Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s depth and creamy texture.

• 5 1/2 Tbsp butter, divided
• 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots (about 3 medium)
• 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups peeled and cubed Russet potatoes, cut 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick (2 large)
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets (from about 2 heads)
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (preferably 1% or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
• 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (1 oz)

Notes & Substitutions

For the best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup, choose firm Russet potatoes; their high starch content helps thicken the soup naturally. Using 1% or 2% milk provides a creamy texture without excess richness, but whole milk also works beautifully.

Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyere or white cheddar for a different flavor profile. Always opt for low-sodium broths to control the salt content. Fresh broccoli yields the best texture, but frozen broccoli can be a convenient alternative; add it directly from frozen during cooking.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to make this fantastic soup. Gather these essentials, and you’ll be ready to go.

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup.
• Medium saucepan: Needed for preparing the roux and milk mixture.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free roux.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: To prepare your vegetables.
• Immersion blender (optional): For a creamier, smoother soup if desired.

How To Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Next, stir in the chicken broth, cubed potatoes, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for 15 minutes.
3. Uncover the pot and stir in the chopped broccoli florets. Continue cooking for 5 minutes longer, or until all the vegetables, especially the potatoes, are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. While the vegetables are simmering, prepare the creamy base. In a separate medium saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux.
5. While whisking vigorously, slowly pour the milk into the roux. Continue to whisk well until no lumps remain and the mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the milk mixture begins to thicken.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
7. Once all the vegetables in the large pot are tender, pour the thickened milk mixture into the vegetable base and stir to combine thoroughly. This creates the rich body for your creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup.
8. Remove the entire pot from the heat. Stir in both the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the finely shredded Parmesan cheese until they are completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup.
9. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve your hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup warm, and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving a perfect bowl of Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is easy with a few expert tips. These insights ensure a smooth, flavorful result every time.

• Prevent cheese from curdling: Always remove the soup from heat before adding the shredded cheese. Stir it in slowly until melted. High heat can cause cheese to separate and become gritty. For more information on preventing cheese from curdling in soups, check out these helpful tips.
• Ensure a smooth roux: Whisk continuously when adding flour to butter, then slowly pour in milk while whisking vigorously. This prevents lumps.
• Achieve perfectly tender vegetables: Cook potatoes until they are easily pierced with a fork, then add broccoli. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy, so cook until just tender-crisp.
• Adjust consistency: If your soup is too thick, thin it with a little more warmed broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Seasoning tips: Taste as you go. Add salt and pepper incrementally. A pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the cheesy flavor in this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup shines with simple additions and stores well for easy meals. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Elevate your soup with classic toppings like crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped chives, or crunchy homemade croutons.
• Pairings: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping, or a light side salad to balance the richness.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for dairy-based soups like this one. The dairy components tend to separate and can become grainy upon thawing and reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

• Add protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham during the last few minutes of cooking for a more substantial meal.
• Vegetable swaps: Substitute cauliflower florets for broccoli, or add a handful of chopped spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Herb enhancements: Introduce a bay leaf during simmering or a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end for added aroma.
• Spice it up: For a subtle kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Nutrition Information

This wholesome Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup provides a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal. It offers a great source of essential vitamins and minerals from the array of vegetables. Enjoying a bowl provides energy, protein, and dietary fiber, making it a well-rounded and comforting choice.

Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about making the perfect Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup? We have answers to help you succeed!

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for any season. Its rich, creamy texture and comforting blend of flavors make it an instant classic that satisfies everyone. We encourage you to try this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how simple it is to create such a profoundly delicious and wholesome dish. Enjoy every spoonful, share it with loved ones, and let us know your favorite ways to customize this delightful soup!

Rocco Fuhrman

Hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

This hearty and creamy soup features tender broccoli and potatoes in a rich, cheesy broth, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 5 1/2 Tbsp butter divided
• 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots (about 3)
• 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes cut 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick (2 large)
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets (from about 2 heads)
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (preferably 1% or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
• 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (1 oz)

Equipment

• Large pot
• medium saucepan
• Whisk

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. In a large pot, melt 1 1/2 Tbsp of butter, then sauté carrots, celery, and onion for 3-4 minutes, adding garlic for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Stir in chicken broth, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add broccoli and cook for 5 more minutes until all vegetables are tender.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 4 Tbsp butter. Stir in flour for one minute, then slowly whisk in milk vigorously until no lumps remain.
4. Cook the milk mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens, then stir in heavy cream. Pour this thickened mixture into the soup, remove from heat, and stir in both cheddar and parmesan cheeses until completely melted. Serve warm.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. Adjust seasoning to your preference before serving.

Rocco Fuhrman

Diabetes Nutrition Specialist | Healthy Diet Advocate | Founder of GoldFoodie.
My passion for nutrition began with a deeply personal journey supporting my father through his battle with diabetes. Watching his daily struggles made me realize how powerful the right food choices can be in improving quality of life. That experience drove me to dedicate my career to helping others live healthier, more balanced lives.

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