The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a warm and hearty comfort food, perfect for any chilly day. With creamy potatoes, tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy broth, it’s a dish that will fill you up and leave you wanting more. The soup is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a satisfying meal on its own or served as a side to a larger dinner. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or need a dish to feed a crowd, this recipe delivers flavor and warmth in every bite. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, vegetables, and savory broth creates a deliciously creamy texture that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into this irresistible soup that combines comfort, flavor, and a little bit of cheesy goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

This soup is the ultimate comfort food, with creamy potatoes and broccoli providing a satisfying, hearty texture. The melted cheese adds richness, making each spoonful incredibly comforting.

2. Easy to Make

Despite its deliciously complex flavors, this soup is surprisingly easy to prepare. With a handful of simple ingredients and just a few steps, you’ll have a pot of soup ready in no time.

3. Great for Any Season

Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a rainy spring day, this soup is the perfect dish to warm you up. It’s a great option for meal prep, too, as it keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

4. Customizable

You can tweak the soup based on your preferences. Add extra vegetables, use a different type of cheese, or make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

5. Leftover Friendly

This soup reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or serving as leftovers. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Ingredients

• Butter
• Onion (diced)
• Carrots (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Chicken stock (or vegetable broth)
• Cornstarch
• Milk
• Large potatoes (peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes)
• Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Ground pepper

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add other vegetables, like celery or zucchini, to enhance the flavor.

2. Different Cheeses

Feel free to swap out sharp cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or a blend of your favorites. Each type of cheese will add its unique touch to the soup.

3. Add Bacon

For some extra flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits to the soup. The smokiness from the bacon will complement the creamy texture of the soup.

4. Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.

5. Creamy Version

For an even richer soup, add heavy cream instead of milk. This will create a luxuriously creamy consistency.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the diced carrots, salt, and pepper, continuing to cook for another 3-4 minutes. Finally, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer Potatoes

Add the chopped potatoes and chicken stock to the skillet. Cover and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes start to soften.

Step 3: Add Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the broccoli and potatoes are both tender and fork-tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with milk until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the hot soup, allowing it to thicken.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the soup.

Step 6: Serve

Once the soup is thickened and the cheese is melted, serve the soup hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For a Thicker Soup: If the soup becomes too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken up. You can also add more cornstarch mixed with a bit of milk for a thicker consistency.
• For Extra Flavor: Add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme to boost the flavor of the soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper according to your liking.
• For Creaminess: If you prefer an extra creamy texture, consider blending the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop.

How to Serve

This soup is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a light sandwich. For extra indulgence, top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle with extra shredded cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to stir occasionally and add a bit more milk or broth if it’s become too thick.

Freezing

To freeze, let the soup cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and heat it on the stovetop, adding more liquid if necessary.

Reheating

To reheat, place the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally, adding extra broth or milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well in this soup. Just make sure to thaw it slightly before adding it to the pot.

2. Can I make this soup without cornstarch?

Yes, you can thicken the soup using flour or even a bit of mashed potatoes if you prefer. Simply add and cook until the soup reaches the desired thickness.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat. The soup will still be rich and flavorful.

4. Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! Try other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of your favorites. Sharp cheddar works best for flavor, but you can experiment with different types.

5. How can I make the soup spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy twist.

6. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to add extra liquid when reheating.

7. How can I make the soup more creamy?

Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, creamier texture.

8. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.

9. How do I prevent the soup from being too thick?

If the soup is too thick, simply add more milk or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

10. Can I use other vegetables in this soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as celery, leeks, or parsnips for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty vegetables. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. The rich broth, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar make every spoonful comforting and delicious. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy the warm, satisfying flavors of this easy-to-make soup all year long!

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