Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly, our Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is just what you need! This recipe is a family favorite in my home and has become a staple for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. With its creamy texture and delicious flavors, it’s perfect for anyone craving comfort food on a chilly day.

Not only is this soup hearty and satisfying, but it’s also simple to make. You can whip it up in under an hour, making it ideal for those evenings when time is short but you want something special. Trust me, once you try this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together quickly with minimal fuss. Just chop your veggies, sauté them, and let everything simmer together!
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and vibrant colors from the broccoli, even picky eaters will love this dish.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers for lunch.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese with fresh vegetables creates a rich and satisfying taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 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

For the Creamy Mixture

• 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)

Variations

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Add More Veggies: Throw in some spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Swap the Cheese: Try using gouda or mozzarella if you’re in the mood for something different.
• Go Vegan: Substitute plant-based butter, almond milk, and non-dairy cheese alternatives for a vegan version of this soup.

How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting half of your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add in the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Adding these aromatic ingredients first helps build a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic & Broth

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where the magic begins! Now pour in your chicken broth, followed by the cubed potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Incorporate Broccoli

After your potatoes have cooked through, it’s time to add in the broccoli florets. Cook them alongside the other ingredients for another 5 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant green. This step ensures that your broccoli retains its nutrients while adding that lovely color!

Step 4: Make It Creamy

In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook it for about a minute while stirring constantly—this creates a roux that will thicken your soup beautifully. Gradually add milk while continuing to whisk until smooth with no lumps remaining.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Once thickened, stir in your heavy cream and remove from heat. Add this creamy mixture into your soup pot along with shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese melts into that comforting mix! Finally, serve warm with crusty bread on the side.

Enjoy every comforting spoonful of your homemade Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Creating the perfect cheddar broccoli potato soup is all about enhancing flavors and textures, and I’ve got some great tips to help you along the way!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh broccoli, carrots, and potatoes not only improves the soup’s flavor but also adds vibrant color and nutrients to your dish.

• Adjust thickness to your liking: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender. This adds creaminess while keeping some chunks for texture.

• Experiment with cheeses: While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a unique twist that will surprise your taste buds.

• Add spices for depth: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile of your soup; these spices can add warmth without overpowering the primary tastes.

• Make it ahead of time: Soups often taste even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance for an effortless meal!

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Serving your cheddar broccoli potato soup can be as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ways to present this creamy goodness that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives or green onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color contrast on top of each bowl.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide a satisfying crunch that complements the smoothness of the soup.
• A sprinkle of paprika: A light dusting not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a hint of smokiness to each spoonful.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping and pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the soup.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
• Stuffed bell peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or quinoa and provide a hearty side that complements the flavors in your soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies in olive oil and herbs, roast them until caramelized, and enjoy their natural sweetness alongside your comforting bowl.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your cheddar broccoli potato soup will not just be a meal but an experience. Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious soup.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, consider freezing without adding dairy (cream and cheese) and then stirring in fresh ingredients when reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If desired, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess as it warms.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this scrumptious Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup.

Can I make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup vegan?

Absolutely! To make this soup vegan, substitute butter with plant-based butter, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. Opt for vegan cheese for a delightful finish.

How long does Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing!

What can I serve with Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup?

This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You can also enjoy it with crackers or homemade garlic bread on the side!

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes! You can freeze Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out any dairy if you want to maintain optimal texture upon reheating.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure! This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just delicious; it’s also warm and comforting—just like a hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! So gather your ingredients, bring your loved ones together, and savor every spoonful of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!