Cozy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe for Rainy Days

My grandmother’s secret broccoli potato cheese soup always brings comfort during chilly evenings.

Warm memories flood back with each creamy spoonful of this hearty recipe.

Childhood dinners around her rustic wooden table come rushing to mind instantly.

Robust flavors blend perfectly in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Nutritious ingredients create a remarkable balance between smooth textures and rich taste.

Fresh vegetables and melted cheese promise a delightful culinary experience you won’t forget.

Curl up with a steaming bowl and savor every delicious moment.

All the Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide a creamy base and hearty texture to the soup.
• Broccoli: Green vegetable that adds nutritional value and a fresh flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Stock: Flavorful liquid that serves as the primary cooking liquid for the soup.

• Onions, Carrots: Vegetables that build a rich flavor foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables.
• Milk, Cornstarch: Combination used to create a smooth and creamy soup consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the soup.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Preparing Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat butter in a large pot over medium warmth.

Toss in diced onions and gently cook until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet flavors.

• Butter
• Onions

Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Layer Vegetable Flavors

Introduce diced carrots to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Continue cooking to develop a rich, robust foundation for the soup.

• Carrots
• Salt
• Pepper

Allow vegetables to soften and caramelize slightly.

Step 3: Boost Depth with Garlic

Add minced garlic and quickly sauté, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

The garlic will release its intense aroma and enhance the overall taste profile.

• Garlic

Cook for just 30 seconds to maintain garlic’s bright flavor.

Step 4: Build Soup Foundation

Pour in chicken stock and add cubed potatoes.

Cover the pot and let simmer, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the surrounding flavors.

• Chicken stock
• Potatoes

Simmer for approximately 10 minutes until potatoes are nearly soft.

Step 5: Incorporate Green Goodness

Introduce broccoli florets to the simmering mixture.

Continue cooking until both potatoes and broccoli reach perfect tenderness.

• Broccoli florets

Ensure vegetables remain vibrant and not overcooked.

Step 6: Create Creamy Texture

Whisk cornstarch with milk in a separate bowl until smooth.

Slowly stream this mixture into the soup, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, velvety consistency.

• Cornstarch
• Milk

Stir consistently to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 7: Finish with Cheesy Richness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring until completely melted and integrated.

The cheese will add a creamy, tangy dimension to the dish.

• Cheddar cheese

Stir until cheese is fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ready to be enjoyed.

The combination of vegetables, creamy texture, and cheesy flavor creates a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Key Tips for Cheesy and Creamy Soup Results

• Sauté onions slowly to release their sweet, delicate flavor without burning, which can make them bitter.
• Cut broccoli into similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Adjust cornstarch mixture gradually to achieve desired soup consistency – add more for thicker soup or less for a lighter broth.
• Select high-quality sharp cheddar for deeper flavor, or experiment with a blend of cheeses like gruyère for extra richness.
• Avoid overcooking vegetables to maintain their nutrients and prevent mushy texture in the final soup.

Soup Variations to Try for Extra Flavor

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with olive oil, chicken stock with vegetable broth, and cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch to maintain the soup's creamy texture while keeping it gluten-free.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked chicken, ham, or white beans to increase protein content and create a more filling meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to give the soup a zesty, southwestern-inspired flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Creatively

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this creamy soup into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, comforting meal that hugs your soul.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread slices to soak up every delicious cheesy spoonful.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or extra shredded cheddar on top to add texture and visual appeal.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy croutons to transform this soup into a more substantial main course for hearty appetites.

Best Practices for Storing Cheesy Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container, cool completely before sealing, and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with potatoes, as texture might change.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

FAQs

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s nutritious! Broccoli provides vitamins and fiber, potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, and cheese adds protein. The vegetable-rich recipe supports overall wellness.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace chicken stock with vegetable stock. The recipe’s core ingredients remain the same, ensuring a delicious vegetarian version.

• What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the best flavor. However, you can also use mild cheddar, monterey jack, or a cheese blend for variety.

• How can I make the soup creamier?

To enhance creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the cheese or use half-and-half instead of milk when mixing the cornstarch. This will create a richer, smoother texture.

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Crowd-Favorite Qualities

• Whip Up Comfort Instantly: A cozy, heartwarming soup that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for those craving a delicious meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Nourish Your Family Effortlessly: Packed with nutritious vegetables like broccoli and potatoes, this soup provides a balanced meal that kids and adults will love, making mealtime both healthy and enjoyable.
• Transform Leftovers Magically: Easily adaptable recipe that welcomes extra vegetables or different cheese varieties, allowing you to clean out your refrigerator while creating a delightful, creamy soup in one pot.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Simple step-by-step instructions ensure even novice cooks can confidently prepare a restaurant-quality soup, turning dinner preparation from stressful to fun and stress-free.

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending hearty vegetables with rich, melted cheese. Warm spoons will dive into this satisfying classic that brings family together around steaming goodness you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) broccoli florets
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken stock

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1–2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and melt butter over medium heat until it turns slightly golden and fragrant.
2. Sauté diced onions in the melted butter for 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they become translucent and soft.
3. Introduce diced carrots to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add minced garlic and quickly stir for 30 seconds to release its aromatic essence without burning.
5. Pour in chicken stock and add cubed potatoes, then cover the pot and reduce heat to allow gentle simmering for 10 minutes.
6. Incorporate broccoli florets into the simmering mixture and continue cooking until both potatoes and broccoli reach a tender consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with milk until smooth, creating a thickening slurry.
8. Slowly stream the cornstarch mixture into the soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and promote even thickening.
9. Reduce heat to low and gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the soup.
10. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and reach optimal serving temperature.
11. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• Enhance creamy texture by blending a portion of the soup for a smoother consistency.
• Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly and lighter.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cheese and milk alternatives without compromising rich flavor.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for increased vitamins and minerals.

• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 293 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 712 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg