This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and hearty broccoli in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal that can be whipped up easily in just under an hour. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cheese, potatoes, and a touch of milk creates a creamy texture that makes each spoonful indulgent and comforting.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with potatoes and broccoli, this soup is full of nutrients while still being hearty enough to be a complete meal.
- Quick and Easy: It’s simple to prepare and cooks in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavor to your preference with different types of cheese, broth, or seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
- 16 ounces broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
- Melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer Potatoes
- Add the chopped potatoes and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to soften.
Step 3: Add Broccoli
- Stir in the broccoli florets and continue simmering for another 10 minutes, until both the potatoes and broccoli are tender. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Thicken Soup
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the milk until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the hot soup to thicken it.
Step 5: Add Cheese
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted completely.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy soup!
Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
- Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar is a classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Consistency Adjustments: If the soup is too thick, add a little more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for extra flavor.
- Smooth Texture Option: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency after the potatoes and broccoli have softened.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Let any leftover soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or broth if necessary to thin it out.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and opt for a plant-based cheese if desired.
- Add Protein: For extra protein, add cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage to the soup.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give the soup a bit of heat.
- Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free cheese and non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make this soup vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and will satisfy your hunger. With its savory broth, tender potatoes, and melt-in-your-mouth cheese, it’s a comforting meal perfect for any season. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a cozy side dish, this soup will become a favorite in your recipe collection!
PrintThe Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and comforting Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is packed with hearty potatoes, fresh or frozen broccoli, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day, full of flavor and sure to warm you up from the inside out. Quick to make, it’s both satisfying and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Sauté Vegetables:
Melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion in the butter until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. -
Simmer Potatoes:
Add the chopped potatoes and chicken stock to the skillet. Cover and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes begin to soften. -
Add Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and continue simmering until both the broccoli and potatoes are tender, about 10 more minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender. -
Thicken Soup:
In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch into the milk until smooth. Then, stir this mixture into the hot soup to thicken it. -
Add Cheese:
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth. -
Serve:
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Broth: For a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses.
- Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Storage: Allow leftover soup to come to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli potato soup, cheese soup, creamy soup, cheddar cheese soup, potato soup, comfort food, homemade soup