Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup

Name: Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 onion, finely diced; 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup milk (2% or whole); 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 pound broccoli florets, chopped; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; Sea salt and ground pepper to taste

Posted on September 10, 2025

Main Dishes

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Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dinner that brings warmth and happiness to any table. This hearty soup combines chunks of potatoes, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy broth, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavors are sure to impress everyone, whether you serve it on a chilly day or as a delightful starter at a special dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup can be made in just 30 minutes.
Rich Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously cheesy and savory experience.
Nutrient-Packed: Packed with broccoli and carrots, this soup provides essential vitamins while still being indulgent.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, it complements sandwiches, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness, making it a hit with everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup, having the right tools on hand is essential for efficiency and ease.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Heavy-bottomed soup pot
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

Heavy-bottomed soup pot: Ensures even heat distribution, preventing burning while cooking your soup.
Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, reducing prep time significantly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect flavor balance in your recipe.

Ingredients

Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dinner made with chunks of potatoes, carrots, onion and fresh broccoli in a thick, cheesy broth.

Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 onion, finely diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
– 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup milk, 2% or whole
– 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound broccoli, florets chopped
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– sea salt
– ground pepper

How to Make Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Begin by rinsing the carrots and potatoes. Peel both the potatoes and carrots before proceeding.

Step 2: Chop Your Ingredients

Dice the carrots, potatoes, and onion into small pieces. If using whole garlic cloves, mince them now. Chop the broccoli florets from the stem into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Base

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the diced carrots and onions. Stir continuously until the onions become translucent.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Mix in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Create Your Broth Base

Sprinkle in the flour immediately after adding garlic. Stir well to combine before slowly pouring in vegetable broth followed by milk. Mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Introduce the diced potatoes to your pot. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Step 7: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce heat to let it simmer for about five minutes.

Step 8: Season & Add Broccoli

Season your soup with sea salt and ground pepper. Add chopped broccoli florets into your pot.

Step 9: Final Simmer

Let your soup simmer for an additional ten minutes or until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork. Keep an eye on them; cooking times may vary based on size.

Step 10: Finish with Cheese

Remove from heat once done. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted into your soup.

Step 11: Serve

For an extra touch of flavor (optional), sprinkle some more cheddar cheese on top along with freshly ground pepper before serving!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup

Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances its flavor and makes for a delightful meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

With Crusty Bread

Sourdough Bread: The tanginess of sourdough complements the richness of the soup.
Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread adds an aromatic touch to each spoonful.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Chives: Finely chopped chives lend a mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese.

Add Extra Protein

Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken breast makes for a satisfying addition to your bowl.
Turkey Turkey turkey bacon Crumbles: Crispy turkey turkey turkey bacon adds a savory crunch that enhances the overall dish.

How to Perfect Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup

Perfecting your Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup is easy with a few helpful tips. These tricks will ensure your soup is creamy, flavorful, and enjoyable every time you make it.

Bold Flavor Development: Sauté the onions and carrots until they caramelize slightly; this will enhance their sweetness.
Creamy Consistency: Use whole milk for a richer texture, or substitute with cream for an even creamier result.
Shred Your Cheese: Shredded cheese melts better than block cheese, ensuring a smooth, cheesy broth.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout cooking; this ensures balanced flavors that suit your palate.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality cheese make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-creamy version, blend part of the soup before adding cheese.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup

Serving Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup with complementary side dishes can turn your meal into an unforgettable feast. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens adds freshness and crunch.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide a satisfying contrast.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Warm, cheesy biscuits are perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings out earthy flavors that pair well.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful touch of sweetness alongside the savory soup.
Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia topped with herbs is excellent for soaking up every drop of broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Ignoring ingredient preparation: Properly wash, peel, and chop all your vegetables. This ensures even cooking and enhances the soup’s flavor.
Skipping the flour step: Adding flour helps thicken the soup. Make sure to incorporate it right after sautéing the vegetables for best results.
Not seasoning adequately: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and cheese.
Overcooking broccoli: If you add broccoli too early, it can become mushy. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking for perfect tenderness while retaining its vibrant color.
Using low-quality cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth or milk if necessary to thin it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup vegan?

You can easily make this soup vegan by substituting butter with olive oil, using plant-based milk, and replacing dairy cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.

Can I use frozen broccoli in Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just add it directly into the pot during cooking, but reduce the simmering time slightly since frozen broccoli cooks faster.

What can I serve with Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup?

This delicious soup pairs well with crusty bread, salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.

How long does Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup last in the fridge?

It lasts about 3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to let it cool before storing!

Can I customize my Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach or spice it up with red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup is a delightful comfort food that combines creamy textures with hearty ingredients. It’s not only quick to prepare but also versatile; you can customize it by adding your favorite herbs or other vegetables. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!