Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and rich, melted cheddar cheese in a creamy, velvety base. It’s a perfect meal for cold days, offering warmth and flavor in every spoonful. The balance of cheesy goodness and the slight crunch of broccoli makes this soup a family favorite. Easy to prepare and full of nutrients, it’s a delicious and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It combines the heartiness of potatoes with the freshness of broccoli and the indulgent richness of cheddar cheese. The creamy texture makes it extra satisfying, and it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy bowl of vegetables without sacrificing flavor. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be served as a main course or a delicious side. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy meal for yourself, this soup has it all.

Ingredients

this Recipe

• 1 lb (450g) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. While the potatoes are cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender but still vibrant green. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
5. Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potatoes for texture. Alternatively, transfer about half of the soup to a blender, puree it, and return it to the pot.
6. Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup until smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika, adjusting the seasonings to taste.
8. Add the cooked broccoli florets into the soup and stir to combine.
9. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve hot with extra shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon on top of the soup for a savory, crispy element.
• Vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Smoky: Incorporate smoked paprika or even a touch of liquid smoke for a smokier flavor profile.
• Extra vegetables: Add carrots, celery, or cauliflower for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can make it a day ahead and refrigerate it, then reheat when ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it on the stovetop.

4. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk if you want a lighter version of this soup. Keep in mind that the soup may be less creamy with these substitutes.

5. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients.

6. How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend more of the potatoes, or add a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the soup as it simmers. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until thickened.

7. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheddar cheese to your soup, either while cooking or as a topping when serving. You can also experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

8. Can I use a different type of potato?

While russet potatoes are commonly used for this soup because they break down nicely, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly.

9. How do I make this soup spicier?

To add more spice, you can incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. Taste as you go to ensure it reaches your desired level of heat.

10. Can I use an immersion blender to blend the soup?

Yes, an immersion blender works great for this recipe. Simply blend part of the soup to create a creamy base while leaving some chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can also use a regular blender to puree the soup in batches.

Conclusion

This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is everything you need in a cozy, satisfying meal. With its creamy texture, rich cheddar flavor, and nutritious vegetables, it’s a dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a comforting dinner, this soup delivers the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make, with options to customize and adjust to your taste. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a truly hearty meal!

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