Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Introduction

When the colder months arrive, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup to warm you up, and Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is one of my absolute favorites. This recipe is a comforting classic that combines the richness of creamy potatoes with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and the freshness of broccoli. Every time I make it, my family can’t get enough of the creamy texture and savory flavor. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and nutritious, with the potatoes providing a satisfying base, the broccoli adding color and crunch, and the cheddar cheese bringing that irresistible creamy, melty goodness. This soup is easy to make, and its comforting flavors make it a hit for both kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a simple, feel-good meal, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

1. Melt the butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Butter is the perfect base for sautéing aromatics, as it adds a rich flavor that will permeate the soup.
2. Cook the onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent. This softening process helps to develop the base of the soup and releases all the savory flavors.
3. Add garlic: Once the onion is ready, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant and add another layer of depth to the soup’s flavor.

Add Potatoes and Broth

4. Add potatoes: Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down slightly when cooked, adding thickness and creaminess to the soup without needing to use a thickening agent.
5. Pour in the broth: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, ensuring the potatoes are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will soften and absorb the flavors of the broth and aromatics.

Add Broccoli

6. Stir in the broccoli: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the broccoli florets. Let the broccoli cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until it’s tender but still bright green. The broccoli will add a nice contrast in texture and provide a healthy punch to this hearty soup.

Blend the Soup (Optional)

7. Blend to desired consistency: For a smooth and creamy soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until you reach the desired texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer about half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. If you prefer a more chunky soup with some texture, simply blend only part of the soup and leave the rest as is.

Add Cream and Cheese

8. Stir in the cream: Add the heavy cream to the soup for a rich and velvety finish. If you want a lighter version, you can use milk instead of cream, though the soup may be a little less indulgent.
9. Melt the cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. This will give the soup that creamy, cheesy consistency that makes this recipe so delicious.
10. Season to taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want more flavor, you can add extra herbs like thyme or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

Serve and Garnish

11. Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheese, fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 1 bowl of soup)

• Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup
• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Preparation Time

• Total time: 40-45 minutes
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve:

• As a main dish: This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup can easily be a filling main dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve with some warm crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
• As an appetizer: Serve this soup in smaller portions as an appetizer at a dinner party or gathering. It’s a great way to start a meal with something rich and comforting.
• Topped with extra cheese: For an extra cheesy experience, garnish the soup with shredded cheese or some crispy bacon bits.
• With fresh herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives as a garnish for added freshness and color.

Additional Tips:

1. Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give the best texture and flavor in this soup. Avoid frozen broccoli, as it tends to lose some of its crispness and color when cooked.
2. Make ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra cream or broth if the soup thickens too much.
3. Customize with spices: You can add a pinch of nutmeg, thyme, or rosemary to give this soup an extra layer of warmth and depth of flavor.
4. Make it vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth and skip the heavy cream in favor of coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
5. Creamier texture: For an even creamier soup, add a tablespoon of cream cheese when adding the cream to the pot.

Recipe Variations:

• Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup: Add crispy bacon bits on top or stir them into the soup for a savory, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.
• Spicy Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Broccoli Potato Soup: Use plant-based milk, such as almond milk, and dairy-free cheese to create a vegan version of this delicious soup.

Serving Suggestions:

• With a side salad: Pair this soup with a light salad like a Caesar or mixed greens salad to balance the richness of the soup.
• With grilled cheese: The classic combination of soup and grilled cheese never goes out of style. Serve this soup with a buttery grilled cheese sandwich for an ultimate comfort meal.
• With garlic bread: Serve with garlic bread for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storing leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or broth as needed to bring it back to the desired consistency.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove.

FAQ:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, mozzarella, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I make this soup without cream?
   Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter version. Coconut milk is also a good dairy-free alternative.
3. Can I make the soup spicier?
   Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or stir in some chopped jalapeños.
4. What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
   You can blend the soup in batches in a regular blender. Just make sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending, and be cautious when transferring hot soup.
5. Can I use a different type of potato?
   While russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly different taste and texture.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
   Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or cauliflower to make the soup even more hearty and nutritious.
7. How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick?
   If the soup becomes too thick, simply add more broth or milk to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Can I add meat to the soup?
   Yes, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even rotisserie chicken to make the soup more filling.
9. **How can I make the soup more flavorful?**
   Add extra seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the flavor.
10. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare this soup a day or two in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding extra liquid if needed.

Conclusion:

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy potatoes, savory cheese, and fresh broccoli in one hearty bowl. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With endless variations and the ability to make it ahead of time, this recipe is a great addition to your meal planning. Enjoy every spoonful of this cozy, cheesy masterpiece!

Print