Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup | Creamy & Comforting Recipe
Comfort food often comes in the form of a warm bowl of soup, and nothing feels more satisfying on a chilly day than a creamy blend of broccoli, potato, and cheese. The flavors are rich yet balanced—the heartiness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the earthy taste of broccoli, while melted cheese ties everything together into a velvety bowl of goodness.
Beyond taste, this soup also packs in wholesome nutrients, making it not just indulgent but also nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or a crowd-pleasing starter for a gathering, this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup delivers both comfort and flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) | 4 cups | 100 |
| Russet potatoes (peeled, cubed) | 2 medium | 310 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | 300 |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp | 110 |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 4 cups | 60 |
| Whole milk (or half-and-half) | 2 cups | 300 |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups | 800 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Paprika (optional) | 1/2 tsp | 5 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables – Chop the broccoli into small florets, cube the potatoes, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic.
- Cook the base – In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Make the roux – Stir in flour and whisk for about 1 minute to form a thick paste. This will help thicken the soup.
- Add liquid – Slowly pour in the broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the cubed potatoes and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer – Reduce heat and let the potatoes cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add broccoli – Stir in broccoli florets and cook for another 8–10 minutes until they are tender but still bright green.
- Make it creamy – Pour in the milk and let the soup heat through without boiling.
- Add cheese – Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season – Add salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) to taste. Adjust thickness by adding more broth or milk if needed.
- Serve hot – Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Healthier version: Use skim milk or low-fat cheese to cut calories while still enjoying creaminess.
- Extra protein: Add shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for a heartier meal.
- Spice lovers: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Texture options: For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the mixture. For chunkier texture, leave everything as is.
- Cheese swap: Try gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for a fun flavor twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy soup.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra cheese, green onions, or crumbled bacon for added flavor.
- Offer in small bowls as a starter for dinner parties—it always impresses guests.
Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
6
servings15
minutes30
minutes340
kcalIngredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups broccoli florets
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a light roux.
- Slowly whisk in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add diced potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes until tender.
- Add broccoli florets and simmer for another 8–10 minutes.
- Pour in milk and reduce heat to low. Stir well.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with bread or salad.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep the cheese from separating.
Freezing Tip: This soup doesn’t freeze well once the cheese and milk are added. If you plan to freeze, cook the base with potatoes and broccoli first, then add cheese and milk after reheating.
FAQs
1: Can I make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating.
2: How do I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or blend part of the soup with an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a little extra cheese to thicken it naturally.
3: Can I freeze Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup?
Freezing is not ideal because the cheese and milk may separate when thawed, altering the texture. However, if you want to freeze it, try freezing before adding the cheese and milk. When reheating, stir in fresh cheese and milk for the best results.
4: What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Sharp cheddar gives the soup its classic flavor, but you can also use gouda, Monterey jack, or even a mix of cheeses for variety.
5: How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor remains rich and comforting.
Conclusion
Few recipes combine comfort and nutrition as seamlessly as Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup. It’s hearty enough to satisfy hunger yet versatile enough to customize for different preferences. Whether you prefer it smooth and velvety or chunky with texture, each spoonful brings cozy warmth and flavor. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even meal prep for the week.
