Coziest Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe Ever Made

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty cheddar broccoli potato soup that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with sharp cheese and tender vegetables.

Crisp broccoli florets dance among soft potato chunks, creating a delightful medley of flavors.

Every spoonful tells a story of homemade goodness and simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this quick and satisfying recipe.

Cheese lovers and veggie enthusiasts will find themselves swooning over each delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor every last drop of this amazing soup.

Soup-Making Tips for a Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Result

• Customize Soup Thickness: Control the soup's consistency by adjusting liquid ratios or using cornstarch slurry for desired texture without compromising flavor.
• Boost Vegetable Nutrition: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version while maintaining rich, creamy profile and maximizing nutrient content.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Gradually add cheese off direct heat and stir continuously to ensure smooth, silky melting without grainy or separated texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare soup base in advance and store separately from dairy components, combining just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and prevent separation.
• Lactose-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for individuals with lactose sensitivities.

Best Way to Store Leftover Cheddar Broccoli Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream for best texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until thoroughly warm.
• Reheat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat, which can cause separation of dairy ingredients.

Side Pairings That Complement Cheddar Broccoli Soup

• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich, creamy texture and cut through its heaviness.
• Serve warm, rustic sourdough or garlic bread that can soak up the cheesy broth and provide a delightful crunch.
• Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay that can enhance the soup's creamy and cheesy flavors without overwhelming them.
• Pair with a hoppy craft beer like pale ale or wheat beer that offers a nice contrast to the soup's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Variants You’ll Enjoy

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a similar cheesy flavor and added nutrition.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Use turnips or radishes as a lower-carb potato substitute that maintains a similar texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add extra protein by including white beans or lentils to create a more substantial meat-free soup.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free. Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch for thickening. Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

FAQs for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Explained

• What makes this soup hearty and nutritious?

The combination of potatoes, broccoli, and protein-rich cheese creates a balanced meal packed with vitamins, minerals, and comforting flavors. It provides essential nutrients like vitamin C from broccoli and calcium from cheese.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the bacon garnish. The soup remains creamy and delicious with the cheese and vegetables.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen over time, making it perfect for preparing ahead of your busy week.

• How can I reduce the calories in this recipe?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, choose reduced-fat cheese varieties, and limit high-calorie toppings like bacon. These small adjustments can make the soup lighter without compromising taste.

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup: Flavor Breakdown

• Easily adapt the recipe by blending or leaving chunky, choosing your preferred cheese intensity, and adding optional toppings like bacon or green onions.
• Utilize affordable ingredients like potatoes and broccoli to create a nutritious, filling soup that pleases both kids and adults without breaking the bank.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single pot cooking method that streamlines preparation and reduces dishwashing time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredient Checklist for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic base flavor to the soup.
• Garlic: Provides deep, pungent background note to enhance overall taste.
• Potatoes: Hearty vegetables that create creamy, thick soup texture.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color.

• Chicken Broth: Creates savory liquid foundation for soup.
• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, smooth, luxurious texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that gives signature soup flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to cheese profile.
• Bacon: Optional crispy, salty topping for extra flavor complexity.

• Salt: Enhances and balances all soup flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and traditional seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional spice for subtle smoky undertone.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for more substantial soup consistency.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor

Heat a large pot and melt butter. Add chopped onions and dance them around until they turn soft and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment, releasing its amazing aroma.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

• Diced potatoes
• Broccoli florets
• Chicken broth

Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the vegetables become tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Create Silky Texture

• For a thicker soup, whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the pot
• Simmer for additional 5 minutes until it reaches a luxurious consistency
• Use an immersion blender to partially blend for extra creaminess (optional)

Step 4: Introduce Dairy Magic

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until they melt into a smooth, dreamy blend.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

• Crispy bacon crumbles
• Chopped green onions
• Extra cheese sprinkles

Serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheddar broccoli potato soup blends hearty comfort with rich, cheesy goodness from classic kitchen magic. Warm bowls of silky potato and tender broccoli promise delightful spoonfuls that soothe and satisfy hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Thickening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour (for thickening, optional)
• ¼ cup water (for mixing with cornstarch if using)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Crumbled bacon or green onions (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by gently melting butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, introducing finely chopped onions and sautéing until they become translucent and soft.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to release its fragrant essence for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Transfer diced potatoes, fresh broccoli florets, and chicken broth into the pot, seasoning the mixture with salt, pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce the heat, creating a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow the vegetables to tenderize, approximately 15 minutes, ensuring they can be easily pierced with a fork.
5. For those desiring a more luxurious consistency, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch together, then gracefully integrate it into the simmering soup. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the liquid slightly thickens.
6. Manipulate the soup’s texture by carefully employing an immersion blender, partially breaking down the vegetables to create a harmonious blend of chunky and smooth elements.
7. Lower the heat and introduce heavy cream, stirring deliberately to maintain a smooth integration.
8. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses, constantly stirring to ensure a silky, uniform melt that coats each vegetable morsel.
9. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, embellishing with optional garnishes such as crispy bacon fragments, delicate green onion slivers, or an additional sprinkle of cheese.
10. Accompany the soup with crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers, presenting a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting smoked paprika or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version instantly.
• Use low-fat dairy options like half-and-half or milk for a lighter, healthier soup without compromising flavor.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg