Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup: The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl 🥣🧀🥦
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a rich, velvety broccoli cheese soup recipe that combines the goodness of fresh vegetables with the indulgence of cheesy goodness, you’ve come to the right place! This creamy soup is a perfect meal for chilly days, offering a satisfying blend of tender broccoli, hearty potatoes, and gooey cheese. Its smooth texture and robust flavor make it a crowd favorite, whether served as an appetizer or a main course. Ready to make your own cheesy broccoli soup at home? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and secrets to achieving that perfect creamy consistency.
2. Ingredients Needed for this Delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne or paprika for extra flavor
3. How to Make Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Start by rinsing the broccoli and peeling the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into small cubes for quicker cooking, and chop the onion and garlic finely. This preparation ensures even cooking and a smooth texture for the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics and vegetables
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the diced potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Simmer the broth and vegetables
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add the broccoli during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Puree for that velvety texture
Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring the mixture to a blender), blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, pulse a few times but leave some pieces for texture.
Step 5: Incorporate cheese and cream
Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Then, add the heavy cream or milk for extra richness. Season with salt, pepper, and spices as desired.
Step 6: Final simmer
Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps meld all the flavors into that irresistible cheesy broccoli soup.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup
Transfer any unused soup into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed. For longer storage, consider freezing in portions for up to 2 months.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesy Broccoli Soup
This potato soup with broccoli and cheese pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, toasted baguette slices, or a fresh side salad. For an extra filling meal, top it with crispy bacon bits or additional shredded cheese. You can also serve it as a starter before a hearty main dish like hearty Italian meatball soup or white chicken chili.
6. FAQs About Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. This makes a delicious dairy-free cheesy broccoli soup for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Add it during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to retain its color and flavor.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process takes about 40 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying homemade meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – Perfect for roasting vegetables or preparing crispy toppings to add flair to your soup.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – A durable set to make sautéing and simmering your soup easier and more enjoyable.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo – Versatile appliance to prepare complementary sides or toppings for your meal.
8. Conclusion
This cheesy broccoli potato soup is a cozy and satisfying meal that combines fresh ingredients with irresistible cheesy goodness. Its velvety texture and wholesome flavor make it ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious homemade creamy soup that will warm both your heart and your taste buds. Give it a try today and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
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Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
A rich, creamy soup combining tender broccoli florets, hearty potatoes, and melted cheese for a cozy, comforting meal.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth or leave slightly chunky if preferred.
- Stir in milk or heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with extra cheese and herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, simmer longer to reduce the liquid before blending.
- You can add crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg