This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious. Perfect for chilly days or cozy family gatherings, it brings together the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli. This soup not only warms your soul but also appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture: The combination of cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety soup that feels indulgent.
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 55 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables like broccoli and carrots, this soup is a wholesome option for everyone.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal that satisfies.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy goodness of this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup ingredients evenly and allowing plenty of space for stirring.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for making the creamy base without overcrowding; helps achieve the right consistency.
- Whisk: Ensures that flour mixes smoothly with milk, preventing lumps in your creamy soup.
Ingredients
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious. It’s sure to please even the fussiest of eaters. Grab a bowl and get cozy!
Vegetables
- 5 1/2 Tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots (about 3)
- 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 1/2 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes (cut 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick; about 2 large)
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets (from about 2 heads)
Broth and Seasoning
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Creamy Base
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (preferably 1% or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (1 oz)
How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 1/2 Tbsp of the butter. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 2: Boil Broth and Potatoes
Stir in the chicken broth, cubed potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes. Afterward, stir in chopped broccoli and cook for another 5 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Create Creamy Base
Meanwhile, melt the remaining 4 Tbsp of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk while whisking vigorously until no lumps remain.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Continue cooking while stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Stir in heavy cream then remove from heat. Once all veggies are tender, pour this creamy mixture into the soup pot. Remove from heat again and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm!
How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a warm and hearty dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate this comforting soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair the soup with a slice or two of crusty bread for dipping. A fresh baguette or sourdough works well to soak up the creamy goodness.
Topped with Croutons
- Add some crunchy croutons on top of each bowl for texture. You can use store-bought or make your own from leftover bread.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Finely chop some fresh herbs like parsley or chives and sprinkle them on top. This adds color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Served with Cheese Toast
- Make cheese toast by topping slices of bread with cheese and broiling until bubbly. Serve it alongside the soup for a cheesy twist.
With a Side Salad
- A simple green salad complements the richness of the soup. Opt for a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
How to Perfect Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
To achieve the best Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh vegetables – Fresh broccoli and potatoes provide better flavor and nutrition compared to frozen alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and thyme according to your preference for the perfect seasoning.
- Blend for creaminess – For an even creamier soup, blend half of it using an immersion blender before adding cheeses.
- Choose quality cheese – Use sharp cheddar for a robust flavor, and freshly grated parmesan adds depth.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- Store properly – If there are leftovers, cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Complement your Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup with these tasty side dishes that pair beautifully.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, or meat add substance to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring extra nutrition and color to your table.
- Quiche Lorraine – A slice of quiche offers a savory option that pairs nicely with soup.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip – Creamy dip served with tortilla chips makes for an indulgent side dish.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy baked potato wedges are delightful alongside the creamy soup.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light mixed salad balances out the richness of the cheddar broccoli potato soup perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can help you make the best Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Using too much salt – It’s easy to over-season your soup. Start with a small amount of salt and adjust to taste as you cook.
- Not chopping vegetables evenly – Uneven vegetable sizes lead to inconsistent cooking. Make sure all veggies are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
- Skipping the garlic – Garlic adds depth to the flavor of your soup. Don’t skip it; instead, sauté it briefly with the other vegetables for a fragrant base.
- Overcooking the broccoli – Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses its vibrant color. Add it towards the end of cooking to keep it tender yet crisp.
- Ignoring cheese quality – Using pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Opt for freshly grated cheese for a smoother texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in airtight containers.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop – Gently reheat on low heat while stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, you’ve come to the right place.
Can I use frozen broccoli for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
What type of potatoes work best in this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture when cooked.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat products.
Can I customize the cheese in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for variety.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is creamy, comforting, and versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding proteins or different vegetables based on your preference. Give it a try and enjoy a warm bowl today!
Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Warm up with this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, a creamy and comforting dish that blends the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli. Perfect for chilly days or cozy family gatherings, this soup appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With a luscious texture and quick preparation time, you can whip up this delightful meal in just 55 minutes. Serve it as a main course or alongside crusty bread for a satisfying experience that warms your soul.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 Tbsp butter
- 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 1/2 cups russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (1% or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté carrots, celery, and onion in a large pot with butter over medium heat for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken broth, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add broccoli to the pot; cook for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- In a separate saucepan, melt remaining butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in heavy cream.
- Combine creamy mixture with the soup pot; mix in cheddar cheese until melted. Serve warm!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
