The Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe – Comfort in a Bowl

When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty soup to cozy up with. This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy goodness of potatoes, the earthy flavor of broccoli, and the rich indulgence of sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a filling and satisfying soup that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a special meal. Packed with nutritious vegetables and rich in flavor, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re craving something rich and creamy or looking for a way to sneak in some veggies, this soup delivers on every front. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, deliciously creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

This soup is packed with potatoes, broccoli, and cheese, making it both filling and satisfying—perfect for a cozy meal.

2. Rich, Creamy Texture

The combination of cornstarch and milk helps create a velvety smooth base, while the melted cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess.

3. Easy to Make

This soup comes together in less than an hour, with simple steps and easily accessible ingredients.

4. Customizable

Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer or adjust the consistency by adding more broth or milk if needed.

5. Great for Leftovers

This soup stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 to 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
• 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version

Swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.

2. Cheese Options

If sharp cheddar isn’t your favorite, you can try other cheeses like mild cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

3. Add Bacon

For an extra savory kick, consider adding some crumbled bacon on top of the soup just before serving.

4. Spicy Kick

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.

5. Add Cream

For an even richer soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end to enhance the creaminess.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until the onions begin to soften. Add the diced carrots, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer Potatoes

Add the chopped potatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover the pan and bring to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes start to soften.

Step 3: Add Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the pot and continue simmering for another 10 minutes or until both the potatoes and broccoli are tender. The potatoes should be fork-tender when ready.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch into the milk until smooth. Add this mixture to the soup and stir to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to thicken to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Once the soup has thickened, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness! You can garnish it with additional cheese, fresh herbs, or even crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Adjust the Consistency

If the soup is too thick, simply add more milk or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to allow the soup to thicken.

2. Use Fresh Broccoli

While frozen broccoli works just fine, fresh broccoli will give the soup a better texture and flavor.

3. Avoid Overcooking the Broccoli

Make sure to cook the broccoli until it’s tender, but not mushy. Overcooking the broccoli can lead to a less appealing texture.

4. Grate the Cheese

For the best melt, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melt.

5. Make It Ahead of Time

This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It also freezes well for up to a month, though the texture may change slightly after freezing.

How to Serve

This soup is perfect for serving with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh green salad. You can also top the soup with a dollop of sour cream, extra cheese, or crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a little more broth or milk to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

2. Can I make this soup without cheese?

Yes, you can make a cheese-free version of this soup. It will still be delicious and creamy thanks to the milk and cornstarch.

3. What if the soup is too thick?

If the soup is too thick, simply add more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.

4. Can I use other vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or corn to change up the flavor and texture.

5. How can I make this soup spicier?

To add a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the soup.

6. Can I use frozen potatoes?

It’s best to use fresh potatoes for this recipe, as frozen potatoes may alter the texture of the soup.

7. Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to a month.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

9. Can I add bacon to this soup?

Yes! Crumbled bacon on top of the soup is a great way to add a savory crunch.

10. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and nutrition. With its creamy texture, savory cheese, and hearty vegetables, it’s the ideal dish for chilly nights or when you just want a satisfying meal. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for leftovers, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a cozy evening in, you’ll love the warm, cheesy goodness of this delicious soup!

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