This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. With its creamy texture and rich cheese flavor, this soup stands out among typical recipes. The combination of wholesome ingredients makes it not only delicious but also nutritious, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this soup brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The addition of sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich, indulgent flavor that delights the taste buds.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and potatoes, this soup offers vitamins and minerals while being filling.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone or pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Freezable Delight: Make a big batch and freeze portions for later. This soup holds up wonderfully in the freezer.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup, gather the essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for stirring
- Small bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables evenly without crowding them.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts through vegetables, making prep faster and safer.
Ingredients
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a hearty blend of potatoes, broccoli, and rich, cheesy goodness.
Vegetables
- 1-2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 large potatoes (peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes)
- 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Liquids & Thickeners
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
Seasonings & Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
How to Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter
Melt one to two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
Sauté the onion in butter until the diced onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Carrots and Seasoning
Add carrots, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Stir in Garlic
Add garlic to the mixture. Sauté while stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Incorporate Potatoes and Stock
Next, add the chopped potatoes along with chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Simmer Ingredients
Cover the skillet and bring to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about ten minutes.
Step 7: Add Broccoli
Stir in broccoli florets. Continue simmering until both broccoli and potatoes are tender—about another 10 minutes.
Step 8: Thicken Soup
In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into milk until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the hot soup.
Step 9: Add Cheese
Finally, add shredded cheese into the soup. Stir until melted and creamy.
Step 10: Serve
Serve warm in bowls and enjoy your hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup!
How to Serve Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy meal alone, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Chives: Add a sprinkle of chives for a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness and freshness to each bowl.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: A slice of warm sourdough complements the soup’s creamy texture perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: For an extra savory touch, serve garlic bread alongside the soup.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavors and adds richness.
Serve with Crackers
- Cheese Crackers: These add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth soup.
- Saltine Crackers: Classic saltines are great for dipping and adding a bit of saltiness.
How to Perfect Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
To achieve the ultimate Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup, follow these helpful tips for a delicious result every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and potatoes enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cornstarch mixed with milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
- Add Spices: Enhance the taste by incorporating spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper for warmth.
- Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth soup, blend half of it before adding cheese.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste your soup before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crispness that complements the creamy soup well.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This timeless combo creates a hearty, satisfying meal bursting with flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy crunch and balance out the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: These sweet muffins add a lovely texture contrast and pair wonderfully with the soup’s flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings in protein and freshness, making it a nutritious addition.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or meat make for an exciting side that fills you up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the sauté step: Many rush through cooking vegetables. Sautéing onions and garlic enhances flavor, so take the time to do it right.
- Using too much or too little cornstarch: The right amount is crucial for soup thickness. Always measure carefully to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Don’t forget to taste! Adding salt and pepper at the end helps balance flavors, so adjust according to your preference.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking broccoli and potatoes too long can make them mushy. Aim for tenderness without losing their shape.
- Ignoring cheese quality: Using pre-shredded cheese may impact flavor and meltability. Opt for block cheese that you shred yourself for a creamier result.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
- Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly! Just add it directly into the pot with the other ingredients during cooking.
What type of cheese is best for this soup?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its rich flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter and cheese options.
What can I serve with Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a full meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also adaptable. You can customize it with different vegetables or cheeses based on your preferences. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving comfort food. Give it a try and enjoy every spoonful!
Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Indulge in the warmth of our Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup, a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. This creamy and cheesy delight combines fresh broccoli and hearty potatoes to create a nutritious yet indulgent meal everyone will love. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this easy recipe, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete experience. This soup is not only delicious but also freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 16 ounces broccoli florets
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add carrots, salt, and pepper; cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add cubed potatoes and chicken stock; stir well.
- Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate broccoli florets; simmer until tender, about another 10 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with milk until smooth, then gradually stir into the soup to thicken.
- Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm in bowls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
