One chilly autumn evening, the craving for something warm and comforting hit hard. That’s when I remembered my grandma’s amazing Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup. It’s a family favorite, perfect for cozy nights in.
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup recipe is incredibly easy to make and delivers a creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying bowl of goodness. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love It
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is more than just a simple soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible cheesy flavor and a velvety smooth texture.
- Comforting & Satisfying: This hearty soup is packed with potatoes and broccoli, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup is a breeze to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Here are a few tips to help you achieve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup perfection:
Proper Potato Prep: Cut your potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
Lump-Free Luxury: Whisk the milk and flour mixture constantly to prevent lumps from forming. A smooth, velvety texture makes all the difference.
Cheese Please: Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
- While the vegetables are simmering, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken. Stir in the heavy cream and remove from heat.
- Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the vegetables and stir to combine. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! Don’t forget to check out our other delicious dinner recipes for more weeknight inspiration. Share your culinary triumphs with me on social media – tag me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup comes together easily with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather from your pantry and fridge:
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, yellow onion, garlic, russet potatoes, broccoli florets
- Dairy: Butter, milk (1% or 2% recommended), heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese
- Liquids: Low-sodium chicken broth
- Seasoning: Dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper
- Thickener: All-purpose flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the vegetables are simmering, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken. Stir in the heavy cream and remove from heat.
Step 6: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the vegetables and stir to combine. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Here are a few tips to help you achieve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup perfection:
- Proper Potato Prep: Cut your potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Lump-Free Luxury: Whisk the milk and flour mixture constantly to prevent lumps from forming. A smooth, velvety texture makes all the difference.
- Cheese Please: Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Flavor Twists
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Cauliflower: Substitute cauliflower florets for the broccoli for a different flavor profile. For an even creamier experience try adding some cream cheese! Browse our other delicious soup recipes for even more ideas.
- Bacon Bliss: Crumble cooked bacon on top for a smoky, salty twist.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the dairy content, this soup doesn’t freeze well.
Can I make this soup gluten-free or vegan?
Yes! This recipe is easily adaptable to your dietary needs. You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, or swap out the dairy milk and cream for plant-based alternatives like almond milk or cashew cream for a vegan version. Be sure to use a vegan cheddar cheese substitute as well.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or turkey. Simply add the shredded meat to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking time.
What other cheeses can I use?
While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese would add a delicious twist. For a milder flavor, try Monterey Jack or Colby.
How to Serve
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make it a complete meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
- Side Salad: A light and fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. Check out our salad recipes for inspiration!
- Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with this comforting soup.
That’s a Wrap
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! Don’t forget to check out our other delicious dinner recipes for more weeknight inspiration. Share your culinary triumphs with me on social media – tag me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
