Hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Cozy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Cold winter nights call for a comforting broccoli potato cheese soup that warms you from the inside out.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with hearty vegetables in this classic comfort dish.

Rich, velvety flavors mingle perfectly with tender potatoes and crisp broccoli florets.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy depth that makes this soup irresistibly delicious.

Each spoonful delivers a luxurious combination of smooth potatoes and bright green broccoli.

The ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Ladle this soul-satisfying soup into bowls and watch as everyone around the table falls in love with every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

For Aromatics:
  • Butter: Provides rich, velvety base for sautéing and building deep flavor foundations.
  • Onion: Delivers sweet, caramelized undertones that create a robust aromatic background.
  • Garlic: Adds intense, pungent warmth and complexity to the soup's initial flavor profile.
For Vegetables and Base:
  • Broccoli Florets: Brings vibrant green color, earthy nutrients, and hearty texture to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Offers creamy thickness, subtle sweetness, and helps create a luxurious soup consistency.
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides gentle, balanced liquid foundation with light vegetable undertones.
For Creamy and Finishing Elements:
  • Milk or Cream: Introduces smooth, silky richness and helps create a luscious soup texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Contributes sharp, tangy flavor and melts into a decadent, stretchy coating.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all other ingredients' natural flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth.
  • Optional Paprika or Nutmeg: Brings warming, complementary spice notes for extra complexity.
For Garnish:
  • Chives or Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion crispness and bright visual appeal.
  • Extra Cheese: Offers additional melty, indulgent topping for textural contrast.

Soup Tools For Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for sautéing and cooking the soup base.
  • Immersion blender: Perfect for smoothly blending the soup directly in the pot.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, broccoli, and potatoes.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable chopping.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth and milk.
  • Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup into bowls.

Easy Steps To Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Flavor Foundation

In a large pot, warm butter over gentle heat. Toss in diced onions and let them soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. After a few minutes, sprinkle minced garlic and allow its fragrance to bloom briefly.

  • Vegetable Symphony

Add broccoli and potato chunks to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth, creating a delicious liquid base. Let everything simmer quietly, allowing vegetables to become tender and flavors to mingle harmoniously.

  • Creamy Transformation

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky smooth texture. For those who love some texture, blend only a portion of the soup, leaving some chunks for delightful variation.

  • Cheesy Finale

Introduce milk and shredded cheddar, stirring gently until the cheese melts completely. Season with salt and pepper, creating a rich and comforting blend. A whisper of nutmeg can add an unexpected warmth.

  • Serving Magic

Ladle the soup into waiting bowls. Sprinkle extra cheese and fresh chives on top for a beautiful finishing touch that promises deliciousness in every spoonful.

Flavor Tips For Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Perfect Texture Trick: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a naturally thicker, creamier soup without excessive cream.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk and cheese with unsweetened coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, cheesy flavor.
  • Protein Power-Up: Stir in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or white beans to transform this soup into a more substantial meal with added protein and texture.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to introduce a warming kick that complements the creamy base.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.

How To Dish Out Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Comfort Bowl Companions: Top a steaming bowl with crispy bacon bits for added crunch and smoky flavor.
  • Bread Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up every delicious spoonful.
  • Topping Treasure Trove: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar, fresh chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the soup's creamy texture and enhance its rich taste.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add diced rotisserie chicken or crispy ham cubes to transform this soup into a more substantial meal that fills you up completely.

Smart Storage For Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freezing Technique: Carefully transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent cheese separation.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm soup slowly on stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of milk or broth if soup seems too thick. Avoid microwaving to maintain creamy consistency.
  • Batch Preparation Hack: Double the recipe and portion into individual servings. Perfect for quick lunches or unexpected dinner needs. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
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Hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Hearty Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty broccoli potato cheese soup blends creamy potatoes with tender broccoli florets in a rich, comforting blend. Wisconsin cheddar and subtle herbs create a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz/946 ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz/237 ml) milk (or cream for a richer soup)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Extra shredded cheese
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and stir briefly to release its aromatic essence.
  2. Vegetable Immersion: Incorporate broccoli florets and potato cubes into the aromatic base. Pour vegetable broth, reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables become tender and flavors intertwine.
  3. Textural Transformation: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a harmonious blend of smooth and chunky textures that capture the essence of the vegetables.
  4. Creamy Enrichment: Introduce milk and cheddar cheese, stirring gently until the cheese melts completely. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or nutmeg to elevate the soup’s depth of flavor.
  5. Finishing Touch: Transfer the creamy soup to serving bowls. Garnish with additional cheese shreds and freshly chopped chives, creating a visually appealing and comforting final presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Cheese Clumping: Gradually add cheese off heat and stir constantly to ensure smooth, even melting without forming stringy or grainy textures.
  • Manage Vegetable Texture: Control blending intensity to maintain desired soup consistency – fully smooth or partially chunky based on personal preference.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Roast broccoli and potatoes briefly before adding to soup for enhanced caramelized, nutty undertones that elevate overall taste profile.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegan preparation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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