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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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