This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The combination of cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli makes this soup not only tasty but also a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids. Grab a bowl and get cozy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: This soup combines rich cheddar with fresh broccoli, creating a delightful taste that warms the soul.
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 55 minutes, you can enjoy homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or as a side dish, this soup pairs well with bread or salad, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Family-Friendly: Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it an instant hit with kids and adults alike.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like broccoli and carrots, this recipe offers a healthy twist on comfort food.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some items you’ll need for preparing Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for cooking vegetables and combining all ingredients comfortably.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for making the roux that thickens your soup.
- Whisk: Helps prevent lumps in your milk mixture while ensuring a smooth consistency.
Ingredients
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious. It’s sure to please even the fussiest of eaters. Grab a bowl and get cozy!
Vegetables
- 5 1/2 Tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots (about 3)
- 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 1/2 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes (cut 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick; about 2 large)
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets (from about 2 heads)
Seasonings
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Dairy & Thickeners
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (preferably 1% or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (1 oz)
How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 1/2 Tbsp of the butter. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes and Broccoli
Stir in chicken broth, cubed potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in the chopped broccoli and cook for another 5 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Prepare Roux
Meanwhile, melt the remaining 4 Tbsp of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk while whisking vigorously until no lumps remain.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Continue cooking the milk mixture while stirring constantly until it starts to thicken. Stir in heavy cream and remove from heat. Once all veggies are tender in the pot, pour the milk mixture into the soup. Stir well to combine everything before adding shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm.
Enjoy your homemade Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup!
How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Serving Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and creating a delightful meal. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your soup experience even better.
Add Toppings
- Croutons: Crunchy croutons add texture and a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions bring a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
- Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon bits offer a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the soup’s richness.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the cheesy goodness of the soup wonderfully.
Serve with Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and tanginess, balancing the rich flavors.
- Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed in vinaigrette provides freshness to your meal.
How to Perfect Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Perfecting your Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure success every time you make this dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and crisp vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more flour. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or milk.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for added depth in flavor. Gouda or Monterey Jack can be delicious alternatives.
- Season Carefully: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to personal preference for an optimal taste experience.
Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here’s a list of options that will complement your meal perfectly.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A gooey grilled cheese is a classic pairing that enhances the comfort factor.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can add a nutritious and hearty side to your soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring out sweet flavors that go well with the creamy soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and texture without overwhelming the palate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can be a fun addition that echoes the potato element in the soup.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad offers a refreshing contrast to hot soup, making it a balanced meal option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Using low-quality cheese: Always opt for good-quality sharp cheddar. It melts better and enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Overcooking the vegetables: To retain their texture and nutrients, ensure you cook the broccoli just until tender.
- Neglecting seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to elevate the soup’s overall flavor.
- Skipping the roux step: This step thickens your soup beautifully. Don’t rush it—whisk until smooth!
- Not blending for creaminess: If you prefer a smoother texture, consider blending part of the soup before adding cheese.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for about 2-3 minutes; stir halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup.
Can I make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I add to Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup?
Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like spinach or cauliflower, or proteins like chicken or bacon.
How do I make it vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well. Just add it towards the end of cooking as it’s already blanched.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is both comforting and versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Give it a try—you’ll love how cozy and satisfying it feels on a chilly day!
Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, a dish that perfectly combines comfort and nutrition. This delightful soup features tender broccoli, hearty potatoes, and a generous blend of sharp cheddar cheese, making it an instant favorite for both kids and adults. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this recipe offers a quick and easy solution for busy weeknights while sneaking in some veggies! Enjoy it as a stand-alone meal or pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad to create a wholesome dining experience. Grab your bowl, get cozy, and savor every spoonful!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 Tbsp butter
- 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 1/2 cups russet potatoes
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (1% or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt 1.5 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté carrots, celery, onion for about 4 minutes; add garlic and sauté another 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken broth, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Add broccoli; cook an additional 5 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream; remove from heat once thickened. Pour into the vegetable mixture; add cheese until melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
