Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. This hearty soup combines the goodness of fresh broccoli, tender potatoes, and savory cheddar cheese, making it a nourishing and satisfying dish. Perfect for cozy nights or when you want something both comforting and filling, this soup is easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients. It’s an ideal choice for a family meal, as it’s both delicious and nutritious.

The combination of broccoli and potatoes gives this soup a hearty base, while the creamy texture from the milk and melted cheddar cheese elevates it to another level of comfort. This soup can easily be customized to suit different dietary preferences or spice levels, and it can be served as a main dish or a hearty side. With a short prep time and minimal cooking effort, you’ll have a delicious bowl of soup ready in under an hour.

Whether you’re warming up on a cold day or serving it as a starter for a special meal, this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is the perfect balance of creamy and hearty. It has the right amount of vegetables, creaminess, and rich cheddar flavor, making each spoonful comforting and filling. What’s even better is that it’s easy to make, requiring only a few common ingredients, and doesn’t take long to prepare. The potatoes give the soup a smooth, velvety texture, while the broccoli adds a nutritious touch and a slight crunch when blended.

The cheddar cheese adds a deliciously creamy and savory finish, making the soup indulgent without being overly heavy. It’s the type of meal that works well for both kids and adults, and it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. You can also freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on. Whether served as a main course or a starter, this soup is sure to impress with its simplicity and satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

1 head of broccoli, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 cup of milk
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

1. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition. These vegetables blend nicely with the broccoli and potatoes and will complement the soup’s taste.

2. Make It Vegan

To make this soup vegan, simply substitute the milk for a non-dairy option like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. For the cheese, use a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

3. Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup a spicy kick. You could also sprinkle some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.

4. Top with Bacon

For a non-vegetarian option, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of the soup just before serving. This adds a savory crunch and pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the soup.

5. Add Protein

To make the soup more filling, add some cooked chicken, sausage, or even beans. This will give the soup an extra boost of protein and make it a more substantial meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large pot, heat a little olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broccoli, Potatoes, and Broth

Add the chopped broccoli, diced potatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Once the vegetables are cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blending until smooth, and then return it to the pot.

Step 4: Stir in the Milk and Cheese

Once the soup is blended, stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like, you can add extra spices such as a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder for additional flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of cream for an extra touch of richness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best for this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli can also be used.
Blend to Your Preference: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is. Alternatively, you can blend the soup completely for a smooth and velvety texture.
Use Full-Fat Milk or Cream: For a richer soup, use full-fat milk or even a splash of heavy cream. This will give the soup an indulgent, creamy texture.
Watch the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more milk or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
Make It Ahead: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors often improve the next day. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is best served hot and makes a perfect meal on its own, especially if paired with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. For added richness, top with extra cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives. If you want to serve it as a side, this soup pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or any light entrée.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop, adding a little more liquid if necessary.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally and add extra broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for a future meal.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, gouda, or Gruyère. Cheddar cheese is the most traditional choice, but feel free to experiment.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.

5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, to make it dairy-free, use non-dairy milk (such as almond, oat, or coconut milk) and a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast.

6. How can I make the soup spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the soup for some added heat.

7. Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling the potatoes is optional. If you prefer to keep the skins on, make sure to wash them thoroughly.

8. Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, you can use a regular blender. Blend the soup in batches, then return it to the pot once smooth.

9. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

10. Can I add protein to the soup?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or beans to make the soup more filling and add extra protein.

Conclusion

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a wonderfully comforting dish that combines creamy potatoes, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese in a way that’s sure to satisfy. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch, a warming dinner, or a hearty appetizer, this soup is a winner. Plus, it’s easy to adapt to suit different dietary preferences, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup with a slice of bread or a side salad, and you’ll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love.