There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy soup to wrap you in comfort, and let me tell you, Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is one of my personal favorites! Growing up, my grandma would make this soup on chilly days, and it quickly became a beloved family staple. The vibrant green of the broccoli, the heartiness of the potatoes, and the rich gooeyness of the cheese all come together to create a bowl of pure joy.
What’s special about this soup is not just how delicious it is, but how versatile and easy it is to make. You can toss in extra veggies if you have them on hand, or even add some cooked bacon crumbles for a salty crunch! I also love that it can be whipped up in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends when you need some comfort food.
What’s in Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup?
Fresh Broccoli: This green powerhouse is the star of the soup! It adds a distinct flavor and loads of nutrients. I prefer using organic broccoli for the freshest taste.
Potatoes: Adding heartiness, potatoes give this soup a creamy texture once blended. I usually use russet or Yukon Gold because they’re super creamy when cooked.
Cheese: A generous helping of cheese (cheddar is my go-to!) makes this soup irresistibly gooey and rich. Feel free to experiment with a mixture of cheeses for a unique flavor!
Onion: A base of sautéed onion elevates the flavor, adding depth and sweetness to the soup.
Garlic: A must for that aromatic kick! Fresh garlic really brings out the flavors in the soup.
Vegetable Broth or Water: I often use vegetable broth for extra flavor, but water works just fine in a pinch. If you want to amp it up, you could use chicken broth!
Milk or Cream: This is essential for making the soup creamy and luscious. I like to use whole milk, but you could also switch it up with half-and-half or any plant-based milk for a lighter option.
Salt and Pepper: The finishing touch! Just a pinch helps balance the flavor and bring all the ingredients together.
Is Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Good for You?
You might be wondering how healthy this comforting bowl of goodness really is! Well, let’s break it down:
Broccoli is loaded with fiber and vitamins C, K, and A. It’s a nutritional powerhouse that supports digestion, bone health, and even the immune system!
Potatoes offer a hearty dose of potassium and vitamin B6, and they’re not as bad as people often think – just watch your portion size!
Cheese adds calcium and protein but keep an eye on the quantity if you’re watching your cholesterol or fat intake.
Milk or Cream provide calcium, but opt for low-fat varieties if you’re looking to keep the soup lighter.
In moderation, this soup is a delightful way to enjoy those veggies, but it’s also important to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet — so I often pair it with a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal!
Ingredients for Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
– 2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of your favorites)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth or water
– 1 cup milk or cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
This recipe serves around 4 hearty bowls; perfect for sharing or keeping in the fridge for those busy nights!
How to Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup?
1. Start by chopping the onion and garlic, then heat a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic in a splash of olive oil until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the chopped potatoes to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Next, toss in the chopped broccoli. Cover again and let it cook until the broccoli is bright green and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. At this point, you can either use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth or you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
5. Once blended to your desired consistency, return the soup to the pot (if needed), and stir in the cheddar cheese and milk or cream until melted and well combined.
6. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little taste test and adjust as you like!
Serve hot, and you’ll have everyone cozying up with a warm bowl of joy!
Extra Smiles with Your Soup!
Feel free to get creative with your soup. You can add different veggies like carrots or even a handful of spinach for an extra nutritional boost. Make it a little spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes, or top it with crispy bacon bits for a flavor explosion.
This soup freezes beautifully too! Just store it in airtight containers, and you can enjoy a taste of warmth on those busier days. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish your soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives for that extra flair!
I truly hope you give this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup a try — it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Don’t forget to share your cozy soup moments with me; I can’t wait to hear how you made it your own! Enjoy!
