This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is the epitome of comfort food, blending tender broccoli and soft potatoes in a rich, cheesy broth. The creamy texture is elevated by sharp cheddar cheese, making it the perfect dish to warm up your chilly evenings.
What’s more, this recipe is easy to customize to your taste and dietary preferences. You can use any type of cheese you like, or add extra vegetables such as carrots or leeks for added flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, a potluck party, or any occasion where you want to impress with a hearty and satisfying meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 large carrots, peeled and diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup milk
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add diced carrots, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until carrots begin to soften.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add broccoli florets and continue to simmer until all vegetables are tender, about 5–7 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk together milk and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup.
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Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens.
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Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
A Hearty Classic: Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with vegetables. Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is one of those timeless dishes that bring together simplicity and indulgence in a single spoonful. This recipe has earned its place in countless family kitchens for good reason — it’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and hits the mark for both taste and nutrition. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
Why Broccoli and Potatoes Are the Perfect Pair
Broccoli and potatoes are a match made in culinary heaven. Potatoes contribute a velvety, hearty base that thickens the soup naturally without the need for heavy cream or complex techniques. Meanwhile, broccoli adds texture, color, and a nutritional boost that makes this soup feel balanced and not overly rich. The slightly bitter, earthy tones of broccoli contrast beautifully with the mild, starchy comfort of potatoes. This duo is both comforting and satisfying, making every bite as wholesome as it is delicious.
The Role of Cheese in This Recipe
Sharp cheddar is the star ingredient that transforms this soup from a simple veggie blend into a luxurious meal. The sharpness of cheddar balances the creaminess and provides a depth of flavor that milder cheeses just can’t deliver. It melts seamlessly into the broth, coating every vegetable with gooey, golden goodness. For a richer flavor profile, you can mix in a bit of smoked gouda or parmesan. Cheese not only enhances the soup’s taste but also gives it that restaurant-quality texture and finish that elevates the entire dish.
Health Benefits in a Comforting Bowl
Despite being indulgent in flavor, this soup can be surprisingly nutritious. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins C and K, as well as a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Potatoes offer potassium, B vitamins, and complex carbohydrates that provide lasting energy. When made with low-sodium broth and a controlled amount of cheese, this soup becomes a wholesome meal that supports wellness while satisfying comfort food cravings. Using milk instead of heavy cream and incorporating cornstarch as a thickener further lightens the dish without compromising its creamy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Weeknights
One of the best things about Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is that it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store. The whole dish comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can speed things up even more by chopping vegetables in advance or using frozen broccoli florets. Some home cooks even rely on pre-shredded cheese, though freshly shredded cheese is recommended for optimal melting and flavor.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This soup stores beautifully and is ideal for meal prep. It can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavor actually improves over time, making leftovers even more delicious. If you’re planning to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Note that dairy-based soups can separate slightly when frozen and reheated, so be sure to reheat gently on the stovetop and stir continuously to bring the ingredients back together. Adding a splash of milk or broth during reheating can help restore its original creaminess.
Delicious Variations and Add-Ins
While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, there are countless ways to personalize this soup. Want to add a protein boost? Stir in some cooked, diced chicken or crumbled bacon. Craving extra veggies? Add cauliflower, leeks, or peas to the mix. For a touch of spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a swirl of hot sauce can enhance the flavor. Those following a gluten-free or vegetarian diet will appreciate that this dish is naturally suitable when prepared with vegetable broth and gluten-free thickeners like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a hunk of crusty bread, a warm garlic knot, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded lunch or dinner. For a cozy dinner party or a holiday starter, serve it in small bread bowls for an extra-special presentation. A sprinkle of chopped chives or extra shredded cheese on top adds a beautiful finishing touch and a burst of flavor.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Even picky eaters find something to love in this creamy, cheesy soup. The familiar flavors and creamy texture make it an easy sell to kids, especially when served with fun toppings like croutons or shredded cheese. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables without a fight. And when hosting guests or cooking for a large family, this soup doubles easily — just make a big batch in a stockpot, and you’ll have a satisfying meal for everyone at the table.
Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup in Seasonal Menus
This dish shines especially during the colder months, when you crave warmth and comfort in every bite. It fits perfectly into fall and winter menus, offering a rich and hearty option that warms both body and soul. However, it’s equally appropriate in spring when broccoli is in season and available fresh at farmers markets. The flexibility of this recipe makes it suitable for any time of year when you want to enjoy a soul-soothing, vegetable-packed soup.
The Comfort Food Connection
There’s a nostalgic element to this soup that connects many of us to memories of home-cooked meals, family dinners, and cozy nights in. It evokes the kind of comfort that only a homemade soup can provide — nurturing, warming, and satisfying on a level that goes beyond just food. Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup isn’t just a recipe — it’s an experience, a ritual, and a simple act of self-care and love shared in a bowl.
Conclusion
Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is much more than the sum of its parts. It’s a versatile, wholesome, and deeply satisfying dish that brings warmth to any table. With its creamy texture, savory cheese, and hearty vegetables, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, relaxing weekends, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a lunchbox filler, or an easy meal prep option, this soup delivers every time. As food trends come and go, this classic combination of broccoli, potato, and cheese continues to endure — and for good reason. Give it a try, and it may just become a staple in your kitchen, too.