Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect comforting soup that brings together the creamy richness of cheddar cheese, the earthiness of broccoli, and the heartiness of potatoes? Look no further! This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm, satisfying meal. It’s rich, velvety, and loaded with flavor. Follow along for the full recipe, plus expert tips, step-by-step cooking instructions, and presentation ideas to make this dish shine. Keep reading to discover how to make this ultimate comfort food!

What is Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup?

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a deliciously creamy and thick soup made from simple ingredients such as fresh broccoli, potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic vegetables. It’s hearty enough to be served as a main course, or you can pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread. Whether you're making it for a family meal or preparing a big batch to have leftovers throughout the week, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients List for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup:

To create this mouthwatering soup, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Here's what you’ll need:

• Broccoli: 2-3 cups of chopped fresh broccoli florets (you can also use frozen if fresh isn’t available).
• Potatoes: 3-4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2-3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for a smoother texture.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
• Carrot: 1 large carrot, peeled and grated or finely chopped for added texture and sweetness.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Butter: 2-3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to sauté the vegetables.
• Vegetable Broth: 4 cups of vegetable broth (you can also use chicken broth if preferred).
• Milk: 1 ½ cups of whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess.
• Flour: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (used to thicken the soup).
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to change things up or accommodate specific dietary needs? Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try to make this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup fit your preferences:

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based milk. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the soup rich and creamy.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener instead of all-purpose flour.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Herbs: You can sprinkle in fresh thyme or parsley at the end of cooking for a herbal, fragrant finish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup at home is simpler than you think! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing, peeling, and dicing your potatoes. Rinse and chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and grate or chop the carrot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the onions become translucent and the vegetables are fragrant.
3. Cook the Potatoes and Broccoli: Add the diced potatoes and broccoli florets to the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
5. Thicken the Soup: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the soup, allowing it to thicken as it continues to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
6. Add the Cheese: Once the soup has thickened, gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then mix it back into the pot.

How to Cook Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Cooking Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a breeze! Simply follow these steps, and you’ll have a piping-hot pot of creamy, cheesy soup ready to enjoy.

1. Step 1: Chop and Prep - Dice the potatoes, chop the broccoli, and finely mince your onion, carrot, and garlic. Preparing your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smoother.
2. Step 2: Sauté Vegetables - Heat the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot, then sauté your aromatics (onion, garlic, and carrot) until soft and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Simmer Broth and Veggies - Add the diced potatoes and chopped broccoli, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Step 4: Thicken the Soup - Whisk the flour and milk together, then slowly pour it into the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Step 5: Melt the Cheese - Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the soup is velvety smooth.
6. Step 6: Serve Hot - Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, ladle it into bowls and garnish as desired!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Vegetables: Broccoli can become mushy if overcooked, so be sure to simmer it just until tender.
2. Skipping the Flour Step: If you skip the flour, the soup may not thicken properly, leaving you with a thinner, less creamy consistency.
3. Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well the cheese melts. Always shred your cheddar fresh for the best texture.
4. Not Seasoning Enough: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your liking. Potatoes absorb a lot of salt, so don’t be afraid to season adequately.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving your Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup can be as simple or as elegant as you want! Here are a few ideas for making your dish look just as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of crusty sourdough or whole wheat bread and ladle the soup inside for a fun, edible serving bowl.
• Classic Bowl: Serve the soup in a large, deep bowl for a hearty, rustic presentation.
• Garnish with Cheese: Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top, and watch it melt for an irresistible finish.

Presentation Ideas for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Croutons or Crackers: Add homemade croutons or oyster crackers for a bit of crunch.
• Cream Swirl: Drizzle a little heavy cream on top and swirl with a spoon for an elegant touch.

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese will give you the best flavor.
2. Balance the Texture: If you like a chunkier soup, only blend a portion of the soup and leave the rest intact.
3. Make Ahead: This soup stores well! You can make a large batch and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Reheat Slowly: Reheat on low heat to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup?
A: Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: To thicken the soup, you can either blend more of the soup or add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a little water.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a classic flavor, you can use other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or even a mild Swiss for a different twist.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Conclusion

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty vegetables. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests at a gathering, this soup is sure to impress. With simple ingredients, easy substitutions, and pro tips, you’ll master this recipe in no time. Enjoy your delicious, warm bowl of comfort today!

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