Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying dish to warm your soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe is one that I hold dear to my heart. There’s something magical about the combination of creamy cheese, hearty potatoes, and vibrant broccoli that makes this soup perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. Whether you’re gathering with family or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around.

Not only is this soup easy to make, but it also packs a punch of flavor that will delight your taste buds. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep, too; you can enjoy it throughout the week! So grab your pots and pans, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness combined with healthy vegetables.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it all week long. It reheats beautifully!
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix in other veggies to make it your own.
• Comfort in a bowl: This creamy soup is like a warm hug on a cold day—perfect for those moments when you need some extra comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup, you’ll only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. These are things you might already have in your kitchen!

For the Soup Base:

• Broccoli: 1 large head, about 2 pounds, cut into florets
• Potatoes: 2 pounds, Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and cubed
• Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Vegetable Broth: 6 cups (low sodium preferred)

For Creaminess:

• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (plus extra for topping)

For Flavor:

• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
• Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add more veggies: Toss in some carrots or cauliflower for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Swap the cheese: Try using different types of cheese such as gouda or mozzarella for varied flavors.
• Make it vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a plant-based version.

How to Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion. Cooking it until softened and translucent (about 5-7 minutes) brings out its natural sweetness. Stir occasionally so nothing burns!

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Now it’s time to introduce the minced garlic! Cook it for another minute until fragrant—this step adds incredible depth of flavor. Just be careful not to burn the garlic; we want all that lovely aroma without any bitterness.

Step 3: Make a Roux

Sprinkle flour over your onion-garlic mixture. Cooking this roux for about 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly thickens our soup beautifully later on. The goal here is a light golden color without lumps—smooth is key!

Step 4: Whisk in the Broth

Gradually whisk in vegetable broth while scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This ensures every ounce of flavor makes it into your soup! Keep whisking until smooth with no lumps left behind.

Step 5: Add Potatoes

Now let’s add those cubed potatoes! Bring everything to a simmer before reducing heat to low. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender—you should easily pierce them with a fork.

Step 6: Add Broccoli

Time to bring some color into our pot! Add broccoli florets and continue simmering covered for another 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. We want them bright green and not mushy—keep an eye on them!

Step 7: Blend the Soup

Carefully transfer your soup into a blender in batches—or use an immersion blender directly in the pot if that’s easier! Blend until smooth and creamy; if using a regular blender, remember to vent slightly so steam can escape.

Step 8: Return to the Pot

Pour that velvety blended goodness back into your pot—this soup is almost ready!

Step 9: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Now comes the fun part! Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese over low heat until everything melts together smoothly. Avoid boiling at this stage; we want our cream happy!

Step 10: Season to Taste

Give your soup a taste test now! Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired—adjust as needed until it’s perfect for you.

Step 11: Ladle into Bowls

Grab your favorite bowls and ladle out generous servings of this comforting goodness.

Step 12: Add Toppings

Top each bowl with whatever makes you happy—cooked bacon bits (if desired), croutons, chives…you name it!

Step 13: Serve Immediately

Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful! This cozy soup is best enjoyed fresh but also keeps well if you have leftovers.

That’s it—the perfect bowl of warmth awaits you! Enjoy making memories with every delicious bite.

Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Creating a perfect bowl of Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to ensure your soup turns out creamy and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and potatoes will elevate the flavor of your soup. The fresher the ingredients, the more vibrant and delicious your broth will be!

• Don’t Skip the Roux: Making a roux with flour and butter is crucial for achieving that creamy texture. It helps to thicken the soup without adding extra calories from heavy cream.

• Blend in Batches Safely: If using a traditional blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches. This prevents splattering and lets you blend smoothly without burns.

• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with the recommended amount of salt and pepper, then taste as you go. This way, you can tweak it to your personal preference without over-seasoning.

• Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for added depth of flavor. Just remember to melt them gently for a smooth finish!

How to Serve Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Serving up your Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Croutons: Add homemade or store-bought croutons for a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
• Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top not only looks appealing but also enhances cheesy goodness in every spoonful.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the soup perfectly, offering a nice crunch and buttery flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing adds brightness to your meal while keeping it healthy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables are a great side that brings more nutrients to your meal while harmonizing with the flavors of broccoli and cheese.
• Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed salad can be made with quinoa, cucumber, bell peppers, and lemon dressing for a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Enjoy serving this hearty bowl of Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup with these delightful garnishes and sides! Each addition helps create an inviting meal that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance to enjoy throughout the week. Here are some helpful tips for storing and reheating your soup.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label containers with the date so you know when to use them by.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool entirely before adding it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best quality, consume within 1 month.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, you can add it directly to a pot but may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water for consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish:

Can I make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.

How do I store leftovers of Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup?

Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to label them!

What can I serve with Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, a light salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s versatile enough to complement many sides!

Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup brings warmth and comfort to your table! It’s not only delicious and healthy but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and may every bowl be filled with joy!