Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Ultimate Comfort Dish

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever craved a bowl of comfort that warms both your body and soul? Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate dish for those cozy nights or chilly afternoons. This rich, velvety soup combines tender potatoes and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce. Each spoonful bursts with flavor, making it perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Remember the first time you were served a warm, hearty soup on a cold day? That feeling of warmth spreading through you as you took the first sip is something this recipe captures beautifully. The aroma of sautéed onions mingling with garlic and the earthy scent of broccoli creates an inviting atmosphere. Enjoy this soup during a rainy day, a casual dinner party, or even as a delightful starter for your holiday feast. Get ready to experience an amazing flavor journey that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Key Ingredients For Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Potatoes: Use starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy texture.
• Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green florets to ensure freshness and flavor.
• Onion: A medium onion adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic richness; use about three cloves.
• Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient guarantees a luxurious creaminess in your soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best; it melts beautifully and enhances flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Prepare Your Vegetables

Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the onion and garlic. Having everything prepped will make cooking much smoother.

Second Step : Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about five minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Third Step : Cook Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let it cook for about fifteen minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Fourth Step : Add Broccoli

Stir in the chopped broccoli and continue to simmer for another five minutes until just tender. You want it bright green but still crisp.

Fifth Step : Blend Soup

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the mixture until smooth while leaving some chunks for texture. If using a regular blender, let it cool slightly before blending in batches.

Sixth Step : Add Cream and Cheese

Return the blended mixture to low heat; stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer to bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Choose Quality Cheese: Using high-quality sharp cheddar will significantly enhance flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Keep it slightly crisp for texture; overcooked broccoli can become mushy.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in carrots or cauliflower for extra nutrition and flavor.

Preparation Tips

To make the best Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, start by selecting fresh ingredients. Choose vibrant broccoli and starchy potatoes for a rich texture. Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, making them easy to blend into your soup later.

For added flavor, sauté some onions and garlic in butter before adding the vegetables. This step enhances the overall taste of your creamy soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup before serving, returning it to the pot. This method gives you both a creamy base and chunks of vegetables for texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Crispy Crusty Bread: A slice of toasted sourdough or baguette complements the soup perfectly.
• Fresh Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combination of grilled cheese brings comfort and satisfaction to this meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, promoting healthy skin and bone health. Potatoes provide carbohydrates that give energy, while cheddar cheese adds protein and calcium for muscle maintenance.

Additionally, using low-fat milk or cream can reduce calorie counts without sacrificing creaminess. This soup can be part of a balanced diet when prepared thoughtfully. Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner option that keeps you feeling full and satisfied.

Storage Instructions

To store your Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate the soup for up to four days or freeze it for longer storage—up to three months works well.

When reheating frozen soup, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even heating. Heat on low in a saucepan until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens during storage, simply add a splash of broth or milk while reheating to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

How can I make my Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthier?

You can enhance the healthiness of your Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup by substituting heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. These options provide creaminess without excessive calories or fat content. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra vitamins and minerals.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! To transform your Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup into a vegan dish, use plant-based alternatives such as cashew cream instead of dairy products and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without using actual cheese. Also, choose vegetable broth as your base instead of chicken broth.

What type of potatoes work best in this recipe?

For optimal texture in your Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are recommended. These types break down easily during cooking and contribute to a smooth, creamy consistency that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Can I freeze Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Yes! Freezing Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is feasible; however, keep in mind that dairy can change texture when frozen. For best results, freeze it without added dairy then stir in fresh cheese or cream after thawing and reheating to maintain its creamy richness.

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Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Author: christina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is your go-to comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or rainy afternoons. This rich and velvety soup features tender potatoes and vibrant broccoli enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce that warms your body and soul. Each spoonful is bursting with flavor, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or quiet nights at home. Enjoy the delightful aroma of sautéed onions and garlic as you savor this delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups diced Russet potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the onion and garlic.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Add Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and simmer for another 5 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
5. Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth while leaving some chunks for texture. If using a regular blender, let it cool slightly before blending in batches.
6. Add Cream and Cheese: Return the blended mixture to low heat; stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For added flavor, sauté onions in butter before adding other ingredients. To achieve a thicker consistency, blend part of the soup before serving. Consider adding carrots or cauliflower for extra nutrition.