Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a creamy delight that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for chilly days or cozy family dinners, this soup combines the richness of cheese with the freshness of broccoli and potatoes, making it a hit for all ages. Its velvety texture and robust flavor make it a standout dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a starter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this soup can be ready in under an hour.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and fresh vegetables creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Dish: Great on its own or paired with crusty bread for dipping, it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, this soup is both delicious and healthy.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this creamy blend of flavors.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Kitchen knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup base, allowing for even heating and ample space to combine all ingredients.
• Medium saucepan: Necessary for preparing the roux, ensuring a smooth texture without lumps in your soup.
• Whisk: Helps in blending flour into the butter smoothly, preventing clumping while adding milk.

Ingredients

This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is creamy, comforting and utterly delicious. It’s sure to please even the fussiest of eaters. Grab a bowl and get cozy!

For the Soup Base

• 5 1/2 Tbsp butter, divided
• 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots, about 3
• 1 cup chopped celery, from 2 stalks
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion, from 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes, cut 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick (about 2 large)
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets, from about 2 heads
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Creamy Mixture

• 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk, preferably 1% or 2%
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, about 8 oz
• 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese, about 1 oz

How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 1/2 Tbsp of the butter. Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes and Broccoli

Stir in the chicken broth, cubed potatoes, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook for about 15 minutes. Add chopped broccoli florets and cook for another 5 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Mixture

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 4 Tbsp of butter. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for about one minute. Gradually pour in milk while whisking vigorously until no lumps remain.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Continue cooking the mixture while stirring constantly until it begins to thicken. Stir in heavy cream. Once all vegetables are tender in your large pot, remove from heat; pour in the creamy mixture and stir well. Finally, add shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted completely. Serve warm.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup!

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Serving Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup can elevate your dining experience. It is creamy and rich, making it a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping into the soup. The crustiness adds texture while the soft inside soaks up the delicious broth.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with fresh parsley or chives enhances flavor and adds a pop of color. Just sprinkle a few chopped herbs on top before serving.

With Grated Cheese

• Add an extra sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese on top for those who crave more cheesy goodness. It melts into the hot soup beautifully.

Accompanied by Salad

• A light, refreshing side salad balances the richness of the soup. Consider using mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty kick.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun presentation, serve the soup in small bread bowls. This allows guests to enjoy both the soup and the delicious bread.

Paired with Crackers

• Offer a variety of crunchy crackers on the side. They add texture and are great for dipping into the creamy soup.

How to Perfect Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Perfecting your Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup will ensure every bowl is a delight. Here are some handy tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and potatoes enhance flavor and texture, making your soup taste even better.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more flour to your roux for extra creaminess.
• Season well: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and thyme to achieve your desired flavor profile.
• Blend for smoothness: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding cheese. This gives it a velvety finish.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella along with cheddar for added depth of flavor.
• Store properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently when ready to serve again.

Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that complements any soup, garlic bread offers rich flavors and a satisfying crunch.

2. Caesar Salad
   This salad’s crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast to the warm soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add nutrition and flavor diversity to your meal.

4. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for an appealing and hearty addition alongside your soup.

5. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread has just the right amount of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory soups, enhancing your dining experience.

6. Baked Potatoes
   Simple baked potatoes offer flexibility; guests can add their toppings while enjoying their bowls of soup.

7. Pasta Salad
   A light pasta salad tossed with vinaigrette provides freshness that complements the comforting nature of potato soup.

8. Cheese Quesadillas
   Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese make for a fun finger food option that pairs nicely with this creamy dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the vegetables enhances their flavors. Always take a few minutes to cook them before adding broth.
• Not seasoning properly: Salt and pepper elevate the soup’s taste. Don’t forget to season at different stages of cooking for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Add it later in the cooking process to retain its texture and nutrients.
• Using cold milk: Cold milk can create lumps when added to hot soup. Warm it first to ensure a smooth consistency.
• Neglecting cheese quality: Using low-quality cheese can result in an unappealing texture. Opt for sharp cheddar for the best flavor and melt.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Portion out into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup that you might find helpful.

What is Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup?

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a creamy and hearty dish made with fresh broccoli, potatoes, carrots, onions, and cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for chilly days!

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While sharp cheddar is ideal, you can experiment with gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat ingredients. The soup will still be rich and flavorful.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and color.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the cheese types. Try this comforting recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl that everyone will love!