Cozy Hearty Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe for Cold Days

On chilly evenings, nothing beats a warm bowl of cheddar broccoli potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

This creamy, comforting recipe delivers rich flavors and hearty texture in every spoonful.

Robust potatoes blend seamlessly with sharp cheddar cheese and tender broccoli florets.

Packed with nutrients and satisfaction, this soup turns simple ingredients into a delightful meal.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma as the soup simmers gently.

Every ladle promises a delectable experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Grab a crusty bread and prepare for a soul-warming culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes into the Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor that builds depth in the soup's base.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic punch that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that creates a creamy, substantial texture and provides filling carbohydrates.
• Broccoli: Nutrient-dense green vegetable that adds vibrant color, earthy flavor, and nutritional boost.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid foundation for the soup's consistency.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the other ingredients' natural flavors.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the overall taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional spice that introduces a smoky, warm dimension to the soup.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a silky, smooth texture by gently thickening the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Introduces luxurious richness and a velvety mouthfeel.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy flavor and creates a classic, comforting cheesy profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty complexity that deepens the overall taste.

• Bacon: Crispy topping that introduces a smoky, salty crunch.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness and visual appeal.

Tools You’ll Need for Creamy Potato Soup

• Large pot: Essential for sauteing, simmering, and mixing all ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Crucial for chopping onions, garlic, potatoes, and broccoli precisely.
• Cutting board: Needed for safe and clean vegetable preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Immersion blender (optional): Useful for creating a creamy soup texture if desired.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred cheddar and parmesan cheese smoothly.
• Ladle: Great for serving soup into individual bowls.

Cooking Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Easily

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat up a cozy pot and melt butter, transforming the kitchen with a rich aroma. Toss in chopped onions and let them dance until they soften and turn translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly, releasing its magical essence.

• Build the Hearty Foundation

Pour in chicken broth, then add diced potatoes and broccoli florets. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a whisper of smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then dial down the heat and let everything simmer gently, covered, until vegetables become tender and surrendering.

• Create Creamy Magic

Lower the heat and splash in heavy cream, stirring smoothly. Gradually sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, whisking constantly until they melt into a luxurious, velvety embrace. For extra silkiness, grab an immersion blender and give the soup a quick pulse.

• Serve with Style

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Crown each serving with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, fresh green onions, or an extra handful of cheese. Pair with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort experience.

Tips for Soup Thickening & Flavor Boosts

• Perfect Soup Prep Tricks: Creamy Texture Secrets for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
• Potato Selection Magic: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the most luxurious, velvety soup texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Remove the pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, silky consistency without graininess.
• Low-Sodium Swap: Replace chicken broth with reduced-sodium vegetable broth for a lighter version that's equally delicious and healthier.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a plant-based friendly version that's creamy and rich.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months – just cool completely and store in airtight containers, then reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its incredible texture.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Cozy Bread Companions: Pair this creamy soup with warm, crusty sourdough or rustic french bread for dipping and soaking up every delicious bite.
• Hearty Protein Boost: Top with crispy crumbled bacon, grilled chicken strips, or diced ham to transform the soup into a more substantial meal that satisfies serious hunger.
• Gourmet Cheese Lovers' Dream: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar, crumbled blue cheese, or a blend of aged cheeses on top to enhance the rich, tangy flavor profile and add delightful texture.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh chives, finely sliced green onions, or a light sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten the soup's creamy base and add a pop of color and freshness.

Smart Storage for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Fridge Fresh Technique: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated soup maintains optimal flavor and safety for 3-4 days.
• Cool-Down Strategy: Allow soup to reach room temperature before sealing and storing. Rapid cooling prevents bacterial growth and preserves soup's creamy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Frozen soup stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup thickens too much during storage. Avoid microwave to maintain smooth consistency and prevent cheese separation.

Hearty Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy cheddar broccoli potato soup blends hearty vegetables with rich dairy comfort. Savory ingredients meld into a satisfying meal that warms you from the first spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
• 0.5 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsps cornstarch or flour (for thickening, optional)
• 0.25 cups water (for mixing with cornstarch if using)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• Crumbled bacon or green onions (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing finely chopped onions until translucent and soft, then quickly introduce minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds to release its fragrant essence.
2. Vegetable Infusion: Add diced potatoes, broccoli florets, and chicken broth to the pot, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes until vegetables become tender.
3. Texture Transformation: Create a cornstarch slurry and whisk into the simmering soup, then use an immersion blender to partially break down vegetables, achieving a harmonious blend of chunky and smooth consistencies.
4. Creamy Culmination: Reduce heat and incorporate heavy cream, stirring smoothly. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses, ensuring a silky, uniform melt that thoroughly coats each vegetable.
5. Presentation Perfection: Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with optional crispy bacon bits, green onion slivers, or an additional cheese sprinkle. Serve alongside crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Manage Butter Browning: Melt butter slowly to prevent burning and develop a rich, nutty base flavor without bitter undertones.
• Control Cheese Melting: Add cheese off direct heat and stir gradually to prevent clumping and ensure smooth, creamy texture without graininess.
• Optimize Vegetable Texture: Dice potatoes and broccoli uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the soup.
• Customize Consistency: Adjust soup thickness by controlling cornstarch slurry quantity – less for thinner soup, more for heartier texture; experiment to find your perfect balance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg