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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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