Introduction:
Elevate your comfort food game with this hearty and creamy Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup. A symphony of flavors and textures, this soup is a comforting blend of wholesome vegetables, rich cheeses, and velvety broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests, this recipe is a delicious twist on the classic potato soup that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 5 1/2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots (about 3)
- 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small)
- 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 (2 large)
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets (from about 2 heads)
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (preferably 1% or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (1 oz)
Instructions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 1/2 Tbsp of the butter. Add carrots, celery, and onion, and sauté for 3 – 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken broth, potatoes, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in broccoli and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until veggies are tender.
- Meanwhile, melt the remaining 4 Tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1 minute. While whisking vigorously, slowly pour in milk (whisk well until no lumps remain).
- Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to gently boil and thicken. Stir in heavy cream. Remove from heat and once all veggies are tender, pour into the soup and stir.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm.
Tips:
- Customize the soup by adding cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for an extra flavor boost.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and milk alternatives.
- Garnish with fresh chopped herbs, such as chives or parsley, for a burst of color and freshness.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort with this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome vegetables, each spoonful is a delight for the taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is a surefire way to warm hearts and satisfy cravings.
Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, creamy broth. It’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Cook Potatoes:
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.
-
Add Broccoli and Carrots:
- Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and shredded carrots.
- Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
-
Prepare Cream Mixture:
- In a separate saucepan, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth.
- Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
-
Combine and Add Cheese:
- Pour the cream mixture into the pot with the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is smooth.
-
Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup before adding the cheese.
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.