Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Are you craving a warm, hearty, and creamy soup that’s perfect for a cozy evening? Look no further than this delicious Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup! This soup brings together the richness of cheddar cheese, the wholesome goodness of broccoli, and the comforting texture of potatoes, all in one bowl. Whether you’re preparing a comforting family meal or simply want to treat yourself to a savory homemade dish, this recipe is a must-try. Read on for everything you need to know to make the perfect Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup!

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What Is Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup?

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup made from a blend of cheddar cheese, tender broccoli, and hearty potatoes. The combination of these ingredients results in a rich and velvety texture that makes for a perfect comfort food. The broccoli adds a touch of earthiness, while the potatoes provide a starchy, filling base. The cheddar cheese ties everything together with its sharp, creamy flavor, making this soup both satisfying and delicious. It’s ideal for cold weather but can be enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients List for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

To make this delicious soup, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli will work here. Fresh gives the best flavor, but frozen is a convenient option.
• 3 medium russet potatoes: Peeled and diced, these potatoes will add body and thickness to the soup.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is the best option for its rich flavor, but mild cheddar will work if you prefer a less intense taste.
• 1 medium onion: Finely chopped, to enhance the overall flavor with a mild sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced, for a bit of depth and aroma.
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Chicken broth adds a savory depth, but vegetable broth works great if you want to keep it vegetarian.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This adds creaminess and richness to the soup.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic and adding a layer of richness.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the soup.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, additional cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped green onions can add a lovely finishing touch.

Additional Ingredients for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

For extra flavor or to make the soup even heartier, you can add the following optional ingredients:

• Carrots: Shredded or chopped carrots will add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients to the soup.
• Celery: For a more complex flavor profile, adding celery while sautéing the onions can bring an earthy balance to the soup.
• Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon as a garnish can elevate the dish with a smoky, savory note.
• Croutons: For some crunch, top the soup with homemade or store-bought croutons.

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! Here are some substitution ideas and variations you can try:

• Broccoli: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, consider substituting it with cauliflower. The texture is similar, and it will still pair wonderfully with the cheddar and potato.
• Cheddar cheese: While sharp cheddar is ideal, you can use other cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a mixture of cheeses for a different flavor.
• Potatoes: If you prefer a lower-carb option, try substituting the russet potatoes with cauliflower or turnips. They will give the soup a different texture but will still work well.
• Heavy cream: For a lighter option, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The soup will be less rich but still creamy.
• Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and leave out any bacon for a vegetarian version of this soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is easier than you think. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing and chopping the broccoli florets, peeling and dicing the potatoes, shredding the cheddar cheese, and chopping the onion and garlic.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup.
4. Add the broth: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Cook the potatoes and broccoli: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and simmer for about 10 minutes or until they start to soften. Then, add the broccoli florets and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until both the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
6. Blend the soup: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. You can blend all of the soup or leave some chunks for a more rustic texture.
7. Add the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
8. Season the soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.

How to Cook Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather and prep all ingredients.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in butter.
3. Add flour to create a roux and cook until golden.
4. Slowly add the broth, then cook potatoes until tender.
5. Simmer broccoli until just soft, then blend (if desired).
6. Stir in heavy cream and melt the cheese.
7. Season to taste and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes you should try to avoid:

1. Overcooking the broccoli: Broccoli can become mushy and lose its vibrant color if overcooked. Add it after the potatoes have softened and cook it just until tender.
2. Curdling the cream: Adding cream to a soup that's too hot can cause it to curdle. Make sure to lower the heat before stirring in the cream.
3. Adding all the cheese at once: Adding cheese too quickly can cause it to clump. Gradually stir in the cheese in small amounts to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make a good dish even better. Here are some tips to make your Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup look as great as it tastes:

1. Serve in rustic bread bowls: Hollow out small round loaves of bread and use them as bowls. This not only looks impressive but also adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top of the soup adds color and a burst of fresh flavor.
3. Top with extra cheese: A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan on top gives a rich, melty texture.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Main Course: Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Appetizer: Serve smaller portions before a main course, especially during the colder months.
• Family-style: Place a large pot of soup in the center of the table with a variety of garnishes like sour cream, green onions, and crispy bacon bits, so everyone can customize their bowl.

Presentation Ideas for Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

1. Crouton-topped bowls: Place large croutons in the center of each bowl and sprinkle some freshly grated cheddar over the top.
2. Cheese swirl: Drizzle a swirl of heavy cream on the surface of the soup for a pretty visual effect, then use a toothpick to swirl in some melted cheese.
3. Bacon bits and chives: For a rustic look, top the soup with crispy bacon bits and finely chopped chives.

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli offers the best flavor and texture. Frozen works, but make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water.
• Choose sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar provides a deep, tangy flavor that balances the creaminess of the soup.
• Season at the end: Cheddar cheese and broth both contain salt, so it's best to season the soup after all the ingredients are incorporated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze this soup?
   Yes, but note that the texture might change slightly due to the cream. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any bacon toppings.
3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
   Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version of the soup.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
   Sure! Carrots, celery, or even spinach can be added to the soup for extra flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and satisfying textures. It’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're serving it as a cozy weeknight meal or a starter for a special dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Don't forget to garnish it with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

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