Delicious Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors. With tender broccoli, chunks of potato, and melted cheese in a luscious broth, it’s a perfect one-pot meal for chilly days or when you’re craving a wholesome and satisfying dish.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Crumbled bacon
• Extra shredded cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Croutons

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

2. Add the Potatoes and Seasonings

1. Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to coat the potatoes in the seasonings.

3. Cook the Broth Base

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

4. Add the Broccoli

1. Add the broccoli florets to the pot and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant in color.

5. Blend the Soup (Optional)

1. Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot for a creamier consistency while leaving some chunks for texture.
   • Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and return it to the pot.

6. Incorporate the Milk and Cheese

1. Stir in the milk or half-and-half and allow it to warm up for 2-3 minutes.
2. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and incorporated. Do not let the soup boil at this stage to prevent curdling.

7. Thicken the Soup (Optional)

1. If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of cold milk or broth to form a slurry.
2. Stir the slurry into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

8. Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.

9. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or croutons.
2. Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.

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Tips for the Best Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

1. Cheese Selection Matters: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and grate it yourself for the smoothest melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can prevent smooth melting.
2. Broccoli Stems: Don’t toss broccoli stems—they can be diced and cooked with the potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
3. Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, or cooked sausage for a heartier soup.
4. Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and skip any meat-based garnishes for a vegetarian-friendly version.

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Variations

1. Loaded Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup: Add sour cream, green onions, and crispy bacon on top for a loaded baked potato twist.
2. Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
3. Healthier Version: Replace the cream with unsweetened almond milk or evaporated milk, and use reduced-fat cheese.
4. Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and vegetable broth for a creamy vegan alternative.

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Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for chilly days or when you’re in need of a bowl of comfort.
• Packed with Nutrients: Broccoli and potatoes provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with added ingredients or tweaks for dietary preferences.

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This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy the creamy goodness in every spoonful!