Name: Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes; 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 1-2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup milk; 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 4 cups chicken stock; ¼ cup cornstarch; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a comforting bowl of warmth that’s packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, the Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This cozy soup combines creamy potatoes, tender broccoli, and a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese to create a silky, flavorful experience that feels like a big, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying, perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you want to treat yourself to something nourishing and delicious.

The image shows a close-up of a dark bowl filled with thick vegetable soup. The soup has a creamy yellow base with small chunks of orange carrots, white potatoes, and green broccoli pieces scattered throughout. A small sprig of fresh green thyme sits on top in the center. A gold spoon is partially submerged in the soup near the edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, out of focus, there is another similar bowl and a white plate with slices of bread on it. The overall look is warm and comforting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just the right ingredients for this soup is key, and you’ll find each one plays an essential role in building layers of taste and texture. From fresh veggies to creamy cheese, these basics come together harmoniously to create a dish that’s both hearty and healthy.

Butter: One to two tablespoons provide a rich base and help sauté the vegetables to perfection.
Onion: Diced, it adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor.
Carrots: Dice these for a subtle natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
Chicken stock: Four cups create a flavorful, warming broth that ties everything together.
Cornstarch: A quarter cup mixed with milk thickens the soup without clumping.
Milk: One cup of milk provides creaminess and smooth texture.
Potatoes: Two large potatoes, peeled and chopped into half-inch cubes, give body and a velvety feel once cooked.
Broccoli florets: Sixteen ounces of fresh or frozen broccoli add vibrant color plus a fresh, slightly crunchy bite.
Sharp cheddar cheese: One and a half cups shredded cheese delivers rich, tangy flavor.
Salt and pepper: Seasoning with half a teaspoon salt and a quarter teaspoon ground pepper brings out all the soup’s natural flavors.

How to Make Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting your butter in a skillet over medium-high heat to build a delicious flavor base. Toss in the diced onion and cook them just until they begin to soften and turn translucent, about three minutes—this develops sweetness. Add the diced carrots along with the salt and pepper, continuing to cook for three to four minutes so those flavors deepen. Finish this step by adding the minced garlic, stirring carefully for 30 seconds to gently release its aroma without burning it.

Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes

Next, add your chopped potatoes and pour in the chicken stock. Cover the pot and bring everything to a simmer. This part is where the soup starts to develop its hearty essence. Let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes until they’re just tender enough to pierce with a fork—this warmth will transform them into the comforting bulk of the soup.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

Now it’s time to stir in those green, nutrient-packed broccoli florets. Simmer the soup gently for another 10 minutes or so, keeping an eye on the texture until both broccoli and potatoes are tender. This ensures the broccoli maintains just the right bite and vibrant color, preventing it from becoming too mushy.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

To get that perfectly thick, creamy texture, mix your cornstarch into the milk until completely smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the hot soup while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This step transforms the broth into a luxuriously velvety base ready to carry the cheese’s richness.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Last but certainly not least, add in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully, creating a silky, cheesy soup that’s bursting with flavor. Make sure the heat is gentle during this step to avoid any cheesy clumping or separation.

How to Serve Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Garnishing your soup not only adds visual appeal but also layers of texture and flavor. Try topping your bowl of Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe with crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives, or even a swirl of sour cream for extra creaminess. A dash of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper can also brighten each spoonful.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider pairing this soup with crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls—perfect for dipping into that cheesy goodness. A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette adds a light, refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness, creating a well-balanced dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible container that’s as tasty as it is charming. You can also ladle the soup over toasted crostini topped with melted cheese or serve it as a first course in small, elegant cups for parties. Presentation adds a playful dimension to enjoying this classic recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to transfer it into an airtight container after it cools to maintain freshness. When stored properly, the flavors even deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal taste just as amazing.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftover soup to enjoy another day! Just cool it completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags. When reheated, the soup may thicken slightly, so be ready to add a splash of milk or stock to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep that cheese from sticking or curdling. Slow and steady warming helps maintain its smooth texture and prevents separation. If it looks too thick, whisk in a bit of milk to loosen it up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?

Absolutely! Vegetable stock works just as well and keeps the soup vegetarian-friendly while maintaining a deliciously savory base.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli is a great time-saver and works perfectly without sacrificing flavor or texture in this soup.

Can I substitute the sharp cheddar cheese with another cheese?

You sure can! Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyere can make tasty alternatives, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

How can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

Try swapping butter for olive oil, use vegetable broth, and substitute milk and cheese with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use all-purpose flour as a thickening substitute. Make a slurry with flour and cold milk before adding it to the soup, but be sure to cook it long enough to remove the raw flour taste.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that nourishes both body and soul with each creamy, cheesy spoonful. Perfect for any season, this soup is a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe collection!