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
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is thick, creamy, and loaded with hearty potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a warm and satisfying meal during colder months!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour (for thickening, optional)
- 1/4 cup water (for mixing with cornstarch if using)
- Crumbled bacon or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
-
Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Cook the Potatoes & Broccoli:
- Add diced potatoes, broccoli florets, and chicken broth to the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and broccoli are fork-tender.
-
Thicken the Soup (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the pot. Simmer for 5 more minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Blend for Creaminess (Optional):
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, leave the vegetables whole.
-
Add Dairy & Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Slowly add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
-
Serve & Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, green onions, or extra shredded cheese if desired.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available—just add it 5 minutes before the soup is done.
- For extra protein, add shredded rotisserie chicken before serving.