Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavors, Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is a comforting dish perfect for cozy evenings or chilly days. This recipe combines the richness of cheddar and parmesan cheese with the earthy goodness of potatoes, carrots, celery, and broccoli, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.

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)

Directions:

1. 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.
2. Stir in chicken broth, potatoes, and thyme, and 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.
3. 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).
4. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to gently boil and thicken, then stir in heavy cream. Remove from heat and once all veggies are tender, pour into the soup and stir.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm.

Tips:

• For a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less milk according to your preference.
• Feel free to customize the soup by adding cooked bacon bits or diced ham for extra flavor.

Conclusion:
Indulge in the delightful combination of cheesy goodness and wholesome vegetables with this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on its own or paired with crusty bread or a crisp salad, this soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!

1. Can I use different types of cheese in this soup?

• Absolutely! While the recipe calls for sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, gruyere, or even smoked cheese can add unique flavors to the soup. Just keep in mind that the melting properties and intensity of flavor may vary with different cheeses, so adjust quantities accordingly.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time and freeze it?

• Yes, you can definitely make this soup ahead of time and freeze it for later consumption. However, it’s important to note that dairy-based soups like this one can sometimes change in texture upon freezing and reheating. To maintain the best quality, follow these tips:
  • Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
  • Leave some space at the top of the containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
  • Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to adjust the consistency after reheating.

3. Can I substitute ingredients to make the soup vegetarian or vegan?

• Yes, you can modify this recipe to suit vegetarian or vegan diets by making a few simple substitutions:
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the soup vegetarian.
  • Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter to make it vegan-friendly.
  • Substitute the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew cream.
  • Omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan-friendly alternative.
• With these adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian or vegan version of Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup without compromising on flavor.

4. How can I customize this soup to suit dietary restrictions or personal preferences?

• Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is highly adaptable, allowing for various modifications based on dietary restrictions or personal taste preferences:
  • For a lighter version of the soup, you can use low-fat milk or skip the heavy cream altogether.
  • To add extra protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu cubes into the soup.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile. For example, fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can add a refreshing twist.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the cheese, or increase the amount of flour in the roux.
  • Feel free to add additional vegetables such as cauliflower, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• By customizing the ingredients and proportions to your liking, you can create a personalized version of Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup that suits your dietary needs and culinary preferences.