Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup

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This Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. Creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that warms you from the inside out. With tender chunks of potato, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese, every spoonful delivers a cozy, satisfying bite.

Perfect for chilly nights or lazy weekends, this soup is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but tastes like it simmered all day. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty main or pairing it with crusty bread for a lighter meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup

• Creamy & comforting: The smooth cheese base is indulgently creamy without feeling too heavy.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh vegetables combine for a wholesome meal.
• Ready in under an hour: Quick enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests.
• Customizable: Add bacon, spice it up, or make it vegetarian – it’s a flexible recipe for any taste.
• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love the cheesy goodness and tender potatoes.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup?

Sharp cheddar is the classic go-to for this soup, thanks to its bold flavor and meltability. But you can mix it up with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan for a more complex flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses if possible, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s texture.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup

Each ingredient in this soup plays a role in building rich, hearty flavor and texture. Here’s what you need:

• Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the onions and garlic.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Enhances the savory base with its aromatic bite.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the soup and give it that velvety texture.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The liquid base that infuses the soup with savory goodness.
• Milk & Heavy Cream: These bring the creamy element to balance the cheese.
• Potatoes: A must-have for hearty texture; Yukon Gold or Russet work great.
• Broccoli Florets: Provide freshness, color, and a tender bite.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient that melts beautifully into the soup.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Crushed Red Pepper (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you like a little kick.

How To Make the Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Slowly whisk in the broth, followed by the milk and cream. Continue whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until they are just fork tender.

Step 5: Add Broccoli

Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant green.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra cheese or crispy bacon if desired, and serve warm with bread or crackers.

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Serving and Storing This Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup

This soup is best served piping hot, right after the cheese has melted into the creamy base. It makes a comforting main course or a hearty side dish. A batch of this soup feeds approximately 4 to 6 people, depending on serving sizes.

For storing, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it, but be aware that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often.

What to Serve With Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup?

Crusty Artisan Bread

Perfect for dunking and soaking up every drop of cheesy goodness.

Garlic Bread

A buttery, garlicky companion that turns your soup into a full meal.

Green Salad

Balance the richness of the soup with a crisp side salad with vinaigrette.

Roasted Veggies

Carrots, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts pair well and add extra nutrition.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A golden, gooey sandwich is the ultimate match for any creamy soup.

Crackers or Breadsticks

Simple and snackable, great for a light lunch pairing.

Baked Potatoes

Double down on the comfort food theme with loaded baked potatoes.

Apple Slices

A refreshing contrast to the savory, creamy soup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine! Add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand.

Can this soup be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip any bacon garnish. The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly.

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry. Be sure your broth and cheese are also gluten-free.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, it reheats well. Just keep it stored in an airtight container and reheat gently over the stove. Stir often to keep the cheese from separating.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add bacon or try a different cheese blend? Did you sneak in extra veggies?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook better every day.

Check out more comforting dinner ideas and soups over on my Pinterest board: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

This Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup is more than just a simple weeknight meal – it’s a cozy bowl of joy that nourishes and satisfies. Creamy, flavorful, and made with real ingredients, it’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a freezer-friendly meal prep option, it checks all the boxes for taste and ease.

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