Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe – The Ultimate Guide to Creamy, Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful
When the weather turns cool or you’re simply craving something warm, rich, and satisfying, nothing hits the spot quite like a Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe. This timeless comfort dish brings together tender potatoes, vibrant broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese in a velvety, creamy broth that feels both indulgent and nourishing at the same time.
This isn’t just another soup—it’s a hearty, one-pot meal that works beautifully for lunch, dinner, meal prep, and even casual entertaining. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, cooking for yourself, or looking for a reliable recipe to keep in your rotation, this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
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In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the best broccoli potato cheese soup at home, including ingredient selection, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, flavor variations, storage advice, nutritional insights, and more. By the end, you’ll have complete confidence in preparing a soup that tastes like it came straight from a cozy café or restaurant—right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
There are countless soup recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:
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Simple ingredients – Everything you need is easy to find and budget-friendly.
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One-pot preparation – Fewer dishes, less cleanup.
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Customizable – Easily adjust thickness, seasoning, and add-ins.
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Comforting and filling – Potatoes and cheese make this soup satisfying enough to serve as a main dish.
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Family-friendly – Even picky eaters tend to love this creamy classic.
Most importantly, this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced home chefs.
What Is Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup?
Broccoli potato cheese soup is a creamy soup made with a base of broth, milk, or cream, thickened with potatoes and often a light starch like cornstarch or flour. Broccoli provides freshness and color, while sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and depth.
Unlike thinner vegetable soups, this style of soup is meant to be thick, velvety, and hearty—closer to a chowder in texture. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll use for this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe:
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1–2 tablespoons butter
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1 onion, diced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken stock
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¼ cup cornstarch
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1 cup milk
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2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
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16 oz broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture. Let’s break them down.
Ingredient Breakdown and Tips
Butter
Butter forms the base for sautéing the vegetables and adds richness. You can substitute olive oil if preferred, but butter gives a classic flavor.
Onion and Carrots
These aromatics create a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the sharpness of the cheese.
Garlic
Fresh garlic adds warmth and aroma. Avoid using garlic powder if possible, as fresh garlic delivers a brighter flavor.
Chicken Stock
Provides a savory foundation. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead.
Cornstarch and Milk
This combination thickens the soup gently without making it heavy. You can also use heavy cream or half-and-half for extra richness.
Potatoes
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best. They soften easily and help thicken the soup naturally.
Broccoli
Fresh broccoli gives a slightly firmer texture, while frozen broccoli is convenient and works just as well.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar provides bold, cheesy flavor. Mild cheddar works too, but sharp cheddar gives more depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Melt butter in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Stir in carrots, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
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Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken stock and add potatoes. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
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Add broccoli and continue simmering another 10 minutes, or until potatoes and broccoli are fork-tender.
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In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and milk until smooth. Stir mixture into the soup.
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Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture
The beauty of this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is that you can customize the texture:
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For a chunky soup, leave everything as-is.
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For a creamy soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
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For an ultra-smooth soup, blend most of the mixture and return it to the pot.
Blending some of the potatoes naturally thickens the soup without needing extra starch.
Flavor Variations
Once you master the base recipe, try these delicious variations:
Bacon Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
Add cooked, crumbled bacon on top or stir it into the soup for smoky flavor.
Chicken Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
Add shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Herb-Infused
Stir in thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra aroma.
Extra Cheesy
Add another ½ cup of shredded cheese for even richer flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Boiling after adding cheese – High heat can cause the cheese to separate.
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Using pre-shredded cheese – It contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
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Skipping seasoning – Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with:
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Crusty bread or garlic bread
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Grilled cheese sandwiches
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Simple green salad
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Buttermilk biscuits
Together, they create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep
This soup is ideal for meal prep:
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Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week.
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Portion into individual containers for quick lunches.
The flavors actually improve after a day, making leftovers even better.
Storage & Reheating
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Allow soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating.
Freezing Tips
While you can freeze this soup, dairy-based soups may slightly change texture after thawing. For best results:
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Freeze before adding cheese.
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Add cheese after reheating.
Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe – The Ultimate Guide to Creamy, Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is the definition of cozy comfort food. Creamy, hearty, and loaded with tender potatoes, vibrant broccoli, and melted sharp cheddar, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, simple lunches, or anytime you’re craving a warm bowl of homemade goodness. With easy ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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1–2 tablespoons butter
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1 onion, diced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken stock
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¼ cup cornstarch
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1 cup milk
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2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
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16 oz broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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Melt butter in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Stir in carrots, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
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Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken stock and add potatoes. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
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Add broccoli and continue simmering another 10 minutes, or until potatoes and broccoli are fork-tender.
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In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and milk until smooth. Stir mixture into the soup.
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Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
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Use sharp cheddar for deeper, richer flavor.
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Don’t boil after adding cheese—gentle heat prevents curdling.
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Blend partially with an immersion blender if you prefer a thicker, smoother texture.
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Add protein like shredded chicken or cooked bacon for a heartier meal.
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Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Nutritional Benefits
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe offers more than comfort:
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Broccoli provides vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
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Potatoes supply potassium and energy-sustaining carbohydrates.
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Cheese contributes calcium and protein.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate):
Calories: 384 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 58mg
Sodium: 728mg
Potassium: 890mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g
Vitamin A: 4460 IU
Vitamin C: 85mg
Calcium: 315mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes. Unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Cauliflower, celery, or peas are great additions.
How can I make it thicker?
Blend more of the soup or add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with milk.
Why This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe Works
This recipe balances creamy richness with wholesome ingredients. The combination of potatoes and broccoli creates a satisfying texture, while sharp cheddar adds bold flavor without overpowering the vegetables. It’s a classic comfort dish that feels familiar yet special.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup Recipe is the kind of meal that brings warmth, comfort, and joy with every bite. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, yet delicious enough to serve guests. With its creamy texture, hearty vegetables, and irresistible cheesy flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Whether you enjoy it chunky or smooth, classic or loaded with add-ins, this soup proves that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep this recipe in your collection, and you’ll always have a reliable, satisfying meal ready whenever you need a little extra coziness.
