Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a delightful dish that combines the earthy goodness of broccoli and potatoes with the rich creaminess of cheese. This cozy, vibrant soup is perfect for chilly evenings and makes a fantastic appetizer for gatherings. Its bright green color, complemented by the golden hints of melted cheese, is sure to catch everyone’s eye and whet their appetite.
Imagine the comforting aroma of garlic and onions filling your kitchen as you prepare this warm bowl of goodness. Each spoonful offers a satisfying blend of flavors that delight your taste buds. In this article, you will find easy-to-follow instructions, tips on serving and customizing, plus insights on storage and variations. Let’s jump into creating this scrumptious soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Use vibrant veggies for healthy flavor.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make cooking fun for everyone.
- Nutrition: Packed with vitamins and minerals to keep you energized.
- Versatility: Easy to adapt to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Presentation: A colorful, inviting dish that looks as good as it tastes.
This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1-2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, and sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chicken stock, chopped potatoes, and broccoli florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the milk until smooth. Slowly stir the mixture into the soup.
Step 5: Add the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy. Serve hot!
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in vibrant bowls and top with extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Accompaniments: Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Portions: Offer small bowls for starters or larger bowls for a filling main course.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a light white wine or a refreshing sparkling water.
This soup will surely warm everyone’s heart!
Additional Tips
- Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Customization: Swap the cheese for a dairy-free option or add spices for heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with croutons or chopped green onions for extra crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Soup: Add cooked bacon bits for a savory twist.
- Spicy Southwest Variation: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a kick.
- Creamy Vegan Soup: Use coconut milk instead of cow’s milk and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: For best quality, freeze soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe and saves prep time.
2. Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
You can make it vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
3. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
4. What can I customize in this recipe?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or change the type of cheese for a different flavor.
5. Are there alternative cooking methods?
Yes, you can also use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot if you prefer.
Conclusion
Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is not only delicious and comforting, but it’s also nutritious and easy to make. This meal is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply a cozy night in. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this heartwarming soup that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock Can substitute with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 16 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Thickening and Flavor Ingredients
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk Can use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, and sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chicken stock, chopped potatoes, and broccoli florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Thickening and Finishing
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the milk until smooth. Slowly stir the mixture into the soup.
- Add the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy. Serve hot!
