There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Broccoli and Potato Soup to soothe the soul. This recipe is the perfect answer to chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you crave something deeply comforting and utterly delicious. We’ve perfected this classic to be incredibly smooth, rich, and packed with flavor, without being complicated. Forget bland, watery soups; this guide will show you how to achieve a velvety texture and robust taste every single time. It’s a simple, wholesome meal the whole family will love.
Why This is the Best Creamy Broccoli and Potato Soup
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious meal in under an hour. The potatoes break down beautifully to create a naturally thick and creamy base, while the broccoli adds a fresh, earthy flavor and vibrant green color. It’s the kind of satisfying meal you’ll return to again and again.
Every spoonful is loaded with cheesy, creamy goodness.
Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of this soup lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect bowl of creamy goodness:
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best. They are starchy and break down easily, which is key to creating a naturally creamy soup.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are essential for the best flavor and color. You can use the stems too, just peel and chop them finely.
Aromatics: A simple combination of yellow onion and garlic forms the savory foundation of this soup.
Liquid: A mix of vegetable or chicken broth and heavy cream gives the soup its body and luxurious finish. For a lighter version, you can use milk or half-and-half.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is highly recommended. It adds a tangy, savory depth that perfectly complements the broccoli and potatoes. Grate it yourself for the smoothest melt.
Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg are all you need to enhance the natural flavors.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this easy broccoli potato soup is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Look at that perfectly smooth and creamy texture!
Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables
Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and the broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are beginning to soften.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until both the potatoes and broccoli are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
This is the secret to an ultra-creamy texture. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. For a super-smooth soup, blend completely. If you prefer some texture, pulse until mostly smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated cheddar cheese. Continue to stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is warmed through. Do not let it boil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Soup
Don’t Boil the Cream: Once you add the dairy, keep the heat low to prevent it from curdling.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Grating a block of cheese ensures a perfectly smooth melt.
This cheesy broccoli potato soup is fantastic as is, but it’s also easy to customize!
Add Protein: Stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits at the end for a heartier meal. For another comforting soup idea, check out our classic beef stew.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Vegan Option: To make this soup vegan, use olive oil instead of butter, full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and a dairy-free cheddar alternative.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, gently warm the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes cause dairy-based soups to separate.
Starchy potatoes are the best choice for a creamy soup. We highly recommend Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes as they break down beautifully during cooking, creating a naturally thick and velvety base.
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut milk or a homemade cashew cream are excellent alternatives that will still provide a rich, creamy texture.
Yes, but with a small caveat. Soups made with dairy can sometimes separate or become grainy upon reheating. For best results, you can freeze the soup *before* adding the cream and cheese. Then, simply thaw, reheat gently, and stir in the dairy just before serving.
This soup is packed with vegetables like broccoli and potatoes, offering vitamins and fiber. While the cream and cheese add richness, it can be part of a balanced diet. For a healthier version, you can use milk instead of cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. There’s no need to thaw them first; simply add them to the pot as you would fresh broccoli. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they become fully tender.
Enjoy Your Homemade Soup!
We hope you love this Creamy Broccoli and Potato Soup recipe as much as we do. It’s a true celebration of simple ingredients and cozy flavors. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a photo of your beautiful creation on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of cheesy broccoli potato soup!
Creamy Broccoli and Potato Soup Recipe
FL Recipes
Creamy Broccoli and Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Recipe
This Creamy Broccoli and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Easy to make in one pot, this recipe is incredibly smooth, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The perfect satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add the cubed potatoes and broth to the pot. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until potatoes begin to soften.
Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until both potatoes and broccoli are very tender.
Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer in batches to a standing blender and blend until smooth.
Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted. Do not let the soup boil. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcalProtein: 13gFat: 28gFiber: 4g
Notes
For the best flavor, use a good quality, sharp cheddar cheese and grate it yourself. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
