Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup: A Creamy, Comforting Classic

Few things warm the soul like a bowl of Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup. This rich, creamy, and cheesy soup combines the heartiness of potatoes, the freshness of broccoli, and the indulgent creaminess of cheddar cheese—making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights.

This recipe delivers a perfect balance of texture and flavor, with tender potatoes, soft broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese coming together in a velvety, satisfying broth. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or just craving a cozy bowl of goodness, this homemade broccoli cheddar potato soup will become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Soup

✔ Hearty & Filling – Packed with potatoes, cheese, and broccoli, it’s a meal on its own.
✔ Easy to Make – A one-pot recipe that comes together in under an hour.
✔ Super Creamy & Cheesy – The cheddar cheese and milk create a luxuriously smooth texture.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – This soup stores and reheats well, making it great for leftovers.
✔ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love the cheesy, creamy goodness of this soup!

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The Best Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

This soup is easy to make from scratch and is better than any restaurant version. With a simple combination of fresh ingredients, seasonings, and creamy cheddar, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (adds depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon thyme (optional, but adds great flavor)

For the Vegetables:

• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated for best melting)
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for more depth)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Extra shredded cheese
• Fresh parsley or green onions
• Crumbled bacon for extra flavor
• Croutons for crunch

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

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2. Make the Roux (Thickener)

• Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
• Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking as you go to prevent lumps.

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3. Cook the Potatoes

• Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
• Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

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4. Add the Broccoli & Carrots

• Stir in the broccoli florets and grated carrot.
• Let simmer for 5-7 more minutes, until the broccoli is tender but not mushy.

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5. Make it Creamy

• Pour in milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
• Reduce heat to low and let it warm through for 5 minutes (do not boil).

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6. Stir in the Cheese

• Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar.
• Add mustard powder and garlic powder for extra depth of flavor.
• Stir until cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.

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7. Serve & Enjoy!

• Ladle soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese, parsley, or crispy bacon.
• Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad.

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Tips for the Best Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

✅ Use fresh broccoli – Fresh florets give the best texture, but frozen works if needed.
✅ Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✅ Don’t boil after adding cheese – High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
✅ Make it thicker – Mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or use an immersion blender to make it creamier.
✅ Make it lighter – Swap whole milk for half-and-half, or use a blend of milk and broth for a lighter version.

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Variations & Customizations

This soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste!

1. Loaded Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

• Stir in crispy bacon before serving.
• Top with sour cream and green onions for a loaded baked potato feel.

2. Spicy Kick Version

• Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat.
• Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce for extra spice.

3. Vegetarian Version

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add extra carrots, celery, or mushrooms for more depth.

4. Low-Carb Keto Version

• Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb option.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk to keep it keto-friendly.

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What to Serve with Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

This soup is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it with:

🥖 Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette – Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
🥗 Fresh Green Salad – A crisp side salad balances the richness.
🧀 Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The ultimate comfort-food pairing.
🥔 Baked Potato or Roasted Veggies – Complements the soup’s flavors.

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How to Store & Reheat

This soup stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep!

Storing:

• Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if it gets too thick.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing:

• Not recommended because dairy-based soups can separate when frozen.
• If freezing, leave out the milk and cheese, then add them when reheating.

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Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Cozy Soup

Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re warming up on a cold night, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a hearty bowl of soup, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

🔥 Try it today, and prepare for it to become a family favorite! 🔥

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