Hearty & Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite comfort food, a truly hearty and creamy broccoli potato soup that promises comforting warmth in every spoonful. This delightful recipe focuses on achieving a wonderfully rich texture without relying on heavy cream, making it a lighter yet incredibly satisfying meal for your whole family. You will find this soup to be robust, filling, and surprisingly healthy for a nourishing family dinner. It’s a quick and easy dish to prepare, perfect for busy evenings when you need a truly comforting meal without all the fuss. Get ready to enjoy this simple, delicious broccoli potato soup.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Potato Soup

You will truly love this recipe for many wonderful reasons, making it a perfect addition to your meal plan.

• Achieve an incredibly rich and smooth texture using simple ingredients, without needing actual cream.
• Enjoy a truly satisfying, filling meal that feels indulgent but offers a healthier twist for your family.
• Prepare this delightful broccoli potato soup quickly and easily, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
• It is the perfect choice for a comforting weeknight dinner, warming you from the inside out and providing great sustenance.
• This soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy custom additions and flavor tweaks. It adapts beautifully to different ingredients and preferences you might have.

Ingredients

Here are the essential ingredients you need to create this comforting broccoli potato soup at home. Gathering everything before you begin makes cooking a breeze!

• Wet Ingredients: 40g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 cups milk (any fat %), 2 cups chicken broth/stock (low sodium), 2 cups water
• Aromatics: 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Thickener: 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Main Vegetables: 800 g / 1.6 lb potato (peeled, cut into 1.25 cm / 1/2″ cubes), 5 cups broccoli (small florets, 1 large head, ~300g/10oz)
• Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Cheese: 1+ cups grated cheese (cheddar or tasty, or other of choice)
• Optional Garnishes: Cooked bacon pieces, finely sliced shallots/scallions, extra grated cheese

Notes & Substitutions

Any all-rounder potato, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or Desiree, works well for its texture and ability to break down slightly, contributing to the soup’s body. Cut your broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the soup. The chosen cheese adds a fantastic depth of flavor and contributes significantly to the soup’s overall creamy body and richness. For a gluten-free option, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water, then stir it in at the end until thickened to your desired consistency.

Equipment

You will need a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious soup. A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking everything. Have a sturdy whisk ready to create a smooth roux. A cutting board and sharp knife are necessary for all your vegetable prep. For an even smoother consistency, an optional immersion blender is a great choice.

Instructions

Here are the simple, step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious broccoli potato soup. Follow these steps carefully for a truly comforting meal every time.

1. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Make the Roux: Stir the all-purpose flour into the softened onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring continuously. This step creates your foundational roux, which will effectively thicken the soup base.
3. Whisk in Milk: While stirring constantly with your whisk, slowly pour the milk into the pot. Keep mixing as the mixture thickens into a perfectly smooth, paste-like consistency. Use a whisk vigorously if needed to remove any lumps and achieve a perfect texture.
4. Add Liquids & Potatoes: Pour in the chicken stock, water, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Then, add the peeled and uniformly diced potatoes to the pot.
5. Simmer Potatoes: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain it without a lid. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the potatoes are almost tender. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the base from sticking or scorching.
6. Add Broccoli: Stir in the small broccoli florets. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, or until the broccoli is cooked to your preferred tenderness. Avoid overcooking the broccoli to keep its vibrant color and slight crispness.The Cleveland Clinic highlights several health benefits of broccoli, including its high vitamin C content, fiber, and antioxidants that support heart health and protect against cell damage.
7. Stir in Cheese: Take the pot off the stove. Stir through at least 1 cup of grated cheese until it melts completely into the soup. The cheese contributes significantly to the creamy texture and rich flavor of this broccoli potato soup.
8. Adjust & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired for perfect balance. Ladle the hearty broccoli potato soup into bowls. Garnish with optional toppings like crispy bacon pieces, fresh scallions, or extra grated cheese, then serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These tips help you create the perfect broccoli potato soup every time.

• Whisk for Smoothness: Whisk constantly and slowly when adding milk to the roux. This prevents lumps, ensuring a silky, smooth soup base from the start.
• Prevent Sticking: Stir the soup occasionally, especially while simmering. This stops ingredients from catching on the bottom of the pot and prevents any burnt taste.
• Consistent Potatoes: Cut potatoes evenly into 1/2-inch cubes. Uniform pieces cook at the same rate, providing a consistent, enjoyable texture throughout.
• Perfect Broccoli: Add broccoli florets near the end. Cook just until tender-crisp to keep their vibrant color and nutrients; avoid overcooking at all costs.
• Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper generously to enhance the overall flavor profile of your delicious soup.
• Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thin, use a cornstarch slurry for thickening. If it thickens too much after cooling, simply add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your delicious broccoli potato soup with these simple ideas.

• Serve with crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch.
• Garnish with fresh, finely sliced scallions or shallots.
• Top individual bowls with extra grated cheddar cheese.
• Offer warm, crusty bread or garlic bread perfect for dipping.
• Pair with a simple, light green side salad for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, or in the microwave. Avoid overcooking potatoes when warming the soup.

Variations

Customize your broccoli potato soup with these easy changes.

• Vegetable Swaps: Substitute cauliflower florets or broccolini for some or all of the broccoli.
• Add Protein: Include shredded cooked chicken, diced ham, or crumbled sausage for extra heartiness.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in finely diced carrots or celery along with the onions for added flavor.
• Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle, warming heat.

Nutrition Information

This hearty broccoli potato soup offers a satisfying and nutritious meal option. The values below are estimates based on the ingredients listed and exclude any optional toppings or garnishes you might add. Enjoy knowing you’re serving up a wholesome dish for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this comforting broccoli potato soup.

• How does this broccoli potato soup get creamy without cream?The secret is a roux, made from butter and flour. This thickens the milk and broth, creating a naturally creamy texture.
• Can I use frozen broccoli?Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it when potatoes are almost done, adjusting cook time as needed.
• What kind of potatoes work best?Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal. They break down slightly, adding to the soup’s thickness.
• Is this soup freezer-friendly?Yes, it freezes for up to three months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• How do I make this soup gluten-free?Use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour. Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water and stir in until thickened. For more ways to achieve a rich, smooth consistency without heavy cream, consider these healthy creamy soup techniques.

Conclusion

This delicious, comforting broccoli potato soup is truly a game-changer for your meal rotation. It offers a healthy yet indulgent experience, proving that wholesome food can still be incredibly satisfying for everyone. We encourage you to try this simple recipe tonight; you will absolutely love how easy it is to prepare. Perfect for a warm and satisfying family meal, this soup will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home.

Hearty & Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

A comforting and rich broccoli potato soup, featuring a creamy base, tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy finish, perfect for a cozy meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 40g unsalted butter 3 tbsp
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups milk any fat %
• 2 cups chicken broth/stock low sodium
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 800g potato peeled and cut into 1.25 / 1/2" cubes
• 5 cups broccoli small florets
• 1+ cups grated cheese cheddar or tasty

Garnish (Optional)

• cooked bacon pieces highly recommended
• shallots/scallions finely sliced
• grated cheese for topping

Equipment

• large pot
• whisk
• knife
• cutting board
• ladle

Method

 

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, then cook for 3 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds, mixing it into the onion mixture.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously until a mostly smooth, thick paste forms; use a whisk if necessary.
4. Add chicken stock, water, salt, and pepper; stir well, then add the cubed potato.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 minutes without a lid, stirring occasionally until potatoes are almost tender.
6. Add broccoli, stir, and cook for 2 minutes or until it reaches your desired tenderness, then remove the pot from heat.
7. Stir in at least 1 cup of grated cheese until melted and the soup is nicely thickened; adjust salt if needed.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor and texture, top your soup with crispy cooked bacon pieces and fresh sliced shallots or scallions. Adjust salt to taste after adding cheese.