There is nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of soup to brighten up any day, and this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe is a shining example of comfort food done right. Packed with tender potatoes, vibrant broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese, every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors and hearty texture. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for a chilly night or want to impress family and friends with a wholesome homemade treat, this soup promises to become your new favorite fast-to-prepare classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pot filled with creamy, thick soup, showing visible pieces of green broccoli, orange carrot chunks, and small white cubes spread evenly throughout the yellowish soup base. A long silver ladle rests inside the pot, slightly immersed in the soup. Around the pot, there are fresh broccoli florets, some orange carrots, and small hexagon-shaped crackers scattered on a white marbled surface. The soup looks rich with a smooth texture and colorful vegetable pieces giving it a home-cooked feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to nailing the full-bodied taste and creamy texture of this soup. Each component plays an essential role, from the sweetness of sautéed carrots and the earthiness of potatoes to the sharpness of cheddar that truly elevates the dish.

Butter (5 1/2 Tbsp, divided): Provides a rich base for sautéing veggies and thickening the soup.
Carrots (1 1/3 cups chopped): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery (1 cup chopped): Brings subtle crunch and balanced flavor.
Yellow onion (1 cup chopped): Builds depth with its savory aroma.
Garlic (2 cloves minced): Imparts a fragrant warmth and mild spiciness.
Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups): Acts as a flavorful liquid base keeping the soup light yet savory.
Russet potatoes (3 1/2 cups peeled and cubed): The hearty heart of the soup that lends creaminess when cooked.
Broccoli florets (3 cups chopped): Adds a fresh, slightly crisp vegetable punch plus green color.
Dried thyme (1/4 tsp): Brings an herbal note that complements the cheddar wonderfully.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Elevate the flavors perfectly.
All-purpose flour (6 Tbsp): Essential for creating a smooth, velvety roux to thicken the soup.
Milk (3 cups, preferably 1% or 2%): Keeps the soup creamy without excess heaviness.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds extra richness and silky texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): The star that infuses cheesy goodness into every bite.
Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup finely shredded): Offers a subtle nutty contrast to the cheddar.

How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by melting 1 and a half tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped carrots, celery, and yellow onion, and sauté them gently for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to awaken its fragrant flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth and Potatoes

Pour in the chicken broth along with the cubed potatoes and a pinch of dried thyme. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. Bring everything up to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cover the pot. Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes allowing the potatoes to cook tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped broccoli florets and allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes. This ensures the broccoli remains vibrant and slightly crisp while softening just enough to be delightful in texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Roux

While the vegetables cook, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, stirring and whisking constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens pleasantly.

Step 5: Combine and Melt Cheeses

Stir the heavy cream into the thickened milk mixture, remove from heat, and then pour this creamy base into the pot with the cooked vegetables. Stir everything together thoroughly. Finish by mixing in the shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses until they melt completely into luscious, gooey goodness. Your Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe is ready to be enjoyed warm.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

A close-up of a metal spoon holding creamy soup filled with small, bright green broccoli pieces, orange carrot slices, and light yellow potato chunks. The soup is thick and pale yellow, with visible bits of black pepper and herbs. The spoon is lifted above a large white pot filled with the same soup, resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your soup presentation extra special and add contrasting textures, consider topping bowls with crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. A few extra shreds of sharp cheddar can create that appealing melted cheesy finish inviting you to dive right in.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls, great for dipping and soaking up every last drop. Light salads dressed in bright vinaigrettes or roasted garlic breadsticks also complement the comforting richness of the soup without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out small bread bowls for an all-in-one edible delight. Layering a bit of crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top adds a textural surprise, and a dusting of smoked paprika can bring a lovely visual pop and flavor depth. Serving it in mini mugs also makes for an inviting appetizer at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 1 to 2 days, making it an ideal option for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Gently reheating on the stove preserves its creamy texture beautifully.

Freezing

This soup does not freeze well because of the dairy content, which tends to separate and become grainy once frozen and thawed. For best results, avoid freezing if you want to maintain that perfectly smooth and creamy consistency.

Reheating

When reheating, do so slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help bring back some creaminess if the soup seems too thick. Microwave reheating works too but reheating gently on the stove yields the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the flavor rich while making it vegetarian-friendly. The hearty potatoes and broccoli combined with the cheese still create a satisfying meal.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sharp cheddar?

A good melting cheese such as Gruyere works wonderfully as a substitute, offering a slightly nutty and creamy note. For a flavor twist, a bit of blue cheese can also add character and complexity.

Can I use other vegetables in place of broccoli?

Yes, cauliflower is an excellent alternative that gives a similar texture and a mild flavor, keeping the soup just as comforting and delicious.

Is this soup gluten-free?

As written, the recipe contains flour to thicken the soup, which is not gluten-free. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch to make it compatible with gluten-free diets.

How thick should the soup be?

The soup should be creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable—rich and comforting without being overly heavy or pasty. Adjust thickness by adding more broth or milk if needed while cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe is a true kitchen winner that warms both body and soul. With its perfect blend of fresh vegetables and rich cheese, it’s a dish you can rely on for quick family dinners or cozy solo nights. I encourage you to dive in and enjoy the wonderful flavors and comforting embrace of this timeless soup. Once you make it, I’m betting it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!