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Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup: Easy One-Pot Comfort for Cozy Nights

Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup - featured image

This creamy, cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Packed with veggies and sharp cheddar, it’s hearty, nourishing, and comes together easily in one pot—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1 lb)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped (about 12 oz)
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2% or plant-based milk)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Optional toppings: extra shredded cheddar, chopped chives or green onions, crumbled bacon, homemade croutons

Instructions

  1. Wash and peel potatoes, then dice into 1/2-inch cubes. Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Dice onion and carrots. Mince garlic.
  2. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and carrots; sauté for 4-5 minutes until onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in diced potatoes and sauté for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Stir in chopped broccoli, ground mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes, until broccoli is bright green and just tender.
  6. Remove about 2 cups of soup and set aside. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir reserved chunky soup back in.
  7. Stir in milk. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
  8. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add crushed red pepper flakes if desired. If soup is too thick, add more broth or milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
  9. Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheddar, chives, crumbled bacon, or croutons as desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Grate your own cheddar for best melting. Don’t overcook the broccoli to keep it vibrant. Add cheese gradually off the heat to prevent clumping. Soup thickens as it cools; add broth or milk when reheating. For vegan or dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese. Double-check broth for gluten-free. Customize with toppings like bacon, croutons, or extra veggies.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, potato soup, comfort food, vegetarian soup, easy soup recipe, one-pot soup, cozy dinner, meal prep, creamy soup, winter recipes