I love making this Broccoli Potato Soup when I want a comforting, hearty bowl full of flavor and texture. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with vegetables. Every spoonful is creamy, satisfying, and just what I need on a chilly day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is loaded with real, wholesome ingredients and enhanced with just the right amount of seasoning. I love how the potatoes make it thick and velvety, while the broccoli adds freshness and color. The addition of cheese gives it a savory depth that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of one-pot meal that feels indulgent but is made with kitchen staples—and it’s easy to adapt to vegetarian or gluten-free diets.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
‑ 3 tablespoons of butter
‑ 1 medium yellow onion, diced
‑ ¾ cup carrots, diced
‑ 3 cloves garlic, minced
‑ 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
‑ 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
‑ 1 teaspoon dried parsley
‑ 1 teaspoon mustard powder
‑ ½ teaspoon dried oregano
‑ ¼ cup flour
‑ 5 cups chicken broth
‑ 1 cup half and half
‑ Salt and pepper, to taste
‑ 1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (or red potatoes), peeled and cubed
‑ 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
‑ 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
‑ ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
directions
-
In a pot, I heat the drippings (or butter) and add the onions and carrots. I let them cook for about 12 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
-
I stir in the garlic, soy sauce, hot sauce, parsley, mustard powder, and oregano. After about a minute, I sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another 2 minutes.
-
I slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Then I add the half and half, bring everything to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
-
While the soup simmers, I peel and dice the potatoes, season them lightly, and add them to the pot. I let them simmer for about 15 minutes, partially covered, stirring occasionally.
-
I add the broccoli and cook for another 7 minutes, or until both the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
-
I like to use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times, giving it a slightly creamy texture while still keeping some chunks.
-
With the heat on low, I stir in the cheddar and Parmesan gradually until melted.
-
I taste and adjust the seasoning, then ladle the soup into bowls
Servings and timing
Serves 6 people
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
variations
Here are a few ways I like to tweak the recipe:
‑ Use cauliflower instead of broccoli for a twist on the texture.
‑ Swap in different cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for extra depth.
‑ Add a splash of cream at the end for an ultra-creamy finish.
‑ Stir in cooked chicken or turkey to make it more filling.
storage/reheating
I let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or half and half if it’s too thick. I also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and reheat gently.
FAQs
What’s the best type of potato for this soup?
I like using Yukon Gold for a creamy texture, but red potatoes work well too. Russets are softer and may fall apart, which can help thicken the soup.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
I usually do, but it’s not required. If I use thin-skinned potatoes like red or Yukon Gold, I sometimes leave the skins on for added texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, I’ve made this with frozen broccoli many times. I add it straight from the freezer during the last 7 minutes of cooking.
Why should I shred my own cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can make it clump or become grainy when melted. I always shred it fresh for the best melt and flavor.
How do I keep the cheese from separating?
I let the soup cool slightly and reduce the heat to low before adding the cheese. That helps it melt smoothly without breaking.
Can I thicken the soup more?
Yes, I pulse it more with an immersion blender, or stir in a bit more flour earlier in the recipe. You can also let it simmer uncovered to reduce.
What’s a good substitute for half and half?
I use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream if I don’t have half and half. For a dairy-free version, I use unsweetened almond or oat milk.
Is this soup spicy with the hot sauce?
Not at all. The hot sauce just enhances the flavor—it doesn’t make the soup spicy. I use Frank’s for a subtle kick.
Can I freeze this soup with the cheese in it?
Yes, but I reheat it gently and stir well to keep the texture smooth. Avoid boiling after freezing, as it can cause separation.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Potato Soup is everything I want in a cozy meal: creamy, loaded with veggies, and full of flavor from simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s versatile, easy to make, and always hits the spot whether I’m serving a crowd or prepping lunches for the week.
Print
Broccoli Potato Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 people
Description
This hearty Broccoli Potato Soup is a rich and creamy blend of Yukon gold potatoes, tender broccoli, and cheddar in a velvety broth. Comforting and full of flavor-enhancing seasonings, it’s a soul-warming favorite for any cold-weather meal.
Ingredients
3 tbsp of butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 cup flour
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup half and half
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch chunks
4 cups broccoli florets
1 ¼ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Heat 3 tbsp butter drippings in the same pot. Sauté onion and carrots over medium heat until soft and slightly caramelized, about 12 minutes.
Stir in garlic, soy sauce, hot sauce, parsley, mustard powder, and oregano. Cook 1 minute. Add flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
Gradually add chicken broth and half and half, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Season potatoes lightly with salt and pepper, then add to soup. Simmer partially covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add broccoli and simmer for another 7 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and broccoli is cooked.
Optional: Blend some of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender for a smoother texture.
Reduce heat to low and stir in both cheeses until melted.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main course