Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
A comforting and creamy soup that combines potatoes and broccoli, all enveloped in a cheesy broth, perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty lunch.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots (about 3)
- 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes (2 large) Cut 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets (from about 2 heads)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Preferably dairy cream
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (1 oz)
- 3 cups milk (preferably 1% or 2%)
Fats
- 5 1/2 tbsp butter, divided
Thickening Agent
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preparation
- Melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, cubed potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the chopped broccoli florets and cook for an additional 5 minutes until tender.
Thickening
- In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking until no lumps remain. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens.
Combining
- Stir in the heavy cream and remove from heat.
- Add the thickened milk mixture to the soup in the pot, stirring well to incorporate.
- Finally, mix in the cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted and the soup is creamy.
Notes
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving. For variations, add cooked bacon or different cheeses to change the flavor; also consider cayenne for spice.