Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

Looking for a comforting, hearty soup that’s both delicious and nutritious? This Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is the perfect blend of rich cheddar cheese, tender broccoli, and soft potatoes, all simmered in a savory broth. Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal on a chilly day or a quick dish to impress your family, this soup offers the perfect combination of warmth, flavor, and creaminess. It’s a great way to get kids (and adults!) to enjoy their veggies, and it’s easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: extra cheddar cheese, croutons, or fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base:
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add vegetables:
   Stir in the broccoli florets and diced potatoes. Pour in the broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Cook until tender:
   Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and broccoli are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Blend the soup:
   Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches, then return it to the pot.
5. Add the creaminess:
   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup. Gradually add the milk or cream, stirring constantly to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra cheese or croutons for added texture and flavor. Enjoy it while it’s hot!

Cooking Tips:

• Control the texture: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest with visible pieces of broccoli and potato.
• Customize your flavor: Swap sharp cheddar for mild or smoked cheddar if you want a different flavor profile. For added depth, consider sautéing some bacon before adding the onions.
• Make it thicker or thinner: If you like your soup thicker, reduce the amount of broth. For a thinner soup, add a little more milk or broth at the end.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Broccoli: Rich in vitamins C and K, and high in fiber, making this soup great for digestion and boosting your immune system.
• Potatoes: A good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, they add heartiness and nutrition to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides calcium, vitamin D, and protein, contributing to stronger bones and muscle health.
• Milk or cream: Adds healthy fats and helps improve the overall texture of the soup while giving a creamy finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This recipe brings comfort in every spoonful. It’s simple yet loaded with the goodness of fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and warming potatoes. You’ll love the rich, cheesy flavor, combined with the subtle texture of broccoli and the creaminess of the milk. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes!

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your broth and any added toppings are gluten-free.
• Low-carb: While potatoes add carbohydrates, you can substitute them with cauliflower to reduce the carb content without sacrificing the creamy texture.

Why This Recipe Works:

This soup strikes a balance between flavor and nutrition. The cheese provides richness, while the broccoli and potatoes make the soup hearty without being too heavy. By blending the soup, you achieve a creamy consistency without needing too much cream or milk, making it lighter yet indulgent. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine without overpowering each other.

Conclusion:

If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and full of flavor, this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is the answer. It’s a wholesome meal that you can easily adjust to suit your preferences, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. The rich cheddar complements the earthy flavors of broccoli and potatoes, creating a comforting dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Try it out today—you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

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