Imagine coming home to a steaming bowl of Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup — the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out and makes your whole kitchen smell downright irresistible. This velvety, cheesy wonder blends tender potatoes, bright broccoli, and a touch of garlic, all blanketed in a lush cheddar broth and crowned with your favorite toppings. If ever there was a soup to banish the chill and lift your mood, this is it! Get ready to fall in love with this must-have for any soup lover’s collection.

Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this recipe is how humble, everyday ingredients combine to create a soup with the power to wow. Every component here brings its own dash of magic — from creaminess to depth of flavor, color, and that classic cheesy finish.

Butter (3 tablespoons, unsalted): This is your flavor base, giving everything a rich, buttery start and helping to sauté the veggies perfectly.
Small onion (finely chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and rounds out the savory backbone of the soup.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Elevates the aroma and brings gentle heat to every spoonful.
All-purpose flour (⅓ cup): Creates the roux that thickens your soup, ensuring that luscious, silky body.
Whole milk (2 cups): (2% works, too!) Adds richness and makes the soup a little extra luxurious.
Chicken broth or stock (2 cups): Infuses the soup with savory depth; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Water (2 cups): Balances out the flavors and lightens up the soup’s texture.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Pulls all those flavors together; taste and adjust as you go.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and complexity without overpowering.
Potatoes (1.6 pounds, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces): Yukon Golds or Russets both work; they create hearty texture and soak up all the flavors.
Broccoli florets (10 ounces, about 1 large head or 5 cups): Provides color, nutrients, and a little crunch that balances the creaminess.
Cheddar cheese (1¼ cups, grated): Sharp or medium cheddar melts into the soup, infusing it with bold, cheesy personality.
Cooked bacon pieces: Totally optional but totally delicious for a smoky, savory crunch on top.
Green onions/shallots/scallions (finely sliced): For a fresh, zippy garnish — use any or a mix to suit your taste.
Extra grated cheddar cheese: For sprinkling right before serving, because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

How to Make Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by melting your butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-high heat. Once bubbling, toss in your finely chopped onion and garlic. Let them cook together for about 3 minutes, stirring now and then, until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen smells absolutely mouthwatering. This is where the flavor magic begins!

Step 2: Build Your Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your onion mixture and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Let it cook for about 30 seconds. This quick step cooks off the raw flour taste, and gives your soup that signature, ultra-creamy body later on.

Step 3: Add Milk for Creaminess

Now for the magic — slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly. As everything blends, you’ll notice the mixture thickening into a smooth, rich paste. If it seems lumpy, a quick whisk will make it silky. This step ensures the Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup lives up to its name!

Step 4: Add Broth, Water, and Potatoes

Pour in the chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper and give everything a good stir. Then add your potato pieces. This is where the hearty, starchy goodness of the soup really starts to come together and take on depth.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then lower the heat so it’s just simmering. Leave the lid off and cook for around 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’re looking for the potatoes to become just-about tender — not mushy quite yet!

Step 6: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking

Stir in the broccoli florets and let them simmer for 3 more minutes. At this stage, you can decide how firm or soft you want the veggies. Once they’re cooked to your liking, it’s time to pull the pot off the stove.

Step 7: Decide Your Texture (Chunky or Creamy)

Now, here’s where you get to customize: For a chunky Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup, just move right on. If you crave a smoother soup, scoop out about 2 cups of the potato and broccoli pieces and set them aside. Use a hand blender to puree what’s left in the pot until it’s velvety, then stir the reserved veggies back in for the best of both worlds.

Step 8: Stir in the Cheddar

With the soup silky and hot, gently fold in your grated cheddar (about 1 cup to start, save the rest for serving). Stir until the cheese melts in and the broth thickens up. Give it a final taste and add more salt and pepper if it needs it.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Time for the grand finale! Ladle your Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup into bowls or mugs, then go wild with dreamy toppings: crumbled bacon, extra cheddar, a sprinkle of bright green onions or scallions — whatever makes your heart happy.

How to Serve Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup

Garnishes

This soup is a blank canvas for toppings! Classic choices include a little extra grated cheddar (never wrong), crispy bacon bits for salty crunch, sliced green onions or shallots for zip, or even a swirl of sour cream for tang. Try mixing and matching for a showstopping finish.

Side Dishes

A hearty hunk of crusty bread or a warm, buttery roll is practically made for dunking into this soup. If you’re craving a lighter side, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies play beautifully with those cheesy, creamy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup in rustic mugs for cozy nights in, or ladle it into small bread boules for an extra-special touch. For a playful spin, top each serving with a handful of homemade croutons or even a few roasted broccoli florets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s lunch almost as exciting as the first bowl!

Freezing

Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups may separate a bit when thawed. For best results, let the soup cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. If it’s a bit too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture. Microwave reheating also works well in short bursts, stirring between sessions.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth, and make sure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly. The soup will be every bit as cozy and delicious.

What’s the best type of potato to use?

Yukon Golds are a fantastic choice because of their buttery flavor, but Russets also work great if you want a heartier, more rustic texture. Whichever you pick, just cut them evenly for even cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen florets are a perfect stand-in. Just add them straight to the pot — no need to thaw first — and cook until they’re heated through and tender.

How can I make the soup gluten-free?

Simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend (like a 1:1 baking flour), or use cornstarch mixed with a little cold milk (make a slurry) as your thickener instead. You’ll get a similarly creamy result.

Why isn’t my cheese melting smoothly?

To prevent clumpy cheese, remove the pot from heat before stirring in the cheddar, and always use freshly grated cheese from a block. Pre-shredded varieties sometimes contain anti-caking agents that can hinder seamless melting.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll fall in love at first spoonful with this Creamy Cheddar Potato Broccoli Soup! Whether you’re looking for cozy family dinners or a way to use up extra veggies, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a go and make it your own — happy soup making!