Looking for a comforting, hearty soup that’s ready in no time? This Broccoli Potato Soup with Cheddar is your perfect solution. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of broccoli, creamy potatoes, and rich cheddar cheese, this soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and just 20 minutes of cooking time, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) frozen broccoli
- 200 g (7 oz) cheddar cheese, grated
- 300 g (10.6 oz) potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk
- 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) vegetable stock
- 50 g (3.5 tablespoons) butter
- 30 g (1/4 cup) wheat flour
- 1 onion, peeled and diced
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by peeling the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Dice them into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they’ll cook, helping you keep this dish within the 20-minute mark.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 50 g of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, potatoes, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step helps to build the base flavor of the soup.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle 30 g of wheat flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly. Cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes to remove its raw taste, which will also help to thicken the soup.
- Incorporate the Liquid: Gradually pour in the 500 ml of milk and 200 ml of vegetable stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Broccoli: Add the 400 g of frozen broccoli directly into the pot. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. The broccoli will thaw and cook perfectly in this time, adding both flavor and nutrients to the soup.
- Season the Soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, keeping in mind that the cheddar cheese will also add a salty note.
- Finish with Cheddar: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the 200 g of grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has completely melted into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture. The cheese not only adds flavor but also enhances the soup’s creaminess, making it irresistibly smooth.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. This Broccoli Potato Soup with Cheddar pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Potato Soup
- Cheese Variety: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick.
- Blending Option: For a smoother texture, you can partially blend the soup using an immersion blender, or transfer half of the soup to a regular blender and pulse a few times before returning it to the pot.
- Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like celery or leeks for added flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to dice them finely to match the cooking time.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 7 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Vitamin A: 50% of the Daily Value
- Calcium: 30% of the Daily Value
- Iron: 6% of the Daily Value
Conclusion
This Broccoli Potato Soup with Cheddar is a wonderfully comforting dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for those days when you need something warm and nourishing but don’t have the time to fuss over a complicated recipe. The creamy texture, the cheesy richness, and the wholesome vegetables make this soup a hit with both kids and adults alike. Keep this recipe handy for those chilly days when a quick, homemade bowl of soup is all you need to brighten your day!