There’s something about a bowl of Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup that makes any cold day feel instantly better. It’s thick, rich, and loaded with tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese. The best part? You can make it in under 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
The first time I made this, it was one of those long, chilly evenings where everyone wanted something filling but fast. I had a bag of broccoli, a few potatoes, and a block of sharp cheddar in the fridge. I tossed everything in a pot, and before long, the whole house smelled amazing — buttery, cheesy, and just a little bit nostalgic. One spoonful later, it became an instant family favorite.
Now, this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup has earned its spot right next to my Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup and Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder as one of our most requested weeknight soups.
Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the potatoes begin to soften.
- Stir in chopped broccoli and cook another 8 minutes, until tender and bright green.
- Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup until creamy while leaving some chunks for texture. (You can also use a blender in batches.)
- Lower the heat and stir in milk, cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts and the soup becomes smooth and thick. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra cheddar and a sprinkle of green onions or bacon. Serve warm with bread or rolls.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
This soup combines everything you crave in comfort food — rich, creamy texture, a cheesy flavor that’s perfectly balanced, and hearty ingredients that make it a full meal on their own. It’s also budget-friendly and comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
If you love creamy, comforting recipes like my Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup or Pioneer Woman Loaded Potato Soup, this one’s going to be your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and warmth)
For Garnish:
- Extra cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions or parsley
- Crumbled bacon (optional but highly recommended)
If you love hearty soups like my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup or White Lasagna Soup, this one will fit right into your comfort food collection.
How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Add diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the potatoes begin to soften.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
Stir in chopped broccoli and cook another 8 minutes, until tender and bright green.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup until creamy while leaving some chunks for texture. (You can also use a blender in batches.)
Step 5: Add Milk, Cream & Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in milk, cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts and the soup becomes smooth and thick. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra cheddar and a sprinkle of green onions or bacon. Serve with No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread or Christmas Bread Recipe for dipping.
If you love one-pot creamy meals, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup — it’s another dish that’s big on comfort and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
- Use sharp cheddar: It gives the soup that classic tangy flavor.
- Add cheese off the heat: Keeps the soup smooth and creamy.
- Don’t overblend: Leave some chunks of broccoli and potato for texture.
- Make it extra thick: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in milk.
These small details make all the difference — just like they do in my French Onion Ground Beef.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Best to freeze before adding cheese and cream for smoother texture.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk if needed.
Like my Snow Day Soup, this one gets even creamier after resting overnight.
Flavor Variations
- Broccoli Cheddar Bacon Soup: Add crisp bacon for smoky flavor.
- Chicken Broccoli Potato Soup: Stir in cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of cream and skip the butter.
If you enjoy simple recipes that deliver maximum flavor, this soup will feel right at home beside my Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw first and add during the last few minutes of simmering.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, try Colby Jack or mild cheddar for a smoother flavor.
4. How can I make it extra creamy?
Blend more of the soup or stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
The Final Bite
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort — rich, cheesy, and hearty enough to make a full meal. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to disappear fast once it hits the table.
Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or my Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls for a meal that’s warm, filling, and family-approved.