Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Potato (Printable Version)
Rich, velvety soup with tender broccoli, potatoes, and melted sharp cheddar cheese for ultimate comfort in a bowl.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
02 - 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch pieces
03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
→ Liquids
07 - 4 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1 cup whole milk or milk alternative
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
→ Cheeses
10 - 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
11 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Seasonings
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - Pinch of cayenne pepper
→ Garnish
17 - Extra shredded cheddar cheese
18 - Chopped chives or green onions
# Directions:
01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
02 - Add the diced potatoes and broccoli florets to the pot. Stir well to combine with the aromatic vegetables.
03 - Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes and broccoli are fork-tender.
04 - Remove pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend until mostly smooth while leaving some texture for body. Alternatively, work in batches using a stand blender.
05 - Return pot to low heat. Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Heat gently until warmed through, taking care not to boil.
06 - Gradually add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
07 - Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar cheese and chopped chives or green onions.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
- The texture is somehow both silky and substantial, exactly what comfort food should be
02 -
- Add cheese gradually and keep the heat low to prevent separating or getting grainy
- Dont skip the smoked paprika even if you are not usually a fan, it adds subtle depth
03 -
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded for better melting
- Let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid any unfortunate hot soup explosions