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The Ultimate Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe – Rich, Creamy & Irresistible Comfort Food

Introduction: Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

When the weather cools down, nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of Broccoli Potato Soup. This creamy, nutrient-rich soup blends the earthy goodness of potatoes with the mild, slightly sweet flavor of broccoli to create the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious meal prep option, this soup checks all the boxes.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make a velvety, flavorful Broccoli Potato Soup without bitterness. We’ll cover step-by-step instructions, expert techniques to preserve the vibrant green color of broccoli, and several delicious variations. Plus, we’ll answer top questions like how to thicken the soup naturally and how to prevent overcooking your broccoli.

For another creamy and delicious soup perfect for cozy nights, try our Marry Me Chicken Soup, a dish so good it might just win hearts!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Potato Soup

Thick & Creamy – A smooth, comforting texture without feeling too heavy.
Packed with Nutrients – Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
One-Pot Recipe – Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
Versatile & Customizable – It is easily adapted for vegan, cheesy, or spicy versions.

Ingredients & Substitutions

A great Broccoli Potato Soup starts with the right ingredients. Here’s everything you need:

Fresh broccoli, potatoes, garlic, cheese, and cream laid out for broccoli potato soup preparation

Essential Ingredients

IngredientAmountNotes
Broccoli2 cupsFresh or frozen, chopped
Potatoes3 mediumYukon Gold or Russet for creaminess
Onion1 smallFinely diced for flavor
Garlic2 clovesMinced for depth
Vegetable broth4 cupsCan swap with chicken broth
Milk or cream1 cupDairy or non-dairy options work
Cheddar cheese1 cupOptional, for extra richness
Butter or olive oil2 tbspFor sautéing
Salt & pepperTo tasteAdjust to preference

Have you ever wondered about the amazing health benefits of broccoli? Not only is it packed with vitamins, but it also supports overall wellness. To explore this further, learn more about its nutritional value and powerful health benefits.

Ingredient Notes & Variations

  • For a Vegan Version, replace dairy with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • For a Thicker Texture, use heavy cream instead of milk or blend more potatoes.
  • For a Low-Carb Option, swap potatoes with cauliflower.
  • For Extra Flavor, add smoked paprika, thyme, or a pinch of nutmeg.

How to Make Broccoli Potato Soup (Step-by-Step Guide)

Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping the broccoli and potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic.

Pro Tip: If using broccoli stems, peel the outer layer before chopping to ensure a smoother texture.

How to Keep Broccoli Bright Green
To maintain broccoli’s vibrant color, blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer it to an ice bath before adding it to the soup. This stops overcooking and keeps the color fresh.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Expert Tip: Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning. Burnt garlic can create a bitter taste in your soup.

Cook the Potatoes

Add the chopped potatoes to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the potatoes cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft.

Troubleshooting: Why Aren’t My Potatoes Getting Soft?

  • Ensure you’re using starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold.
  • Make sure the soup is simmering, not boiling. High heat can toughen the starch.

Blend for a Smooth Texture

Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.

No Immersion Blender?

  • Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
  • Vent the lid slightly to release steam and prevent splattering.

Add the Broccoli & Dairy

Now, stir in the broccoli and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, just until tender. Pour in the milk or cream, stirring continuously.

How to Avoid Bitterness in Broccoli Soup:

  • Use fresh broccoli whenever possible.
  • Avoid overcooking, which releases sulfur compounds.
  • A pinch of sugar or lemon juice helps balance the flavors.

Add Cheese & Final Seasoning

If making cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup, gradually stir in grated cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts completely.

How to Get a Creamier Texture:

  • Use block cheese instead of pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents).
  • Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping.

At this point, your Broccoli Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and ready to serve!

Adjust the Soup’s Thickness & Consistency

Achieving the right texture is crucial to making this soup perfectly creamy. If your soup feels too thin, or if you want to make it heartier, try one of these easy thickening methods:

Blend More Potatoes – Remove ½ cup of cooked potatoes, mash them well, and stir them back in.
Use a Flour or Cornstarch Slurry – mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then add to the soup and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Incorporate Heavy Cream or Greek Yogurt – Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a richer, silkier texture.

If your soup turns out too thick, simply add extra broth a little at a time until you reach the perfect consistency.

Season & Balance Flavors

Once the soup reaches the ideal consistency, it’s time to fine-tune the seasoning. Taste and adjust for salt, pepper, and depth of flavor.

To enhance the taste, try these expert-level tweaks:

A Dash of Lemon Juice – Brightens the soup and balances richness.
A Pinch of Nutmeg or Smoked Paprika – adds depth and warmth.
A Spoonful of Dijon Mustard – Elevates the savory notes.

By making these simple but effective flavor adjustments, your Broccoli Potato Soup will have a perfectly well-rounded taste.

Serve & Garnish

With the soup seasoned to perfection, it’s time to plate and enjoy! Ladle the soup into bowls and top with flavorful garnishes to elevate its presentation and taste.

Creative Garnish Ideas:

Shredded Cheddar or Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the soup for a rich, cheesy finish.
Homemade Croutons – These add a satisfying crunch.
Toasted Almonds or Sunflower Seeds – Brings nutty contrast.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Chives, Thyme) – Infuses a pop of color and freshness.
A Drizzle of Olive Oil or Heavy Cream – Enhances richness and adds elegance.

Broccoli and potatoes simmering in broth in a soup pot with wooden spoon

Pro Tips & Delicious Variation

One of the best things about Broccoli Potato Soup is its versatility. Below are some popular variations and creative ways to customize the recipe.

Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup

For those who love cheese, this variation adds extra creaminess and a bold, savory flavor. Simply:

Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Stir in 1 extra cup of shredded cheddar for a richer taste.
Add Parmesan or Gruyère – These cheeses add extra depth.
Melt the Cheese Correctly – Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess.

Vegan Broccoli Potato Soup

For a dairy-free and plant-based version, make these simple swaps:

Use Coconut Milk or Cashew Cream – They add creaminess without dairy.
Substitute Nutritional Yeast – This provides a cheesy flavor without actual cheese.
Roast the Broccoli First – This enhances its depth and sweetness.

Spicy Broccoli Potato Soup

For those who love spice, consider adding:

½ teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes – Infuses heat.
A Few Dashes of Hot Sauce – Provides extra kick.
Pickled Jalapeños as Garnish – Adds zesty spice and acidity.

If you enjoy hearty and comforting soups, you might also love our Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe, a rich and flavorful classic

Broccoli potato soup served in a bowl with creamy texture and broccoli florets on top

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Broccoli Potato Soup

Should I cook the potatoes before adding them to the soup?

No, cooking potatoes directly in the broth enhances the flavor and keeps the texture soft and creamy.

How do you take the bitterness out of broccoli soup?

Use fresh broccoli to avoid bitterness from older stalks.
Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Cook the broccoli only until tender to prevent bitterness from overcooking.

Does a raw potato absorb salt in soup?

Yes, adding a whole raw potato can help absorb some excess salt. However, the best approach is to season gradually to avoid oversalting in the first place.

How do you keep broccoli bright green in soup?

Blanch it before adding – This locks in the vibrant color.
Cook with the lid off – Allows excess sulfur to escape.
Add broccoli at the end – Prevents overcooking and discoloration.

How do you thicken potato and broccoli soup?

Blend in more cooked potatoes for natural thickening.
Stir in heavy cream or Greek yogurt for richness.
Use a flour or cornstarch slurry for quick thickening.

Conclusion: The Perfect Bowl of Broccoli Potato Soup

By following this comprehensive guide, you now have everything you need to make the perfect Broccoli Potato Soup. From selecting the best ingredients to achieving a velvety-smooth texture, this recipe is foolproof and fully customizable.

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Broccoli Potato Soup


Description

This creamy Broccoli Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety, and packed with nutrients. Combining the earthy flavors of potatoes with the mild sweetness of broccoli, this one-pot soup is easy to make, naturally thickened, and fully customizable. Whether you prefer it cheesy, vegan, or spicy, this recipe has all the tips and tricks to make the perfect bowl every time.


Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients:

  • 2 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup milk or cream (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Additions & Substitutions:

  • For a Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy.
  • For a Thicker Soup: Blend more potatoes or use heavy cream instead of milk.
  • For a Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower.
  • For Extra Flavor: Add smoked paprika, thyme, or a pinch of nutmeg.

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

  • Chop the broccoli and potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces.
  • Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic.
  • Pro Tip: If using broccoli stems, peel the outer layer before chopping to ensure a smoother texture.

2. Keep Broccoli Bright Green

  • Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer it to an ice bath to prevent overcooking and maintain color.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (3-4 minutes).
  • Expert Tip: Stir continuously to prevent garlic from burning, which can make the soup bitter.

4. Cook the Potatoes

  • Add the diced potatoes and pour in vegetable broth.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the potatoes are soft (15-20 minutes).

5. Blend for a Smooth Texture

  • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  • If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
  • No immersion blender? Transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, venting the lid slightly to release steam.

6. Add Broccoli & Dairy

  • Stir in broccoli and cook for 5-7 minutes, just until tender.
  • Pour in milk or cream, stirring continuously.

7. Add Cheese & Final Seasoning

  • If using cheese, remove the pot from heat before stirring it in to prevent clumping.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

8. Adjust the Soup’s Thickness

  • For a thicker soup: Mash some cooked potatoes or stir in heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
  • For a thinner soup: Add more broth, a little at a time.

9. Balance Flavors

  • Add a dash of lemon juice for brightness.
  • A pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika adds warmth.
  • Stir in Dijon mustard for a savory depth.

10. Serve & Garnish

  • Ladle into bowls and top with garnishes like:
    • Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
    • Homemade croutons
    • Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds
    • Fresh parsley, chives, or thyme
    • A drizzle of olive oil or cream
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: ~250
  • Fat: ~10g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30g
  • Protein: ~8g

Keywords: Broccoli Potato Soup

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