Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chunks of potato and vibrant broccoli, this soup combines simple ingredients into a luscious, satisfying dish that will have you coming back for seconds every time. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want a wholesome homemade meal, this recipe delivers flavor, richness, and a touch of nostalgia with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe plays an important role, from the smoky bacon drippings to the bright green broccoli, creating a symphony of taste and texture that feels both hearty and fresh. These simple staples come together beautifully to build layers of flavor that make this soup stand out.

• Bacon strips: Adds smokiness and crisp texture when sprinkled on top.
• Bacon drippings or butter: Provides the perfect cooking fat for sautéing veggies with rich flavor.
• Yellow onion: Contributes a slightly sweet, savory base when caramelized.
• Carrots: Add a subtle earthiness and natural sweetness.
• Garlic cloves: Give a fragrant depth to every bite.
• Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami for complexity.
• Hot sauce (optional): Adds a gentle kick to warm up the palate.
• Dried parsley, mustard powder, oregano: Herbal and tangy notes that brighten the soup.
• Flour: Thickens the soup to a velvety texture.
• Chicken broth: Creates a savory foundation for the soup.
• Half and half: Brings luxurious creaminess without heaviness.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: Offer a buttery, creamy backbone.
• Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Provides vibrant color and fresh vegetal flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: The star melt that makes the soup irresistibly cheesy.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty sharpness for depth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors.

How to Make Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon Slowly

Start by cutting the bacon strips in half and placing them in a large soup pot over low heat. Slowly cook until the bacon is perfectly crispy on each side, which infuses the pot with smoky bacon fat. This step sets the foundation for a deep, savory flavor. Once cooked, reserve the bacon drippings for sautéing, then roughly chop the bacon to use as a crunchy garnish later.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables and Ingredients

While the bacon cooks, gather your vegetables and other ingredients so everything is ready to go. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets but leave cutting the potatoes until just before adding to the pot to keep them fresh. Measuring out your spices and liquids early helps the process flow smoothly.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Carrots

Heat the reserved bacon drippings (or butter if preferred) over medium heat in the same pot. Add the diced onion and carrots, simmering until they are very soft and slightly caramelized, about 12 minutes. This slow cooking step coaxes out the natural sweetness that beautifully balances the savory elements.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Spices

Mix in minced garlic, soy sauce, hot sauce (if using), dried parsley, mustard powder, and oregano. Let these cook together for about a minute to release their fragrant oils and meld the spices into the base. Then sprinkle in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes while stirring continuously to create a roux that will thicken the soup perfectly.

Step 5: Incorporate Liquids and Simmer

Slowly pour in the chicken broth in small splashes while stirring to avoid lumps. Follow with the half and half, again adding gradually. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, allowing the soup to gently thicken and concentrate in flavor over 10 minutes. This simmering step is crucial for a rich, cohesive broth.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes Until Tender

Peel and cut the potatoes into generous ¾-inch chunks. Lightly season with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Simmer the soup partially covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and soak up all the cozy flavors surrounding them.

Step 7: Add Broccoli and Continue Simmering

Stir in the broccoli florets and let the soup simmer for another 7 minutes, or until both potatoes and broccoli are tender but not mushy. This timing keeps the broccoli bright green and just perfectly cooked, adding vibrant color and freshness to the soup’s creamy base.

Step 8: Blend for a Creamy Texture (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times, blending some but not all of it so you still have toothsome chunks. Alternatively, ladle some broth into a blender for a quick puree before returning it to the pot. This step is optional but adds an extra luxurious texture.

Step 9: Stir in Cheese and Bacon

Turn the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and seamlessly combined. Then fold in half of the chopped bacon, mixing it through for bursts of smoky crispness in every spoonful.

Step 10: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed to perfect the balance. Serve with the remaining bacon sprinkled on top for an irresistible finishing touch. This Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe is now ready to warm your heart and soul!

How to Serve Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Some straightforward garnishes can elevate your soup experience. Crisp bacon pieces add delightful crunch and umami. Fresh chopped parsley or chives provide a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of hot sauce can bring a playful hint of heat for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This soup shines best alongside crusty artisan bread or warm garlic toast, perfect for dipping into the creamy richness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the meal with crisp freshness. For heartier occasions, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for classic comfort food bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for rustic charm and double the bread goodness. For a dinner party, present it in elegant white bowls with a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan and a small sprig of herbs for a restaurant-worthy touch. You might even layer the soup in transparent cups as a fun appetizer option!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe tastes just as good the next day. Store cooled soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it an easy grab-and-go meal during a busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly after thawing. Store the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove to maintain the best consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to creamy perfection without losing richness.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can sauté the onions and carrots in butter or olive oil to keep that richness. Adding smoked paprika can help mimic some smokiness if you like.

What potatoes work best for the soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because their creamy texture holds up well to simmering without falling apart. Red potatoes can be used as well, but avoid starchy varieties like Russets if you want to maintain chunkier potatoes in the soup.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Frozen broccoli florets work perfectly and save prep time. Just add them directly from frozen during the final simmering step. This helps retain the bright green color and fresh flavor.

How spicy is this soup with hot sauce?

The hot sauce is completely optional and adds only a gentle heat that brightens the flavors without overpowering the soup. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely based on your preference.

Is this soup gluten-free?

As written, the soup uses flour as a thickener, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and proceed with the same cooking method.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a homemade bowl of broccoli potato soup that’s creamy, cheesy, and heartwarming all at once. This Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe strikes a perfect balance between cozy comfort and fresh, vibrant flavors. I hope you have as much fun making and savoring it as I do sharing it with friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

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