Cheesy Comfort Broccoli and Potato Soup
Warm up with this cozy and creamy Cheesy Comfort Broccoli and Potato Soup, perfect for chilly days. This hearty soup blends the rich flavors of sautéed onions and garlic with tender russet potatoes and nutritious broccoli, all brought together with a delicious cheese sauce. Simple yet satisfying, this soup can easily be customized with the addition of cauliflower for extra creaminess. Whether served as a light dinner or as a starter at your next gathering, it's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the warmth and goodness that this delightful dish brings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter or olive oil
2 tablespoons (melted or heated)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
minced garlic
1-2 teaspoons (from a jar or fresh)
large russet potatoes
2 (peeled and diced)
dried thyme leaves
1 pinch (to taste)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (plus more to taste)
frozen cut broccoli in cheese sauce
2 (10 ounce) boxes (thawed)
homemade or low sodium chicken broth
4 cups (prepared)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (to season)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Incorporate the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and kosher salt, and then pour in the chicken broth. Increase heat and bring to a rolling boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and let it cook until the potatoes become fork tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.
5
Stir in the thawed frozen broccoli with cheese sauce and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
For a smooth texture, carefully puree the soup in batches using a blender, or alternatively, use an immersion blender until the desired consistency is reached. If you prefer a chunkier soup, mash the soup gently with a potato masher.
7
Return the soup to a gentle simmer, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
8
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy the comforting flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Comfort Broccoli and Potato Soup?
It is a warm, cozy, and creamy soup that blends sautéed onions, garlic, tender russet potatoes, and nutritious broccoli with a delicious cheese sauce.
What kind of fat should I use to sauté the vegetables?
You can use either 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter or olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Which potatoes are recommended for this soup?
The recipe calls for 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic from a jar or freshly minced cloves.
What herbs are used to season the soup?
The recipe uses a pinch of dried thyme leaves, added with the potatoes and broth.
What type of broth should I use?
You should use 4 cups of homemade or low sodium chicken broth.
Is this soup vegetarian?
The recipe lists chicken broth, but you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable broth.
How do I cook the potatoes?
After adding the broth, bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
What kind of broccoli is required?
Use two 10-ounce boxes of frozen cut broccoli in cheese sauce, making sure they are thawed before adding.
When do I add the broccoli to the soup?
Add the thawed broccoli and cheese sauce after the potatoes have become tender.
How long should the soup simmer after adding the broccoli?
Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency?
You can carefully puree the soup in batches using a standard blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Can I make the soup chunky instead of smooth?
Yes, if you prefer a chunkier soup, simply mash it gently with a potato masher instead of blending it.
How should I season the final dish?
Once blended or mashed, taste the soup and add extra kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe description suggests that cauliflower can be added for extra creaminess.
What is a good occasion for serving this soup?
It is perfect for chilly days, as a light dinner, or as a starter for a family gathering.
How much salt is recommended initially?
The recipe starts with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, with more added later to taste.
Do I need to increase the heat at any point?
Yes, increase the heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil after adding the potatoes and broth.
What is the preparation for the potatoes?
The russet potatoes should be peeled and diced before being added to the saucepan.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
The recipe specifically calls for frozen broccoli in cheese sauce to provide the cheesy flavor, so using fresh would require adding your own cheese sauce.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and uses simple steps like sautéing, boiling, and simmering.
How should I serve the soup?
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish as desired.
What equipment is needed for blending?
A standard blender (for batches) or an immersion blender is required if you want a smooth texture.
Why is it called comfort food?
Because it is hearty, creamy, and contains potatoes and cheese, which are classic comforting ingredients.
What happens if I don't thaw the broccoli first?
Thawing is recommended to ensure the cheese sauce melts evenly and the broccoli heats through during the final simmer.
Can I use white pepper instead of black pepper?
While the recipe specifies freshly ground black pepper, you can substitute white pepper if you prefer.
Is this soup filling?
Yes, it is described as a hearty soup thanks to the inclusion of potatoes and broccoli.
How many boxes of broccoli are used?
The recipe uses two 10-ounce boxes of frozen broccoli in cheese sauce.
Does this soup contain fiber?
While the nutritional data is null, the use of potatoes and broccoli typically adds dietary fiber to the dish.