There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of loaded creamy broccoli potato soup, especially when the weather gets a bit chilly. This recipe came to me during one of those busy weeks when I wanted something warm and hearty but didn’t have the time to fuss over a complicated dish. It combines the goodness of broccoli and potatoes with a rich, creamy base, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. If you’re looking to make it a more substantial meal, a grilled cheese sandwich on the side would be absolutely divine. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits on top for that extra bit of indulgence.
Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup
Ingredients
4 cups broccoli florets
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
Directions
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced potatoes and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli florets and continue to cook until the broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
6. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, about 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon. Serve hot.
Variations & Tips
For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. If you’re looking for a lower-carb version, you can replace the potatoes with cauliflower. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. For a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. And if you need to save some time, use frozen broccoli instead of fresh.
