The smell of sizzling onions and garlic in butter always takes me back to chilly weeknights in Grandma’s kitchenwindows fogged up, soup simmering away. This Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup wraps you right up in that same cozy hug. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with veggies, yet light enough to fit right into your weeknight groove. No wonder it’s become a go-to comfort food soup for so many home cooks lately.

You’ve got tender broccoli, creamy gold potatoes, and just enough cheddar to make it feel indulgentbut not over the top. I keep it simple: one big pot, a quick spin with the immersion blender, and boomlush texture without heavy cream. It’s like that diner-style baked potato soup met its green goddess cousin. Uses pantry staples, too. And yes, it reheats like a dream.

Started making this in early 2016, right after my youngest declared he was “done with broccoli forever.” That vanished quick after one spoonful. The trick? Steam the broccoli separately, then stir it in after blending so you still get some texture. That blend-and-fold move has saved countless veggie showdowns in our house. After a decade crafting cozy recipes for the blog, this one’s a family favoriteand a longtime reader favorite, too.

Olivia Farnsworth

Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup for Cozy Nights

This Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup is the perfect Comfort Food Soup for chilly evenings. It’s a Hearty Broccoli Soup that combines tender potatoes and fresh broccoli in a rich, creamy base with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon topping. A cozy, family-friendly dish ideal for one-pot meals and creamy vegetable soup lovers.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method

 

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, 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.

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version. Add carrots or celery for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Use frozen broccoli to save time.

Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort! This Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup is the ultimate feel-good meal, combining the rustic charm of a baked potato soup with the wholesome goodness of fresh broccoli. It’s rich, velvety, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or lazy Sunday lunches, this recipe is destined to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Adore This Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a rich, creamy soup, and this one truly hits the spot. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Heartwarming Comfort: Imagine the best parts of a loaded baked potato and a creamy broccoli cheddar soup, all blended into one harmonious bowl. It’s pure culinary nostalgia.
• Effortlessly Simple: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you! With just one pot, basic pantry staples, and the magic of an immersion blender, you’ll have this soup on the table faster than you think.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Whether you’re aiming for a hearty vegetarian meal or want to indulge with crispy bacon and extra cheese, this soup is incredibly forgiving. Easily customize it to your taste or dietary needs.
• Leftover Gold: It genuinely tastes even better the next day! This soup is a dream for meal prepping, ensuring delicious lunches or quick dinners are always just a reheat away.

Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup

Crafting the perfect Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup starts with understanding each ingredient’s role. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with expert tips for substitutions to suit your pantry or preferences:

• Potatoes: The stars of our creamy base! Opt for starchy varieties like Yukon Golds or Russets. They break down beautifully when cooked, creating that signature velvety texture.
• Broccoli: Fresh florets are ideal for vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. However, don’t hesitate to use frozen broccoli (thawed) as a convenient time-saver – it works wonderfully!
• Bacon: For that irresistible smoky, salty crunch! If you’re making this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or substitute with smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.
• Aromatics (Onion & Garlic): Crucial for building the foundational flavor of your soup. Don’t skip these!
• Broth: Use a high-quality vegetable or chicken broth. This is where a lot of your soup’s core flavor comes from.
• Milk & Cream: The secret to that truly luxurious, rich mouthfeel. Whole milk and heavy cream are my go-tos, but for a lighter soup, half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk can be excellent alternatives.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers a bold, savory punch that defines “loaded.” Medium or mild cheddar will also melt beautifully, offering a milder flavor profile.

Pro Tip: For a smoother, less chunky soup, ensure your broccoli florets are chopped quite small before adding them. If you prefer a heartier texture, leave some larger pieces!

Ingredient Overview Table

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup

Mastering this recipe is incredibly straightforward, relying on simple techniques to build layers of irresistible flavor. Before you begin, gather all your ingredients (mise en place!) to make the process even smoother. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of finely diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant – don’t let it brown!
2. Build the Base: Add 4 cups of peeled and diced starchy potatoes (like Russets or Yukon Golds) and 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the potatoes are completely fork-tender (approximately 15-20 minutes).
3. Introduce Broccoli: Stir in 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. Be careful not to overcook, as it will lose its vibrant color and texture.
4. Achieve Creaminess: Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. For a super smooth soup, blend thoroughly; for a slightly chunkier texture, leave some small pieces of potato and broccoli. (Safety Note: The soup is very hot, so blend carefully to avoid splatters!)
5. Finish & Serve: Return the pot to low heat. Stir in 1 cup of whole milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, and 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is warmed through. Do not boil once dairy is added. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish generously with crispy bacon crumbles, extra shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions, then serve immediately!

Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, consider using half chicken broth and half vegetable broth. And if you find your soup a bit too thick after blending, a splash more warm broth or milk will loosen it right up!

Serving, Storing & Reheating Your Delicious Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup

Once you’ve made a batch of this comforting Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup, you’ll want to enjoy every last drop! Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Serving Ideas: This soup is a meal in itself, especially when loaded with toppings! Serve it with a crusty baguette for dipping, a crisp green salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort combo. Don’t forget those generous garnishes of extra sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh chives!
• Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened considerably (which cream-based soups tend to do), add a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent the dairy from separating.

Quick Storage & Reheating Tips

Note: Freeze without cream and cheese for best texture. Stir them in after reheating.

Expert Insight: The Delicious Science Behind Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup

The magic of this Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup lies in a clever interplay of ingredients. Potatoes, particularly starchy varieties, are packed with natural starches that release into the broth as they cook. When blended, these starches create a wonderfully thick and velvety base, contributing significantly to the soup’s inherent creaminess. This allows us to achieve a luxurious texture even before adding milk and cream, enhancing flavor absorption and providing a satisfying mouthfeel. Coupled with nutrient-rich broccoli, this soup delivers both comforting indulgence and wholesome goodness.

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The Journey to My Perfect Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup: A Kitchen Story

Every truly great recipe has a story, and this Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup is no exception. It evolved over countless kitchen experiments – from attempts that were a little too watery, to some that were undeniably bland, and a few that thickened into more of a potato mash than a soup! Through trial and error, I discovered the precise balance: the right potato-to-broth ratio, the perfect moment to add the broccoli for optimal texture, and the magic touch of seasoning that transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culmination of those lessons, inspired by cozy family dinners and a desire to create a comforting, nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s a testament to patience and a love for good food.

FAQs ( Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup )

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup

There you have ita recipe for Loaded Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup that truly delivers. It’s designed to be approachable, quick, and immensely satisfying, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to come with a hefty time commitment. This soup promises that sought-after rich, velvety texture and fills your home with the kind of comforting aromas that instantly make everyone feel welcome.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own! As I mentioned, a splash of almond milk can lighten it up without sacrificing creaminess, and a pinch of smoked paprika, a trick I picked up from a wonderful chef friend, adds an unexpected depth. Remember that brilliant tip for reheating leftovers: hold back on the cheese and cream until you’re warming it up for that fresh-tasting bowl every time. It’s wonderfully flexible, forgiving of improvisations, and guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your family’s meal rotation.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this! Please do share your experiences and photos in the comments belowI love hearing about your kitchen adventures and any personal twists you add. Did this soup evoke a cherished memory of a family recipe for you? Don’t keep the deliciousness to yourself; share this recipe with friends and family. Here’s to many cozy bowls and heartwarming moments!