On chilly evenings when you need a bowl of something comforting and hearty, this Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup hits the spot. It’s creamy, rich, and loaded with tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and melty cheese that brings everything together beautifully. The perfect bowl for a cozy night in or an easy weeknight dinner.

What makes this soup truly special is how simple it is to prepare. Using everyday ingredients, you’ll have a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

What Kind of Cheese Works Best in Potato & Broccoli Soup?

Sharp cheddar is the go-to for bold flavor, but feel free to blend it with mozzarella for extra creaminess or even a sprinkle of parmesan for depth. The key is to shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that prevent that velvety finish we all love in soups.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chopped potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
3 cups broccoli florets
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne (optional for a kick)

How To Make the Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables

Add chopped potatoes, broccoli, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup in the pot for a creamy texture with some chunks left. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Stir in Dairy and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in milk, cream, and shredded cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese or croutons if desired.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup

This soup is perfect served with warm, crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. For a crunch factor, add homemade croutons or a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top. It’s also excellent in a bread bowl for extra indulgence.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to avoid the cheese separating. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months — just let it cool completely before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well! Just add it in frozen and cook as directed.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or additional milk can be used, though the soup will be slightly less rich.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and cheese are gluten-free.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I make it thicker?

For a thicker texture, mash more of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry at the end.

Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup, don’t miss these other comforting dishes:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a protein-rich creamy meal.
Shipwreck Dinner for another one-pot comforting classic.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta if you’re craving bold flavors.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a no-fuss dinner that makes great leftovers.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can make it anytime the craving hits.

And if you try this Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go with sharp cheddar or mix it up with other cheeses? Did your kids ask for seconds?

Leave a comment below or tag me in your kitchen creations. And for more cozy recipes like this one, be sure to follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes

Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup is a cozy, creamy blend of tender potatoes, broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or weekly meal prep.

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

2. Add chopped potatoes, broccoli, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.

3. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot.

4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in milk, cream, and shredded cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.

5. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese or croutons if desired.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier finish.

For extra flavor, garnish with crispy bacon bits or chopped chives.

Frozen broccoli works well—no need to thaw before cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: broccoli soup, cheesy soup, potato soup