Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them with the butter and onion mixture.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the Broccoli
Stir in the chopped broccoli florets.
Cover the pot and let the broccoli cook for 5–7 minutes, or until it becomes tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. Blend to your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky.
No immersion blender? Carefully transfer batches of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip the blending and move to the next step.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream or milk.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, and nutmeg for added depth of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Simmer and Adjust
Let the soup simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the cheese to separate.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley or green onions, and crumbled bacon, if desired.
Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Potato Cheddar Soup
Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly.
Adjust Thickness: For a thicker soup, add a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. For a thinner consistency, add more broth.
Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Variations to Try
Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or crumbled bacon for a heartier meal.
Make It Lighter: Use low-fat milk or omit the cream for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
