There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of Hearty Broccoli Potato Soup to bring comfort on a chilly day. This rich and flavorful soup combines tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and aromatic seasonings to create a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you need a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a meal to prepare ahead for busy days, this soup is a fantastic choice.
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein, this soup offers a delicious way to enjoy vegetables in a creamy and smooth texture. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires only a handful of simple ingredients. Serve it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even some shredded Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Flavorful – A rich, velvety texture with perfectly balanced seasonings.
- Nutritious and Wholesome – Packed with broccoli, potatoes, and carrots, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps with minimal prep time make this a hassle-free recipe.
- Versatile and Customizable – Adjust the thickness, seasoning, or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and store it for quick meals throughout the week.
Ingredients for Hearty Broccoli Potato Soup
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Butter | 1 tablespoon |
Yellow onion, finely diced | 1 small |
Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
Carrot, thinly sliced | 1 large |
Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Bay leaf | 1 |
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, washed, peeled, and diced | 3 to 4 |
Broccoli florets | 3 cups |
Vegetable stock (or chicken or beef stock) | 6 cups |
Heavy cream | ¼ cup |
Shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced carrot, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Season and Simmer
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the bay leaf, diced potatoes, and broccoli florets to the pot.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring the vegetables are fully covered.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
3. Blend the Soup
- Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth.
- If using a regular blender, carefully blend the soup in batches and return it to the pot.
4. Add the Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Broccoli Potato Soup
- Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery addition that pairs perfectly.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic comfort food combination.
- Mixed Green Salad – A fresh, light contrast to the creamy soup.
- Crackers or Breadsticks – Great for dipping into the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Adds extra flavor and nutrients to your meal.
Tips for Making the Best Hearty Broccoli Potato Soup
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes – They create a naturally creamy texture without needing too much cream.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables – Simmer until just tender to keep the flavors fresh.
- For a Chunkier Texture – Blend only half of the soup and leave the rest with whole pieces of potato and broccoli.
- Adjust Thickness – If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable stock. If too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Add Extra Cheese – Stir in cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy broccoli soup variation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Sauté Step – Cooking the onions, garlic, and carrots first builds a flavorful base.
- Overcooking the Broccoli – It can become mushy and lose its vibrant color if simmered for too long.
- Blending Too Quickly – Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to prevent hot splatters.
- Using Too Much Cream – A little goes a long way; too much can make the soup heavy.
- Not Adjusting Seasoning – Taste before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra herbs if needed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Cup)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~220 |
Protein | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fat | 10g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can substitute frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just add it during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, but leave out the heavy cream before freezing. Add it when reheating for the best texture. Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
4. How Do I Reheat the Soup?
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a little extra broth or water.
5. Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan garnish.
6. What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Try adding spinach, kale, leeks, or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Broccoli Potato Soup is a simple, nutritious, and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this creamy soup will become a favorite in your kitchen. With fresh vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and a smooth, rich texture, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal.
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Hearty Broccoli Potato Soup: A Comforting and Nutritious Meal
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Hearty Broccoli Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish made with fresh broccoli, tender potatoes, and aromatic seasonings. Blended into a velvety texture with a touch of heavy cream, this soup is the perfect balance of nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a make-ahead meal, this recipe is a great choice. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 to 4 Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet potatoes, washed, peeled, and diced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken or beef stock)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Aromatics – In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Season and Simmer – Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the bay leaf, diced potatoes, and broccoli florets. Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
-
Blend the Soup – Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches a creamy consistency. If using a regular blender, carefully blend the soup in small batches and return it to the pot.
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Add the Cream – Stir in the heavy cream and allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Serve and Enjoy – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest with whole potato and broccoli pieces.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your broth is gluten-free.
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze without cream for up to 3 months, then add the cream when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American