As the weather gets colder and leaves fall, a warm bowl of soup is just what you need. This Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, has a velvety texture, and is full of fresh veggies. It’s perfect for those chilly autumn days.
This soup stands out because of its perfect mix of flavors and textures. It has tender potatoes, nutritious broccoli, and lots of melted cheese. Together, they create a delicious taste that will make you feel cozy and satisfied. It’s great for a comforting lunch or a hearty dinner. This LOADED BROCCOLI, CHEESE, & POTATO SOUP will warm you up from the inside.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: LOADED BROCCOLI, CHEESE, & POTATO SOUP
Homemade comfort food soups are a favorite, and this Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup is a top pick. It has a creamy broth, fresh veggies, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. This mix makes a hearty dish perfect for any time.
Enjoying this homemade soup with family during the holidays or on a busy weeknight is special. The tender broccoli, fluffy potatoes, and gooey cheese are irresistible together.
| Total Time | Servings | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Potassium | Sugar | Vitamin A | Vitamin C | Calcium | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 minutes | 8 people | 258kcal | 13g | 14g | 16g | 10g | 55mg | 1035mg | 538mg | 10g | 3500IU | 18.5mg | 456mg | 0.9mg |
The recipe takes about 45 minutes to make, and you likely have most ingredients at home. Potatoes, bacon, and cheese make it loaded and delicious. Chicken broth adds a rich flavor to the soup.
You can make this comfort food soup your own. Add Slap Ya Mama or red pepper flakes for spice. Vegetarians can skip the bacon and use veg broth. For creaminess, try heavy cream or sour cream.
Ingredients for a Creamy and Hearty Soup
The fresh vegetables make this Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup so tasty. Broccoli florets and diced potatoes are the main attractions. They make the soup both nutritious and filling.
The potatoes add a creamy texture. Meanwhile, the broccoli brings a great flavor and a bit of crunch.
Fresh Vegetables
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups chopped, for added flavor and nutrients
- Potatoes: 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed, for a creamy texture
- Carrots: 3 peeled and diced, for sweetness and color
- Garlic: 2 cloves, for flavor enhancement
- Green onions: 2 diced, for garnish and a mild onion taste
Dairy Essentials
Dairy products like cheese and milk are key for the soup’s creamy texture. Shredded Colby Jack cheese melts well, adding a cheesy flavor. The milk makes the soup even creamier and balances the flavors.
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, for melty goodness
- Milk: 3 cups, for creaminess
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup, for added richness
- Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup grated, for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup is easy and rewarding. Start by cooking 16 strips of bacon until they’re crispy. Save the tasty drippings for later.
Then, sauté 1 medium yellow onion and 3 large garlic cloves in the bacon drippings. They should soften and smell great.
After that, add 5 cups of chicken broth and 1 large russet potato (about 12 ounces) to the pot. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are soft. Add 6 cups of broccoli florets to the broth and cook until they’re tender.
When the potatoes and broccoli are done, add 1 cup of half-and-half and 3 cups of shredded medium cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts, making the soup creamy and cheesy.
Finally, top the soup with the crispy bacon and some green onions or chives. This Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup will quickly become a family favorite!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 16 strips |
| Chicken Broth | 5 cups |
| Half-and-Half | 1 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese, shredded | 3 cups |
| Broccoli Florets | 6 cups |
| Russet Potato | 1 large (12 oz) |
| Yellow Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 large |
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Making a tasty Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, and Potato Soup doesn’t have to take a lot of time. This recipe has some time-saving tips for busy cooks. They help you make this comforting dish quickly and easily.
Microwave Hack for Potatoes
One big time-saver is using the microwave for potatoes. Instead of baking them for an hour, just microwave them until soft. This cooking hack saves a lot of time, so you can have the soup ready in minutes.
Prepping Broccoli Efficiently
Preparing broccoli is also quick. The recipe uses frozen broccoli florets. Just steam them in the microwave with a little water. This skips the need for boiling or roasting, making prep easy.
With these time-saving tips, you can enjoy the easy soup recipe without losing time in the kitchen. These cooking hacks are great for both seasoned cooks and beginners. They make it easy to make a delicious Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, and Potato Soup fast.
Customizing Your Loaded Soup
This customizable soup is perfect for everyone. It suits vegetarian and vegan diets well. You can also tweak the flavors to your liking.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For a vegetarian version, just skip the bacon. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan option, swap the cheese with a plant-based one.
Keep the soup creamy by using non-dairy milk. Choose almond, oat, or soy milk. These changes let you enjoy the soup while following your diet.
| Ingredient | Vegetarian Option | Vegan Option |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | Omit | Omit |
| Chicken Broth | Vegetable Broth | Vegetable Broth |
| Cheese | Regular Cheddar | Plant-based Cheese |
| Milk | Regular Milk | Non-Dairy Milk |
With these easy swaps, you can make this customizable soup fit your dietary preferences. You’ll get a tasty, satisfying soup that meets your needs.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup is more than just a soup. It’s the star of a cozy and comforting meal. Whether it’s dinner or lunch, this soup can be the main attraction. It offers many ways to make it a complete meal.
Try it with crusty bread like sourdough, focaccia, or fresh-baked rolls. The bread’s warmth and texture match the soup’s creamy, savory taste. For a special touch, serve it in a bread bowl for extra flavor and look.
Balance the soup’s richness with a fresh salad. Great choices include a Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad, Quinoa Chickpea Salad, or Balsamic Tomato Basil Salad. The crisp, tangy greens offer a refreshing contrast to the soup.
For a bigger meal, pair the soup with roasted or grilled meats or vegetables. The soup’s heartiness makes it a great side or main dish. Try it with roast chicken, baked salmon, or sautéed shrimp for a filling meal.
However you serve it, this Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup is a comfort food favorite. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and many serving options make it perfect for a cozy meal. It’s sure to become a staple in your home.
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Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup is amazing for leftovers. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, keeping its taste and texture for up to 3 months.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the soup, put it in an airtight container or bag. Make sure there’s room for it to expand. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, use low heat on the stovetop or microwave it in short bursts. Stir often to avoid lumps. This makes reheating a breeze.
Freezing soup is great for meal prep, but this one might not freeze as well due to dairy. For the best taste and texture, eat it within 3 days or 3 months of freezing.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
This Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup is not just tasty, but also very healthy. It has broccoli and potatoes for vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The cheese and milk add creaminess and protein. It’s a balanced meal that’s good for a healthy diet.
This soup is better than regular broccoli cheddar soup because it has less fat and salt. You can make it even healthier by using different oils, non-dairy products, and low-sodium or low-fat ingredients.
You can change the soup to fit your diet, like dairy-free or keto. It can be made in the instant pot, crockpot, or on the stove. This makes it easy to cook how you like.
The broccoli in this soup is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. The potatoes add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This makes the soup a nutritious and filling meal.
With a 5 out of 5 stars from 50 reviews, people love this Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup. It’s tasty and healthy, making it a great choice for dinner.
In short, this soup is both comforting and healthy. It’s made with broccoli, potatoes, and cheese for lots of health benefits. You can also adjust it to fit your dietary needs.
Reader Testimonials and Reviews
The Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup has won over many readers and customers. They love its rich, comforting taste and how it fills their hunger for a creamy soup. People have also praised how simple the recipe is and how they can adjust it to fit their diet.
Many have shared their positive experiences. One happy customer said, “This soup is absolute perfection! The mix of broccoli, cheese, and potatoes is so good. It’s now a staple in our dinners.” Another reviewer mentioned, “I found this recipe super easy to make. I had a homemade, top-notch soup ready in no time.”
Users also love how flexible the recipe is. One person made it vegan by using plant-based milk and cheese, and everyone loved it. Another mentioned, “I added diced ham to the soup, and my meat-loving husband loved it.”
In summary, the user reviews and customer feedback show how much people enjoy this popular soup recipe. It’s clear that it appeals to many and meets different tastes and dietary needs.
Conclusion
This Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any season. It has a creamy broth, fresh veggies, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
The recipe is easy to follow and includes tips to save time. You can also customize it to fit your dietary needs. It’s perfect as a main dish or part of a complete meal.
This soup is versatile, letting you try different ingredients and flavors. Its creamy texture and hearty mix of veggies, cheese, and bacon make it a true comfort food. It’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
So, why not make this delicious homemade soup today? It’s perfect for a cozy day or when you just want a comforting meal. This Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.