Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup is a comforting, velvety soup packed with nutritious vegetables and creamy goodness. The combination of tender broccoli, hearty potatoes, and a creamy base makes this soup incredibly satisfying and perfect for a cozy meal. It’s a perfect dish for chilly days, and it’s easy to make with simple ingredients that create a flavorful, hearty bowl of comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. The potatoes make the soup thick and creamy without needing heavy cream, and the broccoli adds a fresh, earthy flavor that balances out the richness. The combination of onions, garlic, and vegetable broth adds layers of savory taste, while the creaminess makes each spoonful indulgent and comforting. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping for the week. Plus, it’s vegetarian and can easily be made dairy-free!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for more flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the diced potatoes and broccoli florets to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Add the broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
- Blend the soup: Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender (be careful, as the soup will be hot!). Blend until smooth and return to the pot.
- Add the creaminess: Stir in the milk and heavy cream (if using). Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 4-6 servings.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Use non-dairy milk (such as almond or coconut milk) and skip the heavy cream or use a dairy-free cream alternative. Omit the Parmesan cheese for a fully dairy-free option.
- Add More Vegetables: You can add carrots, celery, or cauliflower to increase the vegetable content. Just chop them into small pieces and cook along with the potatoes and broccoli.
- Spicy Broccoli Potato Soup: For some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
- Cheesy Version: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or gouda cheese when you add the milk and cream for a cheesy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add more broth or milk if the soup is too thick.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh broccoli is not available. Just add the frozen broccoli to the pot when you add the potatoes and proceed with the recipe as usual.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually gets more flavorful as it sits, so it’s perfect for meal prepping.
3. Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu to the soup for extra protein. Just stir it in after blending and heat until warm.
4. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat products. Just make sure to use a gluten-free vegetable broth if you need to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
5. How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can either blend a portion of the potatoes and broccoli before serving or add an extra potato during the cooking process. You can also use a potato masher to mash the soup slightly after blending.
6. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Russet potatoes work great for creating a creamy texture, but any variety will work in this soup.
7. Can I make this soup without a blender?
Yes, you can skip blending the soup for a chunkier texture. Instead, mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for just a light blending to keep some chunks.
8. How can I make the soup more flavorful?
If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves while simmering the soup. You can also stir in a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the taste.
9. Can I add some cream cheese to the soup?
Yes, adding a few tablespoons of cream cheese will make the soup even creamier and add a nice tangy flavor. Stir it in after blending the soup and allow it to melt before serving.
10. Can I serve this soup with bread?
Absolutely! This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or even soft rolls for dipping.
Conclusion
Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup is the perfect combination of comforting flavors and hearty textures. With its smooth and creamy base, tender potatoes, and vibrant broccoli, this soup is a nutritious, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and ideal for meal prepping. Serve it as a cozy dinner or a delicious starter, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this wholesome soup!
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Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup is a comforting, velvety soup packed with nutritious vegetables and creamy goodness. The combination of tender broccoli, hearty potatoes, and a creamy base makes this soup incredibly satisfying and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for more flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes and broccoli florets to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
- Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream (if using). Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and skip the heavy cream or use a dairy-free alternative.
- If the soup is too thick, simply add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg