Imagine dipping your spoon into a bowl of Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup 🥄. Each bite is a blend of creamy potatoes, tender broccoli florets, and a hint of sharp cheddar that melts in your mouth. What makes this soup stand out are the special ingredients: a dash of smoked paprika for that subtle smokiness, and a sprinkle of garlic powder to awaken the flavors 🧄. These elements transform the soup from a simple meal to an extraordinary experience. It’s not just about filling your stomach; it’s about enriching your soul with a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. The creamy texture, combined with the crunch of broccoli and the richness of cheese, creates a harmony of textures and flavors that elevate this dish to a must-try delicacy. Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you’re craving something that feels like a warm embrace.
There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort you on a chilly day, and our Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup is the perfect recipe to do just that. This creamy, cheesy soup is packed with hearty ingredients like potatoes, broccoli, and carrots, making it a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Not only is it delicious, but it's also easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner option or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this soup has got you covered.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Broth: 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of chicken broth provide the base for our soup, adding rich flavor.
- Carrots: 2-3 large carrots, peeled and diced, bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Potatoes: 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed into small pieces, make the soup hearty and filling.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon of onion powder adds a mild, savory flavor.
- Broccoli: 2 small heads of broccoli, washed and diced small, add nutrition and a delightful texture.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons of butter for creating a rich, creamy base.
- Flour: ⅓ cup of flour to thicken the soup.
- Milk: 3½ to 4 cups of milk to create the creamy texture. You can use whole milk for extra richness.
- Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which melts beautifully and adds that classic cheesy flavor.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance all the flavors.
- Garlic Pepper: ½ teaspoon of garlic pepper for a subtle kick.
- Bacon: 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped, to top the soup with a crispy, savory crunch.
These ingredients come together to create a soup that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering a balance of flavors and textures that make this soup irresistible.
Instructions
Making this Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your soup turns out perfectly creamy and delicious.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling and dicing the carrots and potatoes into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Wash and finely dice the broccoli heads. Having all your vegetables prepped ahead makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Base Ingredients
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, diced carrots, cubed potatoes, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This softens the carrots and potatoes, infusing the broth with their flavors.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
After the initial simmer, add the diced broccoli to the pot. Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the broccoli to cook through while retaining some of its bright green color and slight crunch.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the vegetables are simmering, it's time to make the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute until it turns golden brown, which helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Incorporate the Milk
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and whisk for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. It's important to keep stirring to avoid scorching the milk.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and garlic pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 7: Combine and Adjust
Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the simmered vegetables. Stir well to combine everything into a cohesive, creamy soup. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more milk at this stage. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with the chopped bacon pieces. The crispy bacon adds a wonderful texture and smoky flavor that complements the creamy soup beautifully.
This step-by-step process ensures your Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup turns out perfect every time, with a rich and creamy texture that's hard to resist.
Serving and Storage Tips
This Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the pot. The creamy texture and rich flavors are at their peak when served immediately. Here are some tips for serving and storing your soup:
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup in warm bowls to keep it hot for longer. Garnish each bowl with the chopped bacon pieces just before serving to maintain their crispness. You can also add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some freshly chopped chives for additional flavor and a beautiful presentation. Pair the soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage Tips
To store any leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through the heating process.
Helpful Notes and Variations
Our Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. Here are some helpful notes and variations to consider:
Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Omit the bacon, or use a vegetarian bacon substitute to maintain that savory topping. You can also add more vegetables like diced celery or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Vegan Adaptation
To make this soup vegan, use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives. The flavors remain rich and creamy, making it a delightful vegan option. Again, use vegetable broth and a vegan bacon substitute or simply omit the bacon.
Chef’s Tips
Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends adding a splash of white wine to the cheese sauce for an added layer of flavor. Meanwhile, Chef Ina Garten suggests roasting the broccoli before adding it to the soup for a deeper, caramelized taste. These expert tips can elevate your soup to restaurant-quality.
Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less milk based on your preference. If you like a thicker soup, reduce the amount of milk, or if you prefer it thinner, add a bit more until you achieve the desired consistency.
With these serving and storage tips, as well as helpful notes and variations, you can make this Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup your own. Enjoy the comforting flavors and make it a staple in your recipe collection.