Growing up, I always thought of broccoli soup as that bland, watery stuff from the cafeteria. My mom would try to convince me it was good for me, but I wasn’t buying it. Then one cold evening in college, my roommate made this broccoli potato soup that changed everything.
Turns out, adding potatoes to broccoli soup isn’t just about making it heartier – it creates this naturally creamy texture that feels like comfort in a bowl. And the best part? It’s actually pretty simple to make, even if you’re not great in the kitchen. No fancy techniques or special equipment needed, just basic ingredients coming together to make something that’ll warm you up on chilly days.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian or vegan version, unsalted butter can be replaced with olive oil or coconut oil. Use the same amount and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed. To make the soup dairy-free, substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. These alternatives provide a creamy texture while adding subtle flavor notes.
Low sodium chicken stock can be swapped with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. This substitution maintains the savory base while accommodating dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, replace plain flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Use half the amount of cornstarch as flour and mix it with cold water before adding to the soup to prevent clumping.
Potatoes can be substituted with cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Use the same volume of cauliflower florets as potato, and adjust cooking time as cauliflower cooks faster. This swap reduces the overall carbohydrate content while maintaining a creamy texture in the soup.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1000-1200
- Protein: 40-50 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 90-100 g
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock (I use Pacific Foods)
- 1 small onion (diced finely)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar works well)
- bacon pieces (cooked until crispy)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups water
- finely sliced shallots
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 garlic cloves (minced for best flavor)
- extra grated cheese (for serving)
- 800g potato (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 5 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/3 cup plain flour (all-purpose)
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Once the butter has melted and is gently sizzling, add the chopped onions and minced garlic.
Cook them for about 3 minutes or until the onions are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Add flour to the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine.
Let this cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
This will act as a thickening agent for your soup.
Step 3: Incorporate Milk and Create Paste
While continuously stirring, slowly pour in the milk.
Keep mixing the ingredients as they turn into a thickish paste that is mostly smooth.
Use a whisk to break up any lumps and ensure a silky texture.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base and Cook Potatoes
Add chicken stock, water, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Then, add diced potatoes to the soup base.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then adjust the heat to keep it at a gentle simmer.
Allow it to cook for about 8 minutes without a lid, stirring occasionally to prevent the base from catching.
The potatoes should be almost cooked by the end of this step.
Step 5: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking
Add broccoli to the pot and stir everything together.
Cook for another 2 minutes or until the broccoli is done to your preference.
Once cooked, remove the pot from the stove.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve
Stir in 1 cup of cheese until it melts into the soup, resulting in a beautifully thickened broth.
Taste and add more salt if necessary.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with garnishes of your choice, such as chopped herbs, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of additional cheese.
Enjoy your cozy and comforting bowl of soup!
