Broccoli Potato Soup

This Creamy Bacon & Cheese Broccoli Potato Soup is the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights. It combines the comforting flavors of crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes with vibrant broccoli in a velvety, savory broth. A subtle touch of garlic, mustard, and soy sauce enhances the depth of flavor, making every bite warm and satisfying.

Not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also easy to make and meal-prep friendly. The blend of creamy textures and bold flavors makes it a go-to recipe for family dinners or a comforting lunch. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple salad, and you’ve got a heartwarming meal that everyone will love!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 strips bacon, drippings reserved

• 3 tablespoons bacon drippings (or substitute butter)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• ¾ cup carrots, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or substitute Worcestershire sauce)

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ cup flour

• 5 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup half and half

• Salt/Pepper, to taste

• 1 ½ lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes (or red potatoes), diced

• 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

• 1 ¼ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Cut the bacon in half and cook slowly over low heat in a 4-quart soup pot until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the drippings. Chop once cooled.

2. Heat 3 tablespoons of reserved bacon drippings (or butter) over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 12 minutes.

3. Stir in garlic, soy sauce, hot sauce, parsley, mustard powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Add flour and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

5. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to combine. Repeat with half and half. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Peel and dice the potatoes. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then add them to the soup. Simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

7. Add broccoli and cook for an additional 7 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and broccoli is softened.

8. Use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while leaving some chunks for heartiness.

9. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

10. Stir in half the bacon and serve hot, garnished with remaining bacon.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 483 kcal | Servings: 6

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy Bacon & Cheese Broccoli Potato Soup

When the temperatures drop and the craving for something warm and comforting kicks in, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Bacon & Cheese Broccoli Potato Soup. This hearty dish combines the perfect balance of creamy textures, bold flavors, and nourishing ingredients, making it an all-time favorite for families, food lovers, and meal preppers alike.

With crispy bacon, velvety potatoes, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese-infused broth, this soup is the ultimate definition of comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to fit various dietary preferences, and can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with bread, salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that warms both body and soul, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!

Why This Broccoli Potato Soup is a Must-Try

This soup is much more than just a simple meal it’s a combination of classic flavors and textures that bring comfort with every spoonful. Here are some reasons why this dish is a must-try:

1. Rich and Creamy Texture

One of the standout characteristics of this soup is its silky smooth texture. The combination of half and half, melted cheese, and blended potatoes creates a naturally thick and creamy consistency. Unlike soups that rely heavily on cream, this recipe achieves its richness primarily through the natural starches of the potatoes, making it indulgent without feeling too heavy.

2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

Each ingredient in this soup has a role to play in delivering a perfect balance of flavors:

• The bacon brings a salty, smoky crunch.

• Cheddar and parmesan cheeses add depth and a mild tanginess.

• Broccoli and carrots provide a fresh and slightly earthy taste.

• Garlic, mustard powder, and soy sauce work as hidden flavor enhancers, adding subtle complexity.

3. Customizable to Fit Different Diets

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak ingredients to fit your dietary needs:

• Want a vegetarian version? Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Need it gluten-free? Swap out the flour for a cornstarch slurry or a gluten-free thickening alternative.

• Prefer a lighter version? Use low-fat milk or a mix of broth and milk instead of half and half.

• Love a cheesier soup? Try adding Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or smoked Gouda for extra depth.

4. Nutritious Yet Satisfying

Despite its indulgent taste, this soup packs a good amount of nutrients:

• Broccoli is loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.

• Potatoes provide a good source of potassium and fiber.

• Carrots contribute vitamin A, essential for eye health.

• Cheese and milk offer calcium and protein, making this soup both filling and nourishing.

The Secret to Making the Best Broccoli Potato Soup

A great soup depends on technique just as much as it does on ingredients. Here are a few pro tips to take your Creamy Bacon & Cheese Broccoli Potato Soup to the next level:

1. Use High-Quality Cheese

Cheese is a key player in this soup, so it’s important to use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, which can result in a grainy soup texture. Opt for sharp cheddar, parmesan, or even Gruyère for the best results.

2. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

Overcooking broccoli can lead to a mushy texture and a strong sulfuric taste. Add the broccoli towards the end of cooking and let it simmer just until it’s tender but still vibrant in color. This preserves its fresh flavor and nutritional benefits.

3. Blend, But Not Too Much

Blending the soup partially helps create a creamy texture while maintaining some chunkiness for a more enjoyable bite. Use an immersion blender to pulse a few times, or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and mix until smooth before adding it back into the pot. This ensures you get the best of both worlds creamy yet textured!

4. Add the Cheese Slowly

To avoid clumping or graininess, stir the cheese in gradually and on low heat. Adding cheese while the soup is too hot can cause it to separate, leading to an unpleasant texture. Stir constantly to help it melt evenly.

5. Crisp Up the Bacon for Extra Crunch

For the ultimate flavor and texture contrast, cook the bacon until crispy and reserve some for topping. Sprinkling crispy bacon over the soup before serving adds a delightful crunch that enhances every bite.

Serving Suggestions

While this soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, you can pair it with a variety of sides to create a more complete meal:

• Crusty Bread – A warm, toasted baguette or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Take the comfort food factor up a notch with a crispy, cheesy sandwich on the side.

• Green Salad – A light, fresh salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the rich soup.

• Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or bell peppers for an extra veggie boost.

If you want to elevate the presentation, try serving the soup in a bread bowl for a restaurant-style touch!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This soup is meal-prep friendly, and you can store it for later use without compromising flavor or texture.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

For best results, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a homemade, comforting bowl of soup and this Creamy Bacon & Cheese Broccoli Potato Soup is no exception. It’s rich yet balanced, indulgent yet nourishing, and packed with the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner, an easy meal prep option, or just a dish to warm you up on a chilly day, this soup checks all the boxes. With its creamy consistency, crispy bacon topping, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

So, grab a spoon, serve yourself a steaming bowl, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!