Soups are an obsession in our house! We make them so often you could practically call it a hobby. One we make A LOT is this creamy broccoli cheddar potato soup.
This hearty variation is similar to our classic Broccoli Cheese Soup but with the addition of bacon and potatoes making it even more amazing!
It’s so hearty (packed with veggies) and full of flavor. This soup ends up pretty thick making it almost a chowder. It can be made soupier by adding more broth or milk, which is how we prefer it. Either way, we know you’ll LOVE it!
Rolls or French Bread are perfect for enjoying with your hearty soup.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Packed with veggies. This easy soup is not only delicious and filling it is packed full of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and Iron.
- So creamy. Velvety and delicious, this soup is thick and creamy – a stick-to-your-bones kind of dish.
- Great for weeknights! From start to finish, this is on the table in under an hour, perfect for any night.
Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup Ingredients
- Chicken broth, low sodium (2 cans, 14.5-ounce each) – Creates a flavorful base to simmer veggies and build savory depth. You can also use chicken stock or vegetable broth.
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed (4 medium) – These add body and creaminess, making the soup hearty. We used Russet potatoes, but Yukon Golds work as well. See Types of Potatoes and When to Use Them for more info.
- Carrots, diced (2 to 3 large) – Carrots bring sweetness and color to balance the richness. Peel and dice into coins.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon) – This adds savory flavor without onion texture.
- Broccoli, diced small (2 small heads) – Gives the classic flavor and a fresh bite. Two small heads produce about 4-5 cups of florets. You can also use frozen broccoli florets.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons) – The butter combines with flour for a silky roux, or use bacon grease
- All purpose flour (⅓ cup) – Acts to thicken the soup to a creamy consistency. See How to Make a Roux for tips.
- Milk (3½ cups, plus more as needed) – Milk creates the creamy base and loosens thickness if needed. We use whole milk or 2% milk. For a creamier soup, use heavy cream or half and half. For a thinner soup, lower-fat milk can be used.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (4 cups, plus more for topping) – The cheese melts in for bold cheesy flavor and richness. We use mild or sharp cheddar cheese.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) – This sharpens and balances all the flavors.
- Garlic pepper (½ teaspoon) – The garlic adds gentle heat and garlicky depth.
- Bacon, cooked and chopped (6 slices) – Provides a smoky, salty crunch for topping. We like to make Bacon in the Oven. You can also use turkey bacon or even omit the bacon.
How To Make Broccoli Potato Cheddar Soup
SIMMER. In a large pot, add chicken broth, cubed potatoes, diced carrots, and onion powder, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. The vegetables should be fork-tender.
THICKEN. While that’s simmering, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for another minute, until golden brown. Whisk in milk, turn the heat to medium, and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Use a fork or immersion blender to mash up some of the potatoes, making the soup even creamier.
SEASON. Add shredded cheese and stir until it is all melted. Add salt and garlic pepper. Pour cheese sauce into the soup pot and stir until well combined.
SERVE. Add more milk for a thinner consistency, and add any additional salt and pepper needed. Top with cooked crumbed bacon and extra cheese (if desired), and you’ll be in heaven!
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- We used Russet potatoes, but Yukon Golds work as well.
- Cut the potatoes and carrots into the same size so they cook evenly and stay tender without falling apart.
- Shred cheese from a block; pre-shredded can be grainy and may not melt as smoothly.
- Some helpful links when making this soup include: How to Thicken Soup, How to Make a Roux, and How to Make Bacon in the Oven.
Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2-3 large carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 small heads broccoli, diced small
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3½ cups milk, plus more as needed
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, add broth, potatoes, carrots, and onion powder and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add broccoli, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for another minute, until golden brown. Whisk in milk, turn the heat to medium, and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheese and stir until it is all melted. Add salt and garlic pepper. Pour cheese sauce into the soup pot and stir until well combined.
- Add more milk if you like a thinner consistency, and season with additional salt and garlic pepper to taste.
- Top with bacon pieces and extra cheese, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- We used Russet potatoes, but Yukon Golds work as well.
- Cut the potatoes and carrots into the same size so they cook evenly and stay tender without falling apart.
- Shred cheese from a block; pre-shredded can be grainy and may not melt as smoothly.
- Some helpful links when making this soup include: How to Thicken Soup, How to Make a Roux, and How to Make Bacon in the Oven.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store leftover potato soup recipe in airtight containers for 3-4 days or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 1 month. To cook, let the soup thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the soup carefully over low to medium heat, whisking frequently and stirring well.
Complete The Meal
Sides
Bread Bowl Recipe
2 hrs 5 mins
Apple Salad
10 mins
Olive Garden Breadsticks
2 hrs 27 mins
French Bread Recipe
1 hr 15 mins
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Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.
This recipe was originally published October 2015.
This one is going on my list when soup season comes around. Today is July 20 with another heat index of 100 +.
This potato soup will be a nice change from the “Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana”
It’s definitely a keeper for cooler temps!! Hope you like it, as much as I do!!
I’m making this recipe this weekend and it will be my 4th time! I LOVE it! I make it for my family of 3 and freeze half for later. Usually, there are leftovers for my lunch the next day too! My daughter RARELY asks for seconds of anything and this is one that she always wants more of. Since I first made this–this winter– I would have to say this is my favorite meal. Now that I’m pregnant, I’ve been craving it like crazy! Who cares that it’s middle of summer and 90 degrees! lol
LOL!! I could eat it year long, too! So, glad you all like it!! Thanks for letting me know!
Just made this soup today, turned out great. Simple to make and ready on 30 minutes. Loved it!
I LOVE this soup!! Thank you for giving it a try & letting me know!!
I only made this with items I had on hand (for example, I only had about 2/3 of a bag of shredded colby jack, not a full 2c bag of cheddar), but it still turned out pretty good! I am excited to buy the proper ingredients and make it right, so it will be even better!
Glad you liked it!:) We love this soup! Thanks for letting me know!!
I am gonna make this today..
Thanks
I hope you love it, like we do!!! Thanks for stopping by!!!
So I made this, it was very good. However, it separated the milk and cheese and upon asking a friend why she asked what temperature the recipe had called for the milk and cheese to be on. It doesn’t say. And I’ve never made a soup before so kind of disappointed this happened.
I’m sorry that happened! I usually keep the temp on the lower side, when I’m melting butter and adding milk, no higher than medium. Hopefully, that didn’t discourage you from trying again. I’m glad you liked it, though:)
Do you think this could be made in the crockpot? I want to try it tomorrow but my daughter has cheerleading practice so I do crockpot meals on Thursdays.
Usually, anything works out in the crockpot, so it should:) I can’t say I’ve tried this particular recipe in the crockpot, but if you want to try and let me know…that would be great to pass along.
Looks soo good! Doing this tomorrow for sure.
Thanks:) How did it turn out? It’s one of our favorites!!
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe looks so good and I would very much like to make it. Shuffling our daughter to and from various practices makes mekind of busy. I seen someone asked this but I didnt see a response, Is it possible to make this in a crock pot??
It is delish!! And, I’m sure it can be done in the crockpot. I haven’t tried it that way, but it seems like anything usually works in there. If you try, I’d love to know how it turns out!
My family absolutely Loves this soup!! I never did try it in the crock put, don’t k ow how it would fair having to make the roux. I have made it a number of times now and it always turns out great. I add a little more garlic pepper than the recipe calls for. Ever since buying it for this soup I am obsessed with it and put it on everything. Thank you for sharing this recipe! Everyone must try!!
Awe, thank you so much for sharing that!! I add garlic pepper on so many recipes! It’s my favorite seasoning!