Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup is a creamy and indulgent dish that combines the hearty flavors of potatoes and broccoli with a rich, cheesy broth. Topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh chives, this soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
    • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
    • Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
    • Add olive oil to the pot with the bacon fat.
    • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
    • Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
    • Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Add Broccoli:
    • Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
  5. Blend the Soup:
    • Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only a portion of the soup or use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes.
  6. Add Milk, Cream, and Cheese:
    • Stir in the milk and heavy cream, then add the shredded cheddar cheese.
    • Continue to cook over low heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve:
    • Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
    • Top with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped chives.
    • Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

  • Potato Type: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamier texture. Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds will hold their shape better but won’t be as creamy.
  • Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best, but frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before adding it to the soup.
  • Cheese: Shred your own cheddar cheese for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.

Conclusion

Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup is a rich, creamy dish perfect for chilly days. It combines hearty potatoes and broccoli with a cheesy broth and crispy bacon, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. Easy to make and highly customizable, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting flavors and creamy goodness in every warm, delicious bite!

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!

Nutritional information for a serving of Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup.

This assumes the recipe serves 6 and includes all the toppings.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg

Notes:

  • Calories: The calorie count is higher due to the addition of bacon, cheese, and cream.
  • Protein: The bacon and cheddar cheese contribute significantly to the protein content.
  • Carbohydrates: Primarily from the potatoes and broccoli.
  • Fat: Includes both the healthy fats from olive oil and the richer fats from cream and cheese.

These values can vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes. For more accurate results, especially if you need precise nutritional data, consider using a nutrition calculator or app with your specific ingredients.