Broccoli Potato Soup

This Broccoli Potato Soup is a comforting dish that combines creaminess with the freshness of broccoli. Rich in flavor and easy to prepare, it makes for a perfect meal any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this soup is sure to impress with its delightful taste and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The blend of cheese and turkey bacon creates a rich, savory base that warms you from the inside out.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and potatoes, it’s not just delicious but also loaded with vitamins and fiber.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools. These will help you prepare your Broccoli Potato Soup efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 4-quart soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Immersion blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• 4-quart soup pot: Ideal for cooking soups, allowing ample space for all ingredients without spilling.
• Sharp knife: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables, saving time during preparation.
• Immersion blender: Provides an easy way to blend the soup directly in the pot for a smoother consistency if desired.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Broccoli Potato Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 6 strips turkey bacon (drippings reserved)
• 3 tablespoons bacon drippings (can sub butter)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• ¾ cup carrots (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (can sub Worcestershire sauce)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon EACH: dried parsley, mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Thickening Agents

• ¼ cup flour

Broth & Creaminess

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

Vegetables

• 1 ½ lbs. Yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Cheese Toppings

• 1 ¼ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

How to Make Broccoli Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Cut the turkey bacon in half and place it in a 4-quart soup pot. Cook it slowly over low heat until crispy on each side. Reserve the drippings in the pot and set aside. Once cooled, roughly chop the bacon.

Step 2: Prepare Ingredients

While the bacon is cooking, measure out the remaining ingredients. Cut the broccoli florets into smaller bite-sized pieces but do not cut the potatoes until ready to use.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Heat 3 tablespoons of reserved bacon drippings (or butter) in the same soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots; simmer until very softened and slightly caramelized, about 12 minutes.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Add minced garlic, soy sauce, hot sauce (if using), dried parsley, mustard powder, and oregano. Cook for about one minute. Stir in flour and cook for an additional two minutes while stirring continuously.

Step 5: Incorporate Broths

Gradually add chicken broth in small splashes while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Follow by adding half-and-half similarly. Bring mixture to boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Peel potatoes and cut into ¾-inch chunks. Lightly season with salt and pepper before adding them to the soup. Simmer partially covered for about 15 minutes; stir occasionally.

Step 7: Mix in Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the pot; let simmer for another seven minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and broccoli is cooked through.

Step 8: Blend if Desired

Optionally use an immersion blender to pulse the soup slightly for a smoother consistency or transfer some broth to a blender.

Step 9: Melt Cheese

Reduce heat to low; gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined. Mix in half of chopped turkey bacon.

Step 10: Final Touches

Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning if needed before garnishing with remaining bacon bits before serving warm.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade Broccoli Potato Soup!

How to Serve Broccoli Potato Soup

Serving Broccoli Potato Soup is an opportunity to elevate this comforting dish. It can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping. A sourdough or whole grain loaf works beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for added freshness and color. This enhances the visual appeal and flavor.

With a Side Salad

• Serve alongside a light mixed greens salad dressed with a vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top just before serving adds a luxurious touch and depth of flavor.

Garnished with Cheese

• Add extra shredded cheddar or grated parmesan on top for those extra cheesy bites that complement the soup’s creaminess.

How to Perfect Broccoli Potato Soup

Creating the ideal Broccoli Potato Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it’s delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and potatoes provide better flavor and texture than frozen options.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings according to your preference for balanced flavor.
• Simmer longer for depth: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you prefer a richer taste; this helps meld the flavors beautifully.
• Blend for smoothness: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender or regular blender briefly, but don’t overdo it if you like some chunkiness.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently to maintain the flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Potato Soup

Complementing your Broccoli Potato Soup with sides can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread makes a perfect companion for dipping into the soup.
2. Cheese Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas offer a cheesy crunch that pairs well with creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional nutrients and flavors to your meal.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side that fills you up without overshadowing the soup.
5. Pita Chips with Hummus: Crunchy pita chips paired with hummus provide a delightful contrast and healthy option.
6. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons to your table, balancing the richness of the soup.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a hint of sweetness that complements savory flavors perfectly.
8. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers freshness that pairs well with the warm, hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make small errors while preparing Broccoli Potato Soup. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring ingredient prep: Not chopping vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all veggies are cut to similar sizes for consistent texture.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Taste the soup as you go and adjust seasoning for maximum flavor.
• Skipping the immersion blending step: For a creamy consistency, don’t skip blending part of the soup. This enhances the texture without losing chunks of vegetables.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key flavor component. Use a good-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Broccoli Potato Soup lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Broccoli Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months frozen.

Reheating Broccoli Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broccoli Potato Soup?

Broccoli Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish made with fresh broccoli, tender potatoes, and rich seasonings that create a satisfying meal.

Can I customize this Broccoli Potato Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like spinach or kale, or incorporate spices for extra flavor based on your preferences.

How do I make this Broccoli Potato Soup vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute turkey bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and use plant-based cream alternatives instead of half and half.

What can I serve with Broccoli Potato Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, salad, or grilled sandwiches for a hearty meal.

Is Broccoli Potato Soup healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with nutrients from broccoli and potatoes while being relatively low in calories when made with light ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Broccoli Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!