Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup
Loaded broccoli potato soup is thick, creamy, and packed with comforting flavor. Tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and melted cheese come together in a rich, cozy soup that eats like a full meal and warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
Extra bacon crumbles
Shredded cheese
Green onions
Sour cream
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Add the broccoli florets and simmer for another 5 minutes until bright green and tender.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream until thickened.
Pour the cream mixture into the soup and stir to combine.
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the cooked bacon until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot topped with extra bacon, cheese, green onions, or sour cream.
Helpful Tips:
Yukon Gold potatoes create a naturally creamy texture.
Blend only part of the soup to keep it hearty.
Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Pair with a simple side salad.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Loaded broccoli potato soup is rich, hearty, and irresistibly comforting — a bowl of pure cozy goodness perfect for any season.