This is a chunky Broccoli and Potato in a thick and creamy soup broth that’s made with no cream. It’s hearty, filling and surprisingly low-cal(ish), clocking in at 400 calories for a generous bowl (and I don’t skimp on serving portions!).
For a hit of protein, add some prawns/shrimp or shredded chicken. And we can pretend that finishing with a sprinkle of bacon is optional….
Potato and Broccoli Soup
This is a thick and creamy soup with potato and broccoli that you’d swear has a bucket of cream in it, but it doesn’t have a single drop. It’s hearty, comforting, tastes rich and indulgent but is in fact relatively healthy with just 405 calories for a VERY big bowl!
It’s one of those recipes that I classify as “accidentally healthy” – I haven’t done anything to reduce calories and thereby compromise on tastiness. It just happens to have a sensible calorie count for a generous size serving that is satisfying to have as a meal in itself.
How this soup is thick and creamy WITHOUT cream
The base of this is a creamy white soup which is made from a roux – sounds fancy (it’s French 😉 ) but it’s just melted butter + flour mixed together which thickens whatever liquids you pour into the soup. A core cooking technique that will serve you well in life once you know how to make it!
It’s the base of almost all creamy things you will find on my website – like this Ham Potato and Corn Chowder, Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake, Creamy Broccoli Gratin and the Cheese sauce topping of things like Lasagna and Greek Moussaka. And it’s the very foundation of the creamy cheesy sauce of a great Mac and Cheese!
Much healthier than using loads and loads of cream!
What you need for this Potato and Broccoli Soup
Here’s what you need for this creamy soup:
The cheese in the above is for stirring through the broth. It doesn’t make it ultra cheesy (we’re not making Mac and Cheese here), it just adds a little touch of flavour and seasoning into the soup, as well as thickening it slightly.
I originally intended to make it optional, but I changed my mind. It’s not a deal killer. But it’s very (very) highly recommended to include it.
Bacon – on the other hand, I’ve left out the sprinkle of bacon because I do consider that as an optional extra. You can also switch it for something else that provides a similar special finishing touch to soups – like croutons (see here), crispy fried shallots (ie the Asian essential), some grated cheese or parmesan. So there’s a few options here.
How to make it
And here are process photos for how to make it. Basically, it starts by making the above described roux, then we cook small cubes of potato first and add the broccoli later (because it cooks faster). The idea here is that by the potato and broccoli are both cooked perfectly, the soup has thickened so it’s beautifully creamy!
Variations
I’ve used broccoli here, but it’s a direct switch out for cauliflower or broccolini as an alternative. Works great and looks elegant – a pure white soup.
But actually, you can use any vegetables you want here. Just put it in so it cooks through within the prescribed recipe time!
And lastly – soup dunkers. I know this already has a starch in it, but who ever says no to something hot and crusty for dunking? Even better if there’s something molten and cheesy on it, and if it has garlic in it as well? Swoon.
Soup Dunkers
That said and done, I do swear that this soup is delicious in its own right, just as it is. Enjoy! – Nagi xx
Watch how to make it
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Broccoli and Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 40g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion , finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk , any fat %
- 2 cups chicken broth/stock , low sodium
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 800 g / 1.6 lb potato , peeled and cut into 1.25 / 1/2" cubes (Note 1)
- 5 cups broccoli, small florets (1 large head, ~300g/10oz, Note 1)
- 1+ cups grated cheese , cheddar or tasty (or other of choice)
Garnish, optional
- Cook bacon pieces (highly recommended)
- Shallots/scallions , finely sliced
- Grated cheese
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 3 minutes or until onion is softened.
- Add flour and mix into onion mixture. Cook for 30 seconds.
- While stirring, slowly pour the milk in and keep mixing as it turns into a thickish paste that's mostly smooth. Use a whisk to make it smooth if needed.
- Add chicken stock, water, salt and pepper. Stir, then add potato.
- Bring to simmer then adjust heat so it's simmering gently. Cook for 8 minutes (no lid) or until potato is almost cooked. Stir ocassionally so the base doesn't catch.
- Add broccoli and stir. Cook for 2 minutes (or until broccoli is cooked to your liking), then take the pot off the stove.
- Stir through cheese (I use 1 cup) - broth soup be nicely thickened. Add more salt if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with garnishes of choice.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Originally published January 2017. Updated with new photos, video and process photos.
More creamy cream-less soups
-
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup – bid Heinz goodbye!
-
Browse all Soups
Life of Dozer
Normally I add an update to the Life of Dozer. But in this case, this photo and caption from the original publication date still applies! 😂
From the original publication date:
Not a fan of broccoli…
Jim says
Made it with easy to follow directions. Delicious. Next time I will probably go with half an onion and may include some celery. Definitely making again.
Thanks for sharing.
Cindy says
First of all I have to tell you sometimes, most times, I open Dozer’s tab before the recipe!
This is soup is just plain delicious.. Your directions are succinct and easy to follow. Thanks for making me feel like a chef!
Nagi says
You are not the only one Cindy!! Everyone loves Dozer! N x
Yuri says
Made this soup and it was out of this world. I did not add cheese (didn’t have any!) but I think it was perfectly fine without- it was very creamy.
My picky teens loved it and that is saying a lot.
Sherry Lane says
I did the recipe exactly as written until the end.. I’m not a big fan of cheese mixed in with soup ..so at the end I added about a 1/4 bag of Idahoan potatoes..I had cheese & bacon flavor..yum.. thanks for the amazing recipe
janet kammerer says
This recipe for broccoli potato soup does not print out.
Nagi says
Hi Janet – that’s most likely an issue with your browser or printer. I tested it here and it is fine to print. N x
Roxy says
I found that initially the soup needed more flavour so I cooked up a couple of chorizo diced up and added it to the soup with the drippings included. Made it extra delicious.
Brenda says
Loved the soup, really nice recipe. Will definitely be making again.
Laurel montaine says
16 pounds of potatoes that’s a lot of potatoes! I’m sure that’s a mistake in your recipe. Out of my 5 pound bag, I chose three small potatoes. I am an American and I wish the European countries would use either large potatoes or small potatoes in the recipe, but I guessed and it turned out perfect.
Slimm Preacha says
Why would European countries go out of their way just so one entitled American does not get confused 😂
Damn. I’m American and had to laugh at your comment.
FLAP says
Too right! Google the difference between entitled and correct.
Nagi says
Hi Laurel, you’re missing the . – its 1.6 pounds 😂 N x
Belle says
I simmered this with bacon bones instead of adding the bacon at the end and my goodness it was some kind of smoky divinity. So perfect on this stormy night too!
Fiona Nelson says
Hi Nagi, I’ve been a follower of your recipes for years and love the variety, simplicity and deliciousness of your meals. You are my go-to! I made this for my family and we loved it (so much that I made it again a few days later! To make it more of a chowder/meal, I also added corn and some cooked salmon filets. Excellent additions, if I may say so!! This will be a staple moving forward…
Sally O’Grady says
Amazing, everyone including the teenagers loved it! Added cannelini beans also which worked perfectly, actually all of your recipes are fail proof!! Thank you so much Nagi 🙏
Antoinette says
Unbelievably amazing soup Nagi. I have made so many of your dishes & completely irresponsible with not complimenting you on how divine every single dish has been 🥰. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift. ♥️🙏
Rita Mak says
Made this soup when I had no inspiration for dinner but a head of broccoli and some potatoes that needed cooking! Creamy and filling, perfect with toasted slices of your no-knead artisan bread. Thanks for another winner!
Nagi says
You’re converted now!!! That’s awesome Rita!! N x
Judith says
Abosulutely amazing and easy soup to cook. I love all your recipes. I have never been much of a cook but your recipes are so delicious and your instructions to cook are fabulous. Thank you so much
Viki says
This was simply amazing! One of the best and easiest soups I’ve ever had and such a great busy weekday dinner to make. Loved this recipe just like everything I’ve tried. Thank you Nagi! 😊
Frida says
Hi nagi I would like to know if I vant use creamer cause can’t tolerate any dairy, what would b a substitute instead of creamer or milk?
Nagi says
Hi Frida, a plant based milk would work fine here 🙂 N x
Brooke says
Easy to make and so good! Topped with bacon and green onions, yum 🙂
Perfect for a cold night!
Dianne Hale says
I made this soup and only changed a few things. I had some extra half and half on hand so I substituted that for the milk and just added extra cheese. This soup is amazing!!! My husband was skeptical because he had never really heard of mixing broccoli and potatoes in a soup but even he said it was yummy. Adding this one to my recipe book. 🙂
Sue says
We are having an unusually cold winter here on the Costa Blanca, Spain so I made this soup today and it was delicious. I always go to RecipeTinEats for ideas and have never been disappointed. Thanks Nagi.
Jo says
Do you think zucchini could work if I don’t have broccoli? Thanks.
Gia says
Just made this broccoli, potato soup .It was delicious ! My hubby and I had seconds.Thank you .
Samantha says
Any suggestions for which milk alternative would come out well in this soup. I’m dairy free so looking for myself though plan to make for the rest of the family as stated!