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
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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…
I love it very delicious.
Thanks so much Mikaele! N x
Thanks so much for your posts . Amusing,*Dozer), organized, and delicious. And not too much work. nagi, your*re the best.
You’re so welcome Barbara ❤️ N x
That’s on my menu, am making lots and lots Of soups but am sharing with Neighbours. Over w/ End Made twice veggis soup with his od Fresh herbs from my garden and about 6/8 veggis always add something else. Yum. Thank YOU Nagi. Lots Of Love to Dozer.
You sound like the perfect neighbour Vera 😂
This looks delicious, I love bacon in anything! And I am so ready for soup weather. A bit of clouds today and my cardigan is on haha.
Bacon makes everything great 😉 N x
THANKS, NAGI — THIS RECIPE CAME THROUGH NORMALLY — RECIPE LOOKS TERRIFIC!
I hope you try it and love it Nadine! N x
Naji, Would it be ok to blend the soup at the end to make it smooth?
Hi Tony, you could definitely blend if you like – Nagi X
I could eat soup any time of year — and you should make and sell Dozer’s bibs – I need disposable ones just like that. Especially when I’m eating anything red like pizza, spaghetti sauce, bbq sauce, etc. You get the picture and invariably I’m wearing something white. 🤭
I think we all need them at some stage of our lives 😂 N x
Your picture of Dozer on the beach is hilarious! You captured his expression and his funny chops 😹
😂 I knew he’d steal the show! N x
This is ultra yummo comfort food and it can be made vegan! Just use any non dairy milk and plant based cheeze… it’s a dreamy dish. Thanks again Nagi for another amazing idea for dinner 🥰
Yes 100% Petra! N x
Our Goldie absolutely loves broccoli!
I’m sure if I smothered it in peanut butter I could convince Dozer 😂
I will be making this today. I dont have a lot of potatoes can i use carrots?
Sure thing! Yum! (And lower cal too!!) N x
Absolutely delicious soup and easy to follow recipe (for a no-good cook). I didn’t have stock, so I too used stock cubes. So tasty, I had two bowls!
Thank you Nagi!
Made this soup as aside to seared salmon, not a normal combo but yummy nonetheless.
Parboiled the potato, brocolli and added some parboiled carrots too.
I just used stock cube and really surprised with how tasty it was!
I think we’re gonna try adding oysters and mussels next time. Make it into a seafood chowder.
Thank you Nagi. ♥️
Yet another lovely dish. Your site is our go to for recipes now. Sorry Jamie Oliver..
🙌 Thanks Craig!! N x
I have made this recipe numerous times and loved it. Broccoli is expensive right now so could I use frozen broccoli florets instead? Thanks
You sure can Sue! N x
I dont have chicken broth!! Can I use more water instead or maybe beef broth??
I made this soup yesterday. Followed the recipe (99%). Added one cup more liquid and some salt. My husband was very impressed with the rich and creamy broth. It was fabulous! Thanks for another winner, Nagi!
Hi! I want to use leftover heavy cream instead of [or in addition to] milk. How much for this recipe? Thanks!
Hi Desiree, you can sub the milk with cream and water if you prefer – I’d say about 1:1 ratio – N x
I add two roasted chicken breasts (cut into strips, oil and season, and roast for 20 mins while the potatoes cook) and I also add a can of cream of broccoli soup before the potatoes. This is one of my family’s favorites now!
Absolutely delicious a very hearty & affordable dish will definitely make again loved it
I’m so glad you loved it Kaye, and yes, very affordable when broccoli is cheap!