Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty broccoli potato cheese chowder that warms you from the inside out.

Cold days call for rich, creamy soups that satisfy deep hunger.

This chowder blends tender potatoes with vibrant green broccoli florets in a luxurious cheese-infused base.

Velvety and packed with robust flavors, each spoonful promises pure culinary comfort.

Sharp cheddar melts seamlessly into the thick, silky broth, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Wholesome ingredients come together in a symphony of deliciousness that feels like a warm embrace.

This chowder stands ready to rescue you from winter’s chill with its irresistible charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 27 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder Essentials

For Flavor Base:
  • Butter: Adds rich, golden depth to the soup's foundation.
  • Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic undertones that build complex flavor.
  • Garlic: Brings zesty, pungent notes that elevate the entire dish.
  • Carrots: Introduces subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the chowder.
For Liquid and Thickening:
  • Chicken Stock: Creates a savory, hearty liquid base for the chowder.
  • Cornstarch: Ensures silky, smooth texture and perfect soup consistency.
  • Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps create a luxurious mouthfeel.
For Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty chunks that provide substantial, comforting texture.
  • Broccoli Florets: Adds nutritious green goodness and delightful vegetable crunch.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, tangy flavor and creamy melted goodness.
For Seasoning:
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all the ingredients' natural flavors.
  • Ground Pepper: Introduces a subtle, warming heat that complements the creamy base.

Chowder-Making Tools for Broccoli Potato Cheese Recipe

  • Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, carrots, and building the chowder's flavor base.
  • Chef's Knife: Perfect for dicing onions, carrots, and chopping potatoes and broccoli with precision.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a sturdy surface for all vegetable preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly throughout cooking.
  • Small Bowl: Used for dissolving cornstarch in milk, ensuring a smooth thickening agent.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, milk, and seasonings.
  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Alternatively can be used instead of skillet for full recipe preparation.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding cheese directly into the chowder for melting.

Instructions for Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder

Cozy Kitchen Comfort Soup

  • Flavor Foundation

Start by warming a pan and gently dancing diced onions until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma through the kitchen.

  • Veggie Celebration

Sprinkle in carrots with a whisper of seasoning, letting them soften and mingle with the onions. Quick burst of garlic adds a magical touch.

  • Hearty Base Building

Drop chopped potatoes into simmering broth, creating a warm liquid landscape that bubbles with promise. Let ingredients cuddle and soften together.

  • Green Wonder

Introduce broccoli florets to the brewing mixture, allowing them to nestle among potatoes and create a vibrant, green-flecked canvas of deliciousness.

  • Creamy Transformation

Gently swirl milk and cornstarch into the pot, watching the soup transform into a silky, luxurious embrace of comfort.

  • Cheese Finale

Shower the soup with melting cheese, stirring until every spoonful becomes a creamy, dreamy celebration of warmth and flavor.

Useful Tips for Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder

  • Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Veggie Power Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like diced celery, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the chowder.
  • Protein Pack: Transform the soup into a heartier meal by adding cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or ham cubes during the final simmering stage.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace regular milk and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free alternative that still delivers rich flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Elevate the chowder's depth by introducing red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This chowder freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – simply store in airtight containers and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth consistency.

Serving Up Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder

  • Cozy Comfort Combo: Pair this hearty chowder with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for a perfect dipping experience that soaks up all the delicious cheesy goodness.
  • Winter Wellness Bowl: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chowder and add a fresh, zesty contrast to the meal.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top the chowder with crispy bacon bits, sliced grilled chicken, or crumbled ham to transform it into a more substantial and filling dinner option that satisfies bigger appetites.
  • Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle some chopped fresh chives, green onions, or a dash of paprika on top to add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes.

Planning Ahead with Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up a double portion of this chowder and divide into meal-sized containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. Refrigerated servings stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed tightly.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Sealed portions maintain excellent quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore smooth texture.
  • Temperature Tip: When reheating, warm the chowder over low-medium heat to prevent cheese separation. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the consistency seems too thick after refrigeration.
  • Ingredient Freshness Hack: Store leftover broccoli and potatoes separately from the liquid base to maintain optimal texture. Combine just before reheating to keep vegetables crisp and prevent soggy results.
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Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty broccoli potato cheese chowder brings classic comfort from rustic kitchens with creamy, rich flavor profiles. Seasonal vegetables and sharp cheddar create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (454 g) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 tbsps butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, introducing diced onions and allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for 3-4 minutes.
  2. Vegetable Enhancement: Add carrots, season with salt and pepper, and stir consistently. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, letting it bloom for 30 seconds to intensify the flavor profile.
  3. Liquid Integration: Fold in chopped potatoes and pour chicken broth over the vegetable mixture. Cover the pot and simmer to develop depth of flavor for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Broccoli Infusion: Add broccoli florets to the simmering liquid, continuing to cook until potatoes and broccoli reach tender perfection, approximately 7-9 minutes.
  5. Creamy Transformation: Whisk cornstarch into milk until fully integrated. Gradually stream the mixture into the chowder, stirring continuously to create a silky smooth texture without lumps.
  6. Cheesy Finale: Gradually incorporate shredded cheese, maintaining constant movement as it melts to create a luxuriously creamy consistency that harmonizes all flavors.

Notes

  • Butter Base Technique: Softly melt butter at moderate heat to create a flavor-rich foundation that enhances vegetable sweetness and depth.
  • Garlic Blooming Trick: Add minced garlic for precisely 30 seconds to release intense aromatics without burning, elevating overall dish complexity.
  • Cornstarch Smoothing Secret: Whisk cornstarch with milk thoroughly before adding to prevent clumping, ensuring a silky, professional-grade chowder texture.
  • Cheese Melting Method: Incorporate shredded cheese gradually with continuous stirring to achieve seamless integration and prevent separation, creating a luxuriously creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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