Cozy Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder Recipe for Chilly Days

Broccoli potato cheese chowder bursts with comforting warmth and creamy richness that redefines simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal.

Cold winter evenings demand hearty dishes that wrap you in culinary comfort like a soft blanket.

Smooth, velvety textures merge with vibrant green vegetables and tender potato chunks to create a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Hearty home cooks appreciate meals that feel simultaneously elegant and rustic, showcasing seasonal produce with understated sophistication.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering complex layers of taste that elevate this classic soup beyond ordinary expectations.

Nutritious and filling, this chowder represents pure kitchen magic where humble vegetables become something extraordinary.

Creamy, indulgent, and packed with wholesome goodness, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder Is the Ultimate Cozy Bowl

• Craft Comfort in a Bowl: This chowder transforms simple ingredients into a warm, hearty meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, velvety goodness.
• Quick and Effortless Cooking: Prepare this delightful soup in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Nutritious Veggie Powerhouse: Packed with broccoli, carrots, and potatoes, this chowder delivers a nutritional punch while satisfying your hunger with layers of cheesy, creamy flavor.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the smooth texture and cheesy richness, making it an ideal meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

What You Need for Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder Success

• Chicken Stock: Provides the flavorful liquid foundation for the chowder, rich and savory base for all other ingredients.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup, soft and comforting when cooked.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that brings nutrition and vibrant color to the chowder, can be used fresh or frozen.

• Onion, Carrots, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth and complexity, aromatic vegetables that add sweetness and warmth to the soup.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté the aromatic vegetables, adds a smooth and luxurious texture.

• Milk, Cornstarch: Creamy thickening agents that create a smooth and velvety soup texture, help bind the ingredients together.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, tangy flavor and creates a creamy cheese element, sharp variety provides extra punch.
• Salt, Ground Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances and balances the overall flavor of the chowder, key to making the soup taste complete.

How to Make This Creamy, Cheesy Chowder from Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften Onions

Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

• Butter
• Onions

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Carrots
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic

Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften and release their aromatic goodness.

Step 3: Welcome Potatoes and Broth

Pour in chicken broth and add chopped potatoes. Gently bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes become tender.

Step 4: Introduce Broccoli

Fold in fresh broccoli florets. Continue simmering for another 8-10 minutes until both potatoes and broccoli reach perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Create Creamy Magic

• Cornstarch
• Milk

Slowly pour this silky mixture into the pot, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Remove pot from heat. Sprinkle in shredded cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a luxurious, smooth chowder that’s guaranteed to comfort and delight.

Tips to Keep Your Chowder Thick and Flavorful

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, bright green broccoli and firm potatoes for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in your chowder.
• Dice Uniformly: Cut vegetables into consistent, small pieces to ensure even cooking and a balanced bite in every spoonful.
• Control Cheese Melting: Remove the pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Adjust Thickness Wisely: Add cornstarch slurry gradually and stir continuously to achieve the perfect chowder thickness without lumps.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking to enhance the overall depth of flavor without over-seasoning.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Chowder Without Separation

• Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled chowder to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm the chowder over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture if it has thickened too much.
• Freezing Option: Pour the cooled chowder into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

What Pairs Perfectly with Broccoli Cheese Chowder

• Pair with Crusty Artisan Bread: Slice a warm, golden-brown sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to scoop up the creamy chowder, adding a delightful textural contrast and hearty crunch.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheese and complement the vegetable flavors, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Serve with Refreshing Green Salad: Toss a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the thick, comforting chowder, balancing the meal's overall richness.
• Complement with Roasted Chicken: Add a side of herb-roasted chicken breast to transform the chowder into a more substantial meal, introducing lean protein that harmonizes with the creamy vegetable base.

Creative Variations for This Classic Veggie Chowder

• Spicy Southwest Chowder: Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes, add diced jalapeños, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
• Vegetarian Green Chowder: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, incorporate spinach instead of broccoli, and use plant-based cheese. Add nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Seafood Coastal Chowder: Substitute half the potatoes with diced white fish or shrimp. Use seafood stock instead of chicken broth, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a maritime touch.
• Smoky Bacon Harvest Chowder: Crisp up bacon pieces and mix into the soup. Include roasted butternut squash cubes alongside the broccoli, and use smoked cheddar cheese for depth of flavor.

Broccoli Potato Cheese Chowder Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty broccoli potato cheese chowder delivers comfort in a bowl, blending creamy potatoes with tender broccoli and melted cheese. Smooth, rich flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic, soul-warming soup perfect for chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken stock

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1–2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor foundation by gently melting butter in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat. Carefully introduce diced onions, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Enhance the vegetable medley by incorporating carrots, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir consistently to ensure even cooking and develop a rich flavor profile. Quickly introduce minced garlic, letting it bloom and release its intense aroma for a brief 30-second interval.
3. Carefully fold in chopped potatoes and pour chicken broth over the vegetable mixture. Create a sealed environment by covering the pot, allowing the ingredients to gently simmer and develop depth of flavor for about 8-10 minutes.
4. Gracefully introduce broccoli florets into the simmering liquid, continuing to cook until both potatoes and broccoli reach a perfect tender consistency. This process typically requires an additional 7-9 minutes of gentle cooking.
5. Prepare a smooth thickening agent by whisking cornstarch into milk until completely integrated. Slowly stream this mixture into the bubbling chowder, stirring continuously to prevent any potential lumping and ensure a silky smooth texture.
6. Culminate the culinary creation by gradually incorporating shredded cheese. Maintain constant movement while cheese melts, creating a luxuriously creamy and harmonious consistency that brings all flavors together in a delightful finale.

Notes

• Capturing autumn’s warmth, this hearty chowder transforms simple ingredients into a comforting bowl of creamy goodness.
• Loaded with vibrant vegetables and rich cheese, each spoonful delivers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
• Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe offers a nutritious and delicious meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg