🥦🧀 Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup 🧀🥦

Warm up with this hearty and comforting Loaded Broccoli, Cheese, & Potato Soup. This creamy soup is packed with tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and plenty of cheesy goodness, topped with all your favorite loaded potato toppings.

📋 Ingredients:

• 🥓 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 🧅 1 medium onion, diced
• 🥕 2 medium carrots, diced
• 🌿 2 celery stalks, diced
• 🥔 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 🥦 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 🍲 4 cups chicken broth
• 🥛 2 cups milk
• 🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
• 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 🥄 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 🧈 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 🌿 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 🌿 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
• 🍶 Sour cream (optional, for garnish)

📝 Directions:

Cook the Bacon:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.

Sauté the Vegetables:

2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Cook the Potatoes and Broccoli:

4. Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Add the broccoli florets and continue to simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Soup Creamy:

6. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
7. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
8. Stir the milk mixture into the soup pot, combining well.

Add the Cheese:

9. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
10. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve:

11. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

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Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 450 kcal per serving

💡 Notes:

• For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot before adding the broccoli.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency before adding the cheese.
• This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad.