Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup - Simply Made Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh in soup? ›

Whether or not the recipes calls for it, soups are just right for frozen broccoli. And the best part is that you don't even have to defrost it first. Add it right to the soup as it's cooking. Just don't add it too soon, or you'll end up with mushy broccoli.

Adding a potato to the simmering soup provides a natural thickener that helps the cheese emulsify and gives the soup a creamy texture.

Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting into a lusciously creamy soup. To ensure that your broccoli cheddar soup has the best smooth and creamy texture, buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.

High Heat: Cheese is sensitive to high temperatures. If you add cheese to your soup when it's too hot or boiling vigorously, it can become overcooked and develop a grainy or curdled texture rather than melting smoothly.

What order do vegetables go into a soup? You always want to saute any mirepoix vegetables (carrots, celery, and onion) first. Then, add in the remaining fresh vegetables with the broth. And if you're using frozen vegetables, you'll add those later in the process, as they take less time to cook.

Mild cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, mozzarella, Swiss and queso blanco can all work well. “The best cheeses to melt into soups are cheeses that are higher in moisture and have a lower melting point,” says Bauer. In addition to cheddar and Monterey jack, he recommends Fontina and Gruyère.

Is broccoli soup good for you? Most of the time, broccoli cheese soup isn't the healthiest option since it has lots of cheese and heavy cream. This version is lightened up with evaporated skim milk and less cheese. It also uses extra vegetables that are blended to create some of the creaminess in the soup.

Pre-grated cheese is coated in anti-caking agents which means it won't melt as smoothly. When it's time to add the cheese into the soup, sprinkle it in in batches, stirring until each batch is melted before adding the next batch vs dumping it all in at once. This will ensure there are no clumps in the final soup.

Will cheddar cheese melt in soup? Cheddar will definitely melt here — but you'll want to start with block cheese for this cheddar potato soup. Pre-shredded cheese, though convenient, is coated with an anti-clumping agent that interferes with the cheese's ability to melt smoothly and evenly.

How to add cheese to soup without curdling? ›

Don't add the cheese all at once or you risk clumping. Sprinkle the cheese in, stir and when it's almost melted, sprinkle in more. A sure-fire way to prevent cheese from clumping is to toss it with some cornstarch before adding to the soup.

Wait until the soup is almost done cooking before adding the cheese. If you add the cheese too early, it may become grainy or separate. Gradually sprinkle in the grated cheese and stir gently until it melts completely.

Foods in the Brassica family, such as Bok Choy, are too strong for stock/broth and can impart a bitter taste. Foods in the Brassica family, such as broccoli, are too strong for stock/broth and can impart a bitter taste.

You can sauté frozen broccoli just as you would fresh broccoli. Add oil to a skillet on medium-high heat. Add your frozen broccoli and season as desired.

Go with frozen when vegetables are out of season

Some veggies in your soup are always a good idea, but depending on what vegetables you're using and when you may opt for frozen. According to Taste of Home, when your recipe calls for vegetables that are out of season, frozen is often the better option.

“Fresh vegetables are most nutritious when they're picked at peak ripeness and eaten soon after, but that's not always possible,” says Amanda Otruba, a registered dietician at Geisinger. “Veggies that are frozen shortly after they're picked can be just as nutritious as fresh produce.”