I make this soup when I want dinner to feel like a cozy sweater for my insides — cheesy, a little lumpy, and way too forgiving. It’s basically comfort food that went to finishing school and learned to be fancy: broccoli, melty cheese, and potatoes building a tiny edible fort in your bowl. Try it because it’s ridiculously satisfying and because you’ll look like a culinary genius for doing something as simple as simmering things together.

Once, I made this for a weeknight and my husband declared himself the official taste-tester. He tasted, nodded solemnly, then announced that something was missing. After an embarrassing five-minute silence and me double-checking the entire recipe, he sheepishly revealed he’d been spooning soup straight into a bowl for the dog the whole time. The dog approved. The husband still gets to be a taste-tester, but supervision is now mandatory. Also: yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Delish Loaded Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup

– It’s basically a hug in a bowl — cheesy, starchy, and slightly smug about it.
– Kid-approved: they’ll call it “cheesy broccoli soup” while secretly eating the potatoes first.
– Leftovers reheat like champions, because this soup ages like the kind of person who drinks instant coffee and pretends it’s artisanal.
– Cheap, filling, and forgiving — makes you look like you planned dinner even if you last-minute-winged it.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use frozen chopped broccoli and pre-shredded cheese. Yes, it’s a little lazy. Yes, nobody will notice once the cheese pulls.
– Swap homemade stock for boxed (or bouillon + water). I did the math — your time is worth more than the tinier flavor difference.
– Skip the fancy mise en place: chop the potatoes chunky and call it “rustic.” Fewer bowls, fewer tears.

Serving Ideas

– Top with crispy bacon bits if you want to feel fancy and slightly guilty.
– Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for double carb therapy. Because why choose?
– Pair with a simple green salad if you’re pretending vegetables are the main event.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts that day. If not, still serve with wine.

What to Serve It With

– Crusty baguette or sourdough — necessary for bowl mopping.
– A bright green salad with a vinegar punch — so you can say you had something healthy.
– Popovers or warm biscuits if you’re trying to impress people who can be easily impressed.

Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t boil the broccoli to oblivion. Cook it until tender but still bright — nobody wants swamp soup.
– Grate your own cheese if you can; pre-shredded has anti-melty sorcery in it. But if you’re tired, pre-shredded is allowed. I won’t judge too loudly.
– If the soup gets too thick after resting, thin it with a splash of milk or stock — not tears.
– Salt carefully: potatoes and cheese are both salty offenders, so season at the end and taste like you mean it.

Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
Fridge: Keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container — if your family doesn’t eat it all first.
Freezer: It can freeze, but texture of potatoes changes. Freeze in portions for emergencies, not for show-off meals.
Reheat: Gently on the stove with a splash of milk or stock; microwave works but stir every 30 seconds so it doesn’t sulk.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
– Make it vegetarian: skip bacon and use veggie stock, plus a hit of smoked paprika for depth.
– Make it heartier: toss in cooked chicken or crumbled sausage.
– Dairy-free: use a creamy non-dairy milk and nutritional yeast for cheesiness. It’s a vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Yep. Use tamari or coconut aminos. You’ll survive and still brag about it online.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first?

Unless you enjoy chewing bark… yes, peel it. Your teeth will thank you.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Sure. Just drain it well or enjoy syrup soup. Still tasty, though.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down?

Absolutely. Cut the sugar—or don’t, and embrace the sugar rush.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

Then you’ll miss the nutty vibe, but relax—it’s still food. You’ll live.

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