Loaded Broccoli Soup

Our Loaded Broccoli Soup is topped with all your favorite baked potato garnishes in one comforting bowl. This recipe is a genius use of nutrient-rich broccoli, stems and all, reducing waste and adding big broccoli flavor. The potato not only adds additional fiber and vitamin C to this soup, but it’s also a natural thickener that gives a creamy texture—exactly what you expect from a hearty soup. If you love bacon, don’t skip it—a little goes a long way to add the perfect amount of smoky saltiness, and, with the sharp Cheddar cheese, completes the dish. Keep reading to discover our expert tips, including our advice on how to ensure the cheese perfectly melts into your soup.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

• When making soup, cutting the vegetables into bite-size pieces is always a good idea for easier eating.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Using potatoes in your cream-of-vegetable soups is a great way to add thickness and creaminess without excess dairy or a roux. It keeps it gluten-free, as well!

Nutrition Notes

• Broccolias a card-carrying member of the cruciferous vegetable club, contains special compounds called glucosinolates—powerful antioxidants known for their role in preventing cancer. It also has immune system–boosting vitamin C and prebiotic fiber, which is great for gut health.
• Russet potatoes are the starchiest potatoes, making them perfect for this recipe as a natural thickener, but they are also a nutrition marvel. Among their many nutritional accolades, they are an excellent source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure by helping your body remove excess sodium.
• When eating bacon by the slice, the saturated fat content can add up. When used as a flavoring ingredient, like we do in this recipe, it’s a smart way to enjoy the signature salty flavor of bacon as part of a balanced diet.
• Cheddar cheese is a great way to get more calcium, especially if you’re not a huge milk drinker. And calcium is not only important for strong bones and teeth, it’s also key for a healthy heart.