Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, and that’s exactly what Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder brings to the table. I remember the chilly winter evenings when the air was crisp, and all I wanted was to cozy up with a hearty dish that warmed my soul. This chowder is not just any soup; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and vibrant symphony of flavors that makes you feel right at home. Picture yourself settling in after a long day, the aroma of melting cheese and fresh broccoli wafting through your kitchen, inviting you to take that first spoonful. It’s a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter, where the only thing on the agenda is enjoying good food together.

What Goes Into Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder

The ingredients for Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder come together to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a significant role in elevating the dish. From the creamy base to the vibrant veggies, every bite is a celebration of wholesome goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup butter: This rich ingredient forms the base, adding a luxurious mouthfeel.
• 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness.
• 1 cup finely chopped onion: For depth and flavor, the onion is essential in building the flavor profile.
• 3 poblano peppers, seeded and finely chopped: These peppers bring a mild heat and complexity.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the chowder with its aromatic essence.
• 1/2 package (20-ounce) refrigerated Southwestern-style hash brown potatoes: These provide the heartiness we all crave in a chowder.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy tone.
• 2 cans (14-ounce) chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the chowder, giving it that creamy texture.
• 1 1/2 cups milk: For added creaminess.
• 1 cup half-and-half: This enhances the richness of the soup.
• 1 cup freshly shredded asadero cheese: A delightful melty addition, you could substitute with Monterey jack if needed.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For that classic cheesy flavor.
• 3 cups broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, they add nutrition and a satisfying crunch.

Recipe Directions for Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder

Making Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder is a delightful journey of flavors and aromas. Let’s dive into the steps together and create a dish that’s sure to impress!

1. Start by melting butter in a Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Once melted, add in the finely chopped red bell pepper, onion, and poblano peppers. Sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender and the aroma fills your kitchen. The colors will brighten as they cook, creating a beautiful base for your chowder.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot, along with the hash brown potatoes and ground cumin. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to get a slight golden color. The mixture should begin to smell incredibly fragrant and inviting.
3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the Dutch Oven. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance your soup. Bring everything to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. While the chowder is simmering, take a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the flour, milk, and half-and-half. This mixture will help thicken your chowder, giving it that creamy consistency we all love. Set it aside for now.
5. After the chowder has simmered for 20 minutes, stir in the flour mixture. Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously for about 5 minutes, or until the chowder thickens. Reduce the heat to low once you achieve your desired thickness.
6. Now it’s time to add the cheesy goodness! Stir in the asadero cheese and sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until they melt completely into the chowder. The sight of cheese melting into the soup is simply irresistible!
7. Don’t forget about the broccoli florets. Rinse them and place the wet florets in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. This quick step will preserve their vibrant green color and crunch.
8. To serve, ladle the chowder into bowls and top each serving with the tender broccoli. The combination of the rich chowder and the fresh broccoli creates the perfect balance!
9. Enjoy your Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder warm, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds!

Recipe Tips about Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder

Here are some tips to ensure your Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder turns out perfectly every time. With these tricks, you can elevate your chowder experience!

• Storage: To store leftovers, let the chowder cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to save some for later, freeze the chowder in individual portions. Make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
• Pairing: For a complete meal, consider serving your chowder with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a kick of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your chowder before serving.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add additional vegetables like corn or carrots for extra texture and flavor.

Accompaniments for Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder

When it comes to serving Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder, there are numerous ways to enhance the experience. Here are some suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, crusty bread or a toasted baguette to soak up the rich chowder.
• Garden Salad: Pair with a refreshing garden salad topped with a zingy vinaigrette for a delightful contrast.
• Cheese Toast: Consider making cheese toast as a side to complement the cheesy flavors of the chowder.
• Occasions: This chowder is perfect for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, or even holiday feasts.
• Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy your chowder in the winter months when the warmth of the soup is most inviting. It’s a great way to warm up after outdoor activities!
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQ

Conclusion

Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder is truly a delightful blend of comfort and flavor that can bring warmth to any table. Its creamy texture, combined with the vibrant veggies, creates a soup that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. I encourage you to give this chowder a try; it’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something heartwarming. You’ll be glad you did, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder

The ultimate comfort food is here! Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder combines rich, creamy textures with vibrant broccoli, making it an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Indulge in its cheesy goodness, and make it tonight for a heartwarming experience!

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Course Soups

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1 cup Finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup Finely chopped onion
• 3 pieces Poblano peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 package Refrigerated Southwestern-style hash brown potatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 cans Chicken broth
• 1/3 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups Milk
• 1 cup Half-and-half
• 1 cup Freshly shredded asadero cheese can substitute Monterey jack
• 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cups Broccoli florets

Instructions

 

• Start by melting butter in a Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Once melted, add in the finely chopped red bell pepper, onion, and poblano peppers. Sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender and the aroma fills your kitchen. The colors will brighten as they cook, creating a beautiful base for your chowder.
• Add the minced garlic to the pot, along with the hash brown potatoes and ground cumin. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to get a slight golden color. The mixture should begin to smell incredibly fragrant and inviting.
• Gradually pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the Dutch Oven. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance your soup. Bring everything to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• While the chowder is simmering, take a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the flour, milk, and half-and-half. This mixture will help thicken your chowder, giving it that creamy consistency we all love. Set it aside for now.
• After the chowder has simmered for 20 minutes, stir in the flour mixture. Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously for about 5 minutes, or until the chowder thickens. Reduce the heat to low once you achieve your desired thickness.
• Now it’s time to add the cheesy goodness! Stir in the asadero cheese and sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until they melt completely into the chowder. The sight of cheese melting into the soup is simply irresistible!
• Don't forget about the broccoli florets. Rinse them and place the wet florets in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. This quick step will preserve their vibrant green color and crunch.
• To serve, ladle the chowder into bowls and top each serving with the tender broccoli. The combination of the rich chowder and the fresh broccoli creates the perfect balance!
• Enjoy your Queso Broccoli Potato Chowder warm, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds!

Notes

• Tip 1: To store leftovers, let the chowder cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Tip 2: If you want to save some for later, freeze the chowder in individual portions. Make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
• Tip 3: For a complete meal, consider serving your chowder with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad.
• Tip 4: If you enjoy a kick of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your chowder before serving.
• Tip 5: Feel free to add additional vegetables like corn or carrots for extra texture and flavor.

Keyword Broccoli Soup, Cheesy Potato Soup, Comfort Food Recipe, Queso Chowder

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!