If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and filling soup that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers (WW) plan, this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a must-try! Packed with nutritious broccoli, hearty potatoes, and a rich, creamy cheese base, this soup delivers all the flavors of a traditional cheesy potato soup, but with a lighter twist. It’s satisfying, delicious, and easy to make, making it a perfect option for a cozy dinner or meal prep throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of broccoli, chopped into florets (or 4 cups frozen broccoli)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk for creamier texture)
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening, or you can use cornstarch)
- Fresh herbs, like parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the diced potatoes and chopped broccoli (or frozen broccoli) to the pot. Stir to combine, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
- Blend the Soup (Optional):
- Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired texture. For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
- If you prefer a completely smooth soup, blend the entire mixture until silky.
- Thicken the Soup (Optional):
- If you’d like a thicker soup, create a slurry by mixing the flour (or cornstarch) with a small amount of cold water (about 1/4 cup). Stir this into the soup and simmer for another 3-4 minutes to thicken. This step is optional but can add a creamier texture to the soup.
- Add Milk and Cheese:
- Stir in the almond milk (or regular milk) and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.
Why You’ll Love WW Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup:
Comforting and Hearty: This broccoli potato cheese soup is the perfect comfort food for cooler months or whenever you’re craving something cozy. The combination of potatoes and broccoli provides a satisfying texture, while the creamy cheese base gives it a rich flavor without overloading on calories or points.
Weight Watchers-Friendly: By using reduced-fat cheese, a lighter milk alternative, and a small amount of olive oil for sautéing, this soup is lightened up without sacrificing taste. It’s a great option for anyone following the WW plan, as it offers a fulfilling and comforting meal with minimal points. You can also adjust the cheese to your liking if you’re looking to reduce points even further.
Packed with Nutrients: Broccoli is full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this soup a healthy choice. Potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates to keep you full and satisfied, and the added cheese provides a boost of protein and calcium. It’s a balanced meal that delivers essential nutrients while keeping you on track with your goals.
Easy to Make: This soup is easy to throw together in under 30 minutes. You can prep the ingredients in advance or make it in a batch to enjoy throughout the week. It also stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and it freezes beautifully for future meals.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavor and texture of the soup. If you like it spicier, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For an extra creamy texture, you can stir in a small amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also swap out the cheddar for a different cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan to suit your taste.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 160-180 kcal
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 22-24g
- Fiber: 4-5g
- Net Carbs: 17-19g
- Fat: 6-7g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
- Sodium: 350-450mg
- Calcium: 150-200mg
- Iron: 2mg
- WW Points: 4 (Blue, Purple, Green Plan)
Note: The points and nutrition information may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and whether you add or adjust any ingredients, like using regular cheese instead of reduced-fat.
This WW Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is a filling, flavorful, and lightened-up comfort food that’s perfect for weight loss or maintenance. It offers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you love in a classic potato soup but with fewer calories and WW points. It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and the whole family will love it! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this soup will be your new go-to.
