There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of perfectly creamy broccoli cheese soup, and this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe hits that cozy note every single time. It combines tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, velvety base that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply crave something hearty and delicious, this soup balances freshness and indulgence in every spoonful. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is incredibly easy to make, a genuine home-cooked treasure you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe shines because of its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create big flavors and a wonderful texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the soup’s creamy, cheesy foundation and adding vibrant color and body.
- Butter: Adds a rich, silky base to sauté the onions and garlic, which builds depth in the flavor.
- Small onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and a subtle background note that complements the broccoli perfectly.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Brings a gentle aromatic punch without overpowering the soup.
- Fresh broccoli florets (chopped small): The star ingredient that packs a fresh, slightly earthy taste and showcases the soup’s signature green pop.
- Grated carrots: Add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant orange color for visual appeal and balanced flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a savory liquid base that keeps the flavors lively without being too salty.
- Half-and-half or whole milk: Ensures the soup is creamy and luxuriously smooth without heaviness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup gently to the perfect consistency.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): The rich, tangy cheese that gives this soup its irresistible flavor and comforting cheesiness.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the soup.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatic brightness.
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional): Offers a warm, slightly sweet spice note that complements the cheese beautifully.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and cook them gently until they’re soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just about a minute until fragrant. This step is key for developing the soup’s foundational flavors—soft, sweet onions and aromatic garlic create a warm, inviting base.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped broccoli florets, grated carrots, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook the vegetables until they become tender but not mushy, around 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures the broccoli and carrots keep a nice bite while releasing their fresh flavors into the broth, creating a delicious vegetable medley.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
While the veggies are simmering, whisk the flour into the milk or half-and-half in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup pot while stirring consistently. Continue cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes as the soup thickens into a luscious, creamy texture that will hold the cheese beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Season
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring frequently until it’s fully melted and smooth. Once the cheese is perfectly incorporated, season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. This final seasoning step balances the rich cheese and vegetable flavors for a harmonious, comforting soup.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup experience, consider topping each bowl with crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheddar, or a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley. These garnishes add texture contrast and a pop of color that makes the soup feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty artisan bread, buttery garlic toast, or a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. These accompaniments add a satisfying crunch or a refreshing element that balances the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to mix things up, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch. Alternatively, layering some toasted croutons or a drizzle of hot sauce on top can add exciting texture and a little kick, making every spoonful a delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover broccoli cheese soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day, though you may need to stir well after reheating as the cheese can settle.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but be aware that the texture may change slightly because of the dairy. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your broccoli cheese soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking or separating. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth, and you’ll still have a wonderfully flavorful, comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe that’s perfect for vegetarians.
Is it okay to blend the soup?
Yes, blending all or part of the soup with an immersion blender creates a silky smooth texture that many people love. You can also leave some broccoli chunks unblended for a bit of bite and variety in the texture.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese offers the boldest flavor and melts smoothly, making it ideal for this soup. However, mixing with Monterey Jack or mild cheddar can also create a milder, creamy texture if preferred.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch, but fresh broccoli gives the best color, texture, and flavor. If using frozen, just be sure to reduce cooking time slightly to avoid over-softening the vegetables.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy but not too thick—enough to coat a spoon comfortably but still easy to ladle. If it becomes too thick during cooking or reheating, stir in a little more milk or broth to loosen it up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy bowl of comfort that’s packed with flavor and silky, cheesy goodness, this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is your new go-to. It’s so easy to make but feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find it becoming one of your very favorite soups!
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Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth, velvety base of milk and butter. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines fresh vegetables and rich flavors simmered on the stovetop to create a hearty and delicious soup that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets, grated carrots, and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, which should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Prepare Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half (or whole milk) and all-purpose flour until smooth and free of lumps to ensure a creamy consistency.
- Thicken the Soup: Gradually stir the milk and flour mixture into the simmering soup. Continue to cook and stir regularly until the soup thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes, paying attention to avoid lumps.
- Add Cheese and Season: Lower the heat to low, then slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in batches, stirring continuously until it melts completely into the soup, resulting in a smooth texture. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if using.
- Serve Warm: Once the cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy and hot, remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished if desired.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup before adding cheese.
- To make this soup vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- While sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor, you can blend in Monterey Jack or mild cheddar for a different taste profile.
