If you have ever craved a bowl of comforting, creamy goodness that warms you from the inside out, then this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and just the right touch of spices, this soup is a classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe brings a delicious balance of flavors and textures that is both wholesome and indulgent. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great soup starts with simple, quality ingredients, and this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is no exception. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors, making the preparation straightforward and rewarding.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides richness and a silky base for sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a subtle punch of savory warmth.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup gently for that creamy texture we all adore.
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Offers a flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste.
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half: Brings in creaminess and balances the sharp cheese.
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small: The star of the show, delivering vibrant color and fresh vegetable goodness.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds a slight sweetness and brightens the soup’s appearance.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick of spice to balance the creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a smoky nuance and lovely color.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The cheesy heart that makes this soup irresistible and unforgettable.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and let it cook gently until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing that wonderful aroma that signals you’re on the right track.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste while forming a smooth roux. This step is crucial because it’s what thickens the soup later, giving it that luscious, velvety texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Add Broth and Milk
Slowly whisk in the broth and milk, making sure to blend everything into a smooth mixture without lumps. Bring this comforting concoction to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to start melding together beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Vegetables
Add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the veggies are tender but still bright green and full of character.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Finish
Remove the pot from heat and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring it in handful by handful until it melts seamlessly into the soup. For a luxuriously smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup. Or leave it chunky if you prefer more bite and rustic charm in each spoonful.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or a few fresh broccoli florets on top adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. A dash of paprika or some freshly ground black pepper can elevate the visual appeal and taste even more.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a warm bread bowl to soak up every last drop. For a heartier meal, consider serving a crisp green salad alongside to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or sourdough bread bowls. You can also garnish with crispy bacon bits, toasted almonds, or chives to add texture and a burst of complementary flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will settle beautifully, making it taste even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but since it contains dairy and cheese, it’s best to do so without the cheese mixed in. Freeze the base soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then stir in fresh cheddar after reheating to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much while chilled. Avoid boiling to keep the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with gouda, monterey jack, or even a blend for unique flavors. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt smoothly.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and use vegetarian-friendly cheese, this recipe fits well into a vegetarian diet.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for olive oil, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative. This will alter the classic flavor but still result in a delicious soup.
How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
Adjust the flour amount to thicken: add another tablespoon if you like it heartier. For a thinner soup, increase the broth or milk slightly during cooking or reheating.
Is it okay to blend the entire soup?
Definitely! Blending the whole soup creates a silky smooth texture that is lovely if you prefer no chunks. Alternatively, blending half and leaving half chunky provides a delicious contrast in every bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy a classic, comforting bowl that’s both nourishing and downright delicious. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve when friends come over. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite soup to cozy up with all year round!
Print
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 Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and creamy American classic made with tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth roux-based broth. Perfect for chilly days, it combines fresh vegetables and rich dairy to create a flavorful and satisfying soup that can be enjoyed chunky or blended to your preferred texture. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it makes a wholesome meal served with crusty bread or in a bread bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup without browning.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth followed by the whole milk or half-and-half, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Vegetables: Add the chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrots, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika to the simmering liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Slowly stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, adding a handful at a time, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Blend if Desired: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your liking. Alternatively, leave it chunky for a heartier consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the hot broccoli cheese soup into bowls. Serve with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- You can blend half the soup and leave the other half chunky to enjoy the best of both textures.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Fresh broccoli works best, but frozen can be substituted in a pinch.
