I recently found myself standing in my kitchen, staring down an enormous bunch of vibrant broccoli, wondering how to turn this humble veggie into something truly comforting. Enter Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a dish that brilliantly combines the earthiness of fresh broccoli with the indulgent creaminess of sharp cheddar cheese. This vegetarian delight is not only easy to prepare but also quick enough for a weeknight family dinner. Plus, it packs a nutritional punch while effortlessly feeling like a warm hug on chilly evenings. With just a handful of ingredients and endless customization options, you’ll have a family-friendly meal that everyone will love. Curious how to whip up this cozy masterpiece? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup So Loved? Comforting, Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s this easy to prepare! Budget-Friendly: Using seasonal ingredients keeps this dish affordable, making it perfect for any family dinner. Versatile Options: Whether you add shredded chicken or change up the cheese, the possibilities are endless with Broccoli Cheese Rounds! Nutritious Benefits: Packed with vitamins A and C from fresh broccoli, you can enjoy a hearty meal that’s also good for you. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Just imagine serving it with a side of crusty bread or Sheet Pan Broccoli for a delightful feast! Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients • Get ready to make a delicious, warming bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup with these key ingredients! For the Soup Base Broccoli – Provides essential nutrients; use fresh for the best flavor, but frozen works too! Onion – Adds a fragrant base; sauté until soft for maximum sweetness. Garlic – Enhances the flavor; fresh minced garlic gives the best results. Vegetable Broth – Serves as the flavorful liquid base; chicken broth is a great alternative for non-vegetarians. For Creaminess Cheddar Cheese – The star flavor; opt for sharp cheddar for extra depth. Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious texture; use half-and-half for a lighter option. For Thickening All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the soup; substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free version. Butter – Adds richness and depth; olive oil can replace it for a dairy-free alternative. Seasonings and Extras Salt/Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for the perfect flavor balance. Optional Spices (Cayenne/Jalapeños) – Use these for a spicy kick; tailor the heat to your preference! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Step 1: Sauté Base In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent, stirring occasionally. Then, incorporate 2 minced garlic cloves and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the savory aroma to fill your kitchen. Step 2: Add Vegetables Next, stir in 4 cups of chopped broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the broccoli is slightly tender and bright green. This step enhances the flavor while maintaining the vibrant color of the Broccoli Cheddar Soup. You’ll want to bring out the freshness of the broccoli before proceeding. Step 3: Make Roux Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help to thicken your soup, ensuring a creamy texture. You’ll notice the vegetables get coated nicely, which is exactly what you want for that luscious final dish. Step 4: Add Broth Gradually whisk in 4 cups of vegetable broth, ensuring to stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, keep an eye on it as it begins to bubble and thicken, creating a warm, inviting broth for your Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Step 5: Simmer Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. The soup should have reduced slightly while retaining a hearty consistency. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully together, creating that cozy, comforting vibe. Step 6: Blend and Add Cheese Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency—smooth or chunky, it’s your choice! Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. The mixture will transform into a creamy, decadent broth brimming with cheesy goodness. Step 7: Season and Serve Finally, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve your warm Broccoli Cheddar Soup in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of additional cheese if you like, and enjoy with crusty bread or croutons on the side for that perfect comforting meal. Storage Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Fridge: Store your Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring it remains fresh and flavorful. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers, removing any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture if it thickens. Avoid boiling to maintain the best consistency. Thawing: When ready to enjoy your frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above for optimal flavor and texture. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can chop the broccoli, onion, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can make the roux (flour and butter mixture) ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the roux, add the sautéed vegetables, broth, and simmer. Finish the soup by blending it to your desired consistency, stirring in the cream and cheese as the last step. This way, you’ll have a deliciously comforting meal that’s just as good as if made fresh, with minimal fuss! Expert Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh broccoli and garlic for the best flavor. While frozen can work in a pinch, fresh produces a vibrant taste and texture. Avoid Overcooking: Don’t let your broccoli boil too long. It should remain vibrant green and tender-crisp to enhance the visual appeal and nutritional benefits in your Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Perfect Your Roux: Make sure to cook the flour long enough in the sauté step before adding broth, which helps prevent a raw flour taste and ensures a creamy texture in the soup. Customized Consistency: Blend the soup to your desired thickness. For a chunkier texture, only blend half of it; otherwise, purée the entire batch for a smoother finish. Add Layers of Flavor: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack, or add spices such as paprika for an unexpected twist that elevates your Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Storage Wisely: If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture. Add a splash of broth to restore its richness if it thickens too much. Broccoli Cheddar Soup Variations & Substitutions Customize your bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup to suit your family’s taste and dietary needs—let’s get creative! Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative in place of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly twist. Coconut milk adds a subtly sweet flavor, making the soup rich and creamy while keeping it plant-based. Vegan: Swap out butter for olive oil and replace cheddar cheese with cashew cream or a store-bought cheese alternative. You’ll still enjoy that creamy texture while making this soup suitable for a vegan lifestyle. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch mixed in water to thicken your soup without gluten. Just be sure to add it at the end of cooking, whisking gently to avoid clumps and achieve that luxurious thickness. Extra Veggies: Toss in diced carrots or cauliflower along with the broccoli for added nutrition and flavor diversity. These veggies complement the existing ingredients beautifully, providing more textures and colors in your cozy soup. Protein Booster: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked quinoa to make this soup more filling. It’s a perfect way to turn a comforting dish into a hearty meal that satisfies during busy weeknights. Flavor Infusion: Add spices like smoked paprika or a dash of nutmeg for unexpected depth in flavor. Just a pinch can elevate your soup, making each spoonful an exciting taste experience. Cheese Variety: Play around with different cheese types, such as Gruyère or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese brings a unique character, from smokiness to heat, making it fun to discover your favorite combination. After exploring these ideas, be sure to check out other delicious recipes like Keto Hamburger Broccoli for a delightful twist or Crustless Broccoli Quiche to serve alongside your comforting broccoli cheddar soup! What to Serve with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup There’s nothing quite like pairing this rich, velvety soup with delightful sides that enhance its comforting essence. Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, a warm, crusty baguette complements the smooth texture of the soup beautifully. Butter-Crusted Crackers: These add a delightful crunch, creating a contrast to the creamy soup and elevating each bite. Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, balancing your meal perfectly. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these make for a crowd-pleasing accompaniment that everyone adores while soaking up the soup. Imagine serving this soup alongside a vibrant salad, refreshingly crisp and bursting with colorful veggies, to create a wholesome and satisfying meal! Pairing a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon could elevate your dining experience even further, enticing your senses with every bite. Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe FAQs How do I select the best broccoli? Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for broccoli that has tight, dark green florets and firm, vibrant stalks. Avoid any with yellowing flowers or dark spots all over, as these indicate over-ripeness. Fresh broccoli will provide that delightful crunch and nutrients essential for your Broccoli Cheddar Soup. What is the best way to store leftovers? Very important! Store your Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation, which could make it watery. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture! Can I freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Of course! To freeze, wait until the soup has cooled down, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Your soup can be frozen for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, stirring well to recombine. What to do if my soup is too thick? Don’t worry! If you find your Broccoli Cheddar Soup has thickened too much, simply stir in additional vegetable broth or a splash of cream until it reaches your desired consistency. Return the soup to low heat and let it warm through while continuously stirring to ensure an even texture. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Absolutely! For gluten-free options, swap out all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when making your roux. Also, if you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives, replace cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese option and use olive oil instead of butter. Always check labels to ensure the ingredients meet your dietary needs! Can I change up the cheese in this soup? Very much! You can experiment with different cheeses to tailor the flavor of your Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Gruyère and Monterey Jack melt beautifully and add a unique taste. Feel free to mix cheeses for a deeper flavor profile or add some spicy pepper jack if you want to turn up the heat in your comforting soup! Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup That Warms Your Soul This comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup combines fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: SoupsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base4 cups Broccoli, chopped Use fresh for best flavor1 Onion, chopped Sauté until soft2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh gives the best results4 cups Vegetable Broth Chicken broth can be used for non-vegetariansFor Creaminess2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded Opt for sharp for extra depth1 cup Heavy Cream Use half-and-half for a lighter optionFor Thickening¼ cup All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free2 tablespoons Butter Olive oil can replace for dairy-freeSeasonings and ExtrasSalt Adjust to tastePepper Adjust to tasteCayenne or Jalapeños Optional for a spicy kick Equipment Large PotImmersion Blender Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Stir in broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly tender and bright green.Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil.Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.Blend the soup to desired consistency. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, serve in bowls garnished with cheese. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 12gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 1.5mg NotesUse fresh broccoli and garlic for the best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
