Dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Luscious Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort comes alive in this creamy broccoli cheddar soup that promises warmth with every spoonful.

Rich cheese melts seamlessly into tender broccoli florets, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Hearty vegetables blend with sharp cheddar, offering a luxurious texture that satisfies deep hunger.

Weeknight dinners transform with this simple yet elegant recipe that requires minimal preparation.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character to the soup’s robust profile.

The aroma of melted cheese and fresh broccoli fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table.

Prepare to savor a bowl of pure, comforting deliciousness that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Must-Have Ingredients

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation with smooth, golden flavor.
• Onion: Brings depth and sweet undertone to soup's core taste.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent aroma and enhances overall complexity.

• Flour: Creates silky, smooth texture and helps soup maintain creamy consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Builds savory liquid base with deep, hearty flavor profile.
• Milk: Contributes luxurious creaminess and subtle dairy richness.

• Broccoli Florets: Delivers vibrant green color, crisp texture, and powerful nutritional boost.
• Carrot: Introduces natural sweetness and gorgeous orange undertone.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides tangy, sharp taste and melty, decadent finish.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies overall recipe's flavor complexity.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic warmth.
• Nutmeg: Offers gentle, warm background note with sophisticated essence.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh pop of color and herbaceous accent.
• Chives: Brings delicate onion-like freshness and elegant green garnish.

Soup Gear You’ll Be Glad You Have

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking and developing deep flavors.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and broccoli.
• Chef's knife: Needed for precise vegetable cutting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Whisk: Critical for creating smooth roux and blending liquids.
• Grater: Used for shredding cheese and carrots.
• Immersion blender or regular blender: Helps achieve desired soup texture.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and preventing ingredient sticking.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Scratch

• Kickstart The Flavor

Heat a large pot and melt butter, then dance some chopped onions around until they turn translucent. Toss in garlic and let it sizzle for a minute, releasing its aromatic.

• Build The Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir consistently, creating a smooth foundation that will help thicken your soup wonderfully.

• Pour And Blend

Gently whisk in chicken broth and milk, making sure no lumps interrupt your silky soup adventure. Introduce broccoli and carrots, letting them swim and soften in the liquid.

• Transform The Texture

If you’re craving a smoother experience, grab an immersion blender and pulse until the soup reaches your perfect consistency. Some chunks add character, so don’t overdo it.

• Cheese

Lower the heat and slowly fold in cheddar cheese, watching it melt into creamy perfection. Stir gently to prevent any cheese separation.

• Final Touch

Season with salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Taste and adjust until the flavors sing. Serve in cozy bowls, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Extra Notes for Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Use an immersion blender for silky-smooth texture without transferring hot liquid to a blender, reducing mess and potential burns.
• Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth, creamy incorporation without clumping or separating.
• Swap broccoli with cauliflower or add zucchini for different flavor profiles, keeping the soup's creamy base consistent and delicious.
• Replace flour with cornstarch or xanthan gum to thicken the soup, making it suitable for keto and low-carbohydrate dietary needs.
• Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits for added protein and a satisfying crunch that elevates the soup's texture and flavor.

Serving Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Style

• Cozy Bread Pairing: Slice up a warm, crusty sourdough or rustic baguette to dip into the creamy soup. The bread's crispy exterior and soft inside perfectly complement the rich, cheesy broth.
• Gourmet Topping Station: Create a mini topping bar with crispy bacon bits, extra sharp cheddar shreds, green onions, and homemade croutons. Let everyone customize their soup bowl for a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Hearty Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness. The fresh, crisp greens will provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy broccoli cheddar soup.
• Wine Companion: Pair the soup with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay. The wine's acidity will cut through the soup's richness and enhance the overall dining experience.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Storage Game Plan

• Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers, ensuring the lid seals tightly. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags, leaving some space for expansion. Store frozen soup up to 2-3 months. Pro tip: Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick after storing.
• When reheating, whisk the soup to restore creamy consistency. If cheese appears separated, use low heat and stir constantly. Avoid microwaving, which can break down the smooth texture and separate ingredients.

FAQs

• Is broccoli cheddar soup healthy?

While creamy, this soup contains vegetables like broccoli and carrots providing nutrients. It’s moderate in calories and offers protein from cheese and milk, making it a balanced meal when paired with whole grain bread.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The recipe will remain creamy and delicious with these simple swaps.

• What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor. Medium cheddar works too, but avoid mild cheddar as it might lack the rich cheese taste this soup needs.

• How can I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese off direct heat and stir gradually. Reduce heat to low and incorporate cheese slowly, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without curdling.

Velvety Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort in a warm bowl of creamy goodness. Cheese and broccoli mingle with rich ingredients, creating a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for one minute, releasing its fragrant essence.
2. Roux Creation: Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, whisking continuously to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth base, cooking for two minutes.
3. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour chicken broth and milk into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps from forming. Ensure a silky, uniform texture throughout.
4. Vegetable Infusion: Introduce chopped broccoli florets and grated carrots into the liquid. Simmer gently, allowing vegetables to soften and release their flavors, approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. Texture Refinement: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer to a standard blender, creating a creamy, uniform consistency. If using a blender, return pureed mixture to the pot.
6. Cheese Incorporation: Reduce heat and gradually fold in cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted. Maintain a low temperature to preserve the cheese’s smooth texture.
7. Seasoning Harmony: Enhance the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a subtle hint of nutmeg. Adjust seasonings to taste, creating a balanced flavor profile.
8. Presentation: Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve alongside crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Prevent Cheese Separation: Reduce heat before adding cheese and stir gradually to maintain smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
• Vegetable Cooking Technique: Simmer broccoli and carrots gently to preserve nutrients and prevent overcooking, which can turn vegetables mushy and dull.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour thoroughly during roux-making to eliminate raw flour taste and create a silky, lump-free base for the soup.
• Blending Options: Use immersion blender for easier cleanup, or transfer to standard blender in batches if seeking ultra-smooth consistency, ensuring careful handling of hot liquid.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg