The Coziest Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Cold winter nights call for a comforting bowl of hearty broccoli cheese soup that warms you from the inside out.

Creamy, rich, and packed with nutrition, this soup delivers incredible flavor in every spoonful.

Sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly into tender broccoli florets, creating a velvety texture that feels luxurious.

Homemade soups always taste better than store-bought versions, offering deeper complexity and fresher ingredients.

The secret to an exceptional soup lies in carefully balancing cheese and vegetable proportions.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of smooth cheese and crisp broccoli that dances across your palate.

Let’s turn simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Broccoli Cheese Soup So Comforting

• This broccoli cheese soup is a breeze to make, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen ingredients that most home cooks already have on hand.
• Packed with fresh broccoli and balanced with creamy cheese, this soup delivers a delightful combination of health and indulgence in every spoonful.
• Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this soup appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy flavor and smooth texture that everyone will love.
• Flexible recipe allows for simple modifications like adding bacon bits, swapping cheese varieties, or including extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Ingredient Breakdown

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides texture and nutritional value to the soup.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth of flavor to the soup.
• Garlic: Provides a rich, pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Butter: Creates a rich foundation for the soup's base.
• Milk: Provides creamy consistency and helps thicken the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy cheese flavor and melts beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a nutty, salty dimension to the cheese profile.

• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid base for the soup.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the soup's consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

Cooking Instructions For Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and flour; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Broccoli

Slowly whisk in milk to avoid lumps.

Add chicken broth and chopped broccoli.

Stir as the mixture heats and thickens slightly.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Lower heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring often.

Cook until broccoli is tender but still green.

Add a splash of milk if the soup gets too thick.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy and Creamy

Remove from heat.

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar
• Grated Parmesan

Mix until smooth and fully melted.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheddar.

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy comfort!

Tips That Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Even Better

• Whisk milk slowly and steadily while adding to create a smooth, silky soup base without any unwanted clumps.
• Cook broccoli just until tender to preserve its bright green color and retain maximum nutritional value.
• Add extra milk if the soup becomes too thick, ensuring a perfect creamy texture that's not too dense or runny.
• Add cheese gradually off the heat and stir consistently to achieve a smooth, luxurious soup without grainy or separated cheese.
• Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika or nutmeg to elevate the soup's depth and complexity.

Store And Warm Up Broccoli Cheese Soup Properly

• Store leftover broccoli cheese soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy soups as separation might occur during thawing.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature, typically 1-2 minutes total.

What Goes Well With Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Rustic Bread Dipping Companion: Crusty sourdough or artisan bread slices perfectly complement the creamy soup, absorbing the rich cheesy broth and adding delightful textural contrast.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Crisp Chardonnay or light Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the soup's richness, offering a refreshing balance with its bright, acidic undertones that cleanse the palate.
• Protein-Packed Side Kick: Grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top elevate the soup, introducing a savory protein element that enhances the overall flavor profile and adds satisfying crunch.
• Green Salad Harmony: Fresh mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette provide a light, zesty counterpoint to the heavy, creamy soup, creating a well-rounded meal with contrasting flavors and textures.

Flavor Variations For Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter for a meat-free option that maintains rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the soup remains thick and smooth while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes for cauliflower and use heavy cream with extra cheese to create a keto-friendly version that keeps the soup's comforting essence without excess carbohydrates.
• Vegan Transformation: Use cashew cream instead of dairy, nutritional yeast in place of cheese, and plant-based milk to craft a dairy-free soup that delivers similar creamy consistency and satisfying taste.

FAQs

• Is this soup healthy?

While delicious, it’s a rich, creamy soup with cheese and butter. It contains vegetables from broccoli but also has higher fat content from dairy ingredients. Consider it an occasional comfort food rather than a daily health meal.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the soup. Fresh broccoli provides slightly better texture, but frozen is convenient and still tastes great.

• What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, while Parmesan adds depth. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always grate cheese fresh for the best creamy consistency.

• How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure all cheese is vegetarian. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged, maintaining the same delicious creamy texture and flavor profile.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli cheese soup brings comfort and warmth to winter dinner tables with its rich, velvety texture. Packed with tender broccoli and melted cheese, this hearty soup delivers a satisfying meal that you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli florets (packed)
• 10 ounces (2.5 cups) sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth

Dairy and Liquid Base:

• 3.75 cups low-fat milk, with extra as needed to thin
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 ounce (0.33 cup) finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 large garlic clove, finely minced
• 0.25 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high temperature. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and flour, stirring continuously for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste and infuse aromatic flavors.
2. Gradually whisk milk into the pot, preventing lumps from forming. Pour chicken broth and add finely chopped broccoli. Stir mixture while heating, allowing it to thicken over several minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low once soup begins to thicken. Simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure broccoli becomes tender yet maintains a vibrant green color. Adjust consistency by adding milk if soup becomes too dense.
4. Remove pot from heat. Blend in heavy cream, then gradually incorporate cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir until cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to personal preference.
5. Transfer soup into serving bowls. Optionally garnish with additional melted cheddar cheese for extra richness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prevent lumpy sauce by gradually whisking milk into the roux, maintaining steady motion and consistent temperature.
• Choose fresh, crisp broccoli with tight, deep green florets to ensure maximum flavor and nutritional quality.
• add more milk or broth if too thick, simmer longer if too thin.
• Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda for deeper taste profiles.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like cauliflower or carrots without compromising the soup’s creamy texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Elevate protein content by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham as delicious optional mix-ins.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 85mg