Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup - Creamy and Comforting Recipe

Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of this easy broccoli cheese soup that warms you from the inside out.

Loaded with tender broccoli florets and rich, melted cheese, the soup promises pure deliciousness in every spoonful.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet luxurious recipe.

creamy textures blend seamlessly with sharp cheddar and smooth vegetables.

Each ingredient comes together to create a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

The golden, velvety soup beckons you to savor its comforting embrace.

Prepare to fall in love with this soul-satisfying classic that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Broccoli Cheese Soup Shines

  • Perfect for busy weeknights, this broccoli cheese soup delivers deliciousness without complicated steps.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding protein like chicken, or making it vegetarian with vegetable broth.
  • Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for all ages.
  • Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup provides a balanced dish that feels like a treat while offering essential nutrients.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Broccoli: A vibrant green vegetable that provides a hearty texture and nutritional boost to the soup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful base.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that adds a nutty and salty depth to the soup's overall flavor profile.
Dairy and Liquid Base:
  • Milk: Provides a smooth and creamy foundation for the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Offers a savory liquid base that enhances the overall flavor.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Butter, Onions, Garlic: These ingredients create a flavorful and fragrant starting point for the soup.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.

Tools for Creamy Broccoli Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup, with enough space to mix all ingredients comfortably.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions and broccoli with ease.
  • Sharp knife: Helps you chop vegetables quickly and precisely.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending milk, broth, and creating a creamy texture.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add the right amount of seasonings and flour.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat a large pot over medium-high.

Melt butter and add:
  • Chopped onions

Cook while stirring frequently until onions become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Introduce to the pot:
  • Minced garlic
  • All-purpose flour

Stir continuously for 1 minute, ensuring ingredients blend without burning.

Step 3: Create Liquid Base

Slowly whisk in:
  • Whole milk
  • Chicken broth

Add chopped broccoli and continue stirring until mixture begins to thicken.

Step 4: Simmer Broccoli

Reduce heat to low.

Cook soup, stirring often, until broccoli reaches tender consistency, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Step 5: Enrich With Dairy

Remove pot from heat.

Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Blend until cheese melts completely and soup becomes smooth.

Step 6: Final Touch

Season with:
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra cheddar cheese sprinkled on top.

Top Tips for Broccoli Cheese Soup

  • Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually to avoid lumpy texture, ensuring smooth, creamy consistency.
  • SautĂ© onions and garlic until golden to develop rich, caramelized undertones that enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Adjust liquid ratio by adding more broth for thinner soup or reducing liquid for a heartier, more concentrated texture.
  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese to create a delicious vegetarian version of this comforting soup.
  • Add extra nutrients by incorporating diced carrots or cauliflower during the cooking process for increased vegetable content.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Flavor Twists

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, nutritional yeast, and cashew cream. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Choose gluten-free certified broth to ensure dietary compatibility.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower florets. Reduce flour and use heavy cream for a keto-friendly version with similar creamy texture.
  • Protein-Packed Power Soup: Add cooked chicken or turkey chunks for extra protein. Include Greek yogurt for additional protein boost and creamy consistency.

Ways to Serve Broccoli Soup

  • Cozy Soup Companions: Crusty bread slices perfectly soak up the creamy soup, adding delightful texture and extra comfort to each spoonful.
  • Hearty Side Kick: Crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy soup, balancing the meal's flavors.
  • Protein Power-Up: Grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top add protein and a satisfying crunch that elevates the soup's taste experience.
  • Warm Welcome: Serve in deep ceramic mugs for a casual, inviting presentation that makes this soup feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Storage Guide

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with dairy for best texture.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain smooth texture.

FAQs

  • What kind of milk works best in this broccoli cheese soup?

Whole milk provides the richest, creamiest texture and flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use 2% milk, but the soup might be slightly less creamy.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and the result will be a delicious vegetarian broccoli cheese soup that maintains the same creamy consistency.

  • How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or separating?

Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir gradually. Use room temperature cheese and add it slowly while continuously stirring to ensure a smooth, silky texture.

Print
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Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup - Creamy and Comforting Recipe

Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup – Creamy and Comforting Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Warm and inviting broccoli cheese soup delivers rich, velvety comfort in each spoonful. Cheese melts perfectly with tender broccoli, creating a satisfying meal you will savor from first to last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 3 1/4 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can chicken broth

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 additional tablespoons
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant. Sauté finely chopped onions, stirring occasionally, until they turn translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and flour to the pot, rapidly stirring for 60 seconds to create a smooth base without scorching the ingredients.
  3. Gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth into the mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add fresh, chopped broccoli florets and maintain steady stirring until the liquid begins to thicken.
  4. Reduce heat to low, allowing the broccoli to simmer gently. Cook for 6-8 minutes, ensuring vegetables become tender but retain a slight crunch.
  5. Remove pot from heat and fold in heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted and forming a silky, uniform consistency.
  6. Enhance flavor profile by seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust taste according to preference. Ladle into warmed bowls and optionally garnish with additional cheese for extra richness.

Notes

  • Boost the nutritional value by using low-sodium chicken broth and whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Enhance the soup’s creaminess by blending half the broccoli before adding cheese, creating a smoother texture while maintaining some vegetable chunks.
  • Make it vegetarian-friendly by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and using plant-based cheese alternatives for a delicious dairy-free version.
  • Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by removing the pot from heat before adding cheese and stirring slowly to ensure a silky, smooth consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 415
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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