If you’re craving a cozy bowl of comfort that’s both hearty and full of vibrant flavors, this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, velvety base that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a solo lunch, this soup strikes the perfect balance between nutritious and indulgent, making it a beloved classic that you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in building depth and richness. From the sharpness of cheddar to the subtle sweetness of carrot, every component helps create that irresistible flavor and creamy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and is perfect for sautéing the onion and garlic without extra salt.
- Yellow onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic base for the soup.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a savory warmth without overpowering other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the roux, crucial for thickening the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: Adds depth while allowing you to control the saltiness.
- Whole milk: Ensures the soup is creamy and smooth without being too heavy.
- Broccoli florets, chopped small: The star ingredient, offering texture, color, and wonderful nutrition.
- Shredded carrot: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance and balance all the flavors in the soup.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch to elevate the warmth and complexity.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for that signature cheesy goodness that defines this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced yellow onion and cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it develops a sweet and mellow base that complements the broccoli perfectly. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds — just enough to release its fragrance without burning.
Step 2: Form the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a roux that’s the soup’s thickening powerhouse, ensuring a creamy texture that clings beautifully to your spoon. Taking your time here helps cook out the raw flour taste and brings a subtle nuttiness to the base.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Slowly whisk in the low-sodium vegetable broth, followed by the whole milk. Keep stirring until everything is smooth and lump-free. This gradual process helps blend the roux evenly with the liquids to form a luscious, velvety soup base—no surprises, just smooth perfection.
Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables
Add the chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrot, salt, pepper, and the optional nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still retains a slight bite. This simmering helps the flavors meld wonderfully while keeping the vegetables vibrant and fresh.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Mixing slowly ensures the cheese melts evenly and gives the soup that signature cheesy creaminess. Don’t rush this step — patience yields a perfectly smooth, luscious texture that makes this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe unforgettable.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with a pinch more salt or pepper. Serve it warm, inviting that first comforting spoonful right away. If you prefer your soup smoother, an immersion blender can partially blend it before adding cheese, giving you control over your ideal consistency.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with a sprinkle of extra shredded sharp cheddar for added cheesiness, or a scattering of crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch. Freshly chopped chives or parsley also brighten the bowl with a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich soup.
Side Dishes
A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread sticks are classic companions that soak up every last drop of this creamy goodness. For a lighter pairing, a simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness while adding a refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or warm bread bowls for a fun, cozy twist that’s sure to impress guests. Adding a swirl of crème fraîche or a drizzle of chili oil can also elevate the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated soup taste even better, which means your next meal will be just as satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe, but because it contains dairy and cheese, it’s best to freeze it before adding the cheese. Freeze the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat gently before stirring in the cheddar cheese fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much while warming. Stir in some more shredded cheddar if you want that fresh cheesiness back in every bowl.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a classic flavor, you can experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a creamy Swiss. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the broccoli.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, especially when using vegetable broth. Just be sure to check your broth ingredients if buying pre-made to avoid animal products.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk along with dairy-free cheese options. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ but still be delicious.
How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken, add a little extra flour during the roux stage or simmer the soup longer uncovered. To thin it out, simply stir in more broth or milk until you reach your preferred consistency.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe?
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat to keep the cheese from clumping. Adding a splash of milk or broth helps maintain creaminess during reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is all about creating a cozy, cheesy embrace in every spoonful. It’s simple to make yet impressively comforting, perfect for chilly evenings, quick lunches, or anytime you want a homemade bowl of happiness. Give it a try, and soon enough, it might just become your favorite go-to soup for warming both body and soul.
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 creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup combines tender broccoli florets and shredded carrots in a rich, cheesy base made with sharp cheddar cheese. The soup is thickened with a classic roux and simmered to perfection on the stovetop, making it a comforting and hearty meal ideal for cooler days or whenever you crave a warm, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without browning.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes. This forms a roux that will thicken the soup and develop a subtle nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth followed by the whole milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Incorporate the chopped broccoli, shredded carrot, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 15–20 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender and flavors meld beautifully.
- Incorporate Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until it melts completely into a creamy consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cheese.
- To make the soup richer, substitute half-and-half for the milk.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
