Simple Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe That Kids Love

Comfort cascades through every spoonful of this creamy broccoli cheddar soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Hearty vegetables mingle with rich, melted cheese to create a delightful culinary experience.

Sharp cheddar weaves its magic through tender broccoli florets, creating layers of deep, inviting flavor.

Each carefully crafted bite delivers a smooth, velvety texture that feels like a gentle embrace.

The soup balances nutrition with indulgence, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings.

Robust and wholesome, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Enjoy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Unlock Comfort in a Bowl: Reasons to Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Hassle-Free Cooking: Whip up this soup with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with nutrient-dense broccoli and carrots, this soup delivers a delicious way to boost your vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable Texture Magic: Blend to your heart's content – choose between a silky smooth or satisfyingly chunky consistency that matches your personal preference.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A universal favorite that appeals to both kids and adults, this soup transforms classic vegetables into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece everyone will devour.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli Soup

• Broccoli: A green veggie packed with nutrition and perfect for soups.
• Onion: A flavor-boosting base that adds depth to the dish.
• Carrots: A sweet and colorful vegetable that brings extra texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that gives the soup its signature taste.
• Half-and-Half: A rich and smooth dairy product that creates a luxurious base.
• Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid that provides the soup's foundation.
• Garlic: A pungent and aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor.
• Paprika, Mustard, Cayenne, Black Pepper: Warm spices that add depth and complexity.
• Bay Leaf: An herb that brings subtle background notes.
• Salt: A seasoning that balances and elevates the soup's taste.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that helps create a smooth texture.
• Flour: A classic thickener that gives the soup body and richness.

Easy Steps to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Flavor Base

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Drop in butter and olive oil, letting them mingle and dance.

Toss in diced onions and let them turn golden and soft.

• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Mustard
• Cayenne
• Black pepper

Stir constantly until the kitchen fills with an aromatic symphony.

Step 2: Create a Silky Roux

Add remaining butter to the pot.

Once melted, whisk in flour vigorously.

Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy paste.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Goodness

Slowly stream in broth while whisking, ensuring no lumps form.

Gently add half-and-half, continuing to whisk.

Drop in a bay leaf if desired.

Simmer for 15 minutes, watching the soup thicken and develop depth.

Step 4: Introduce Vegetable Friends

Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces.

Shred carrots and cheese.

Add vegetables to the pot, stirring to incorporate.

Step 5: Tenderize the Vegetables

Reduce heat and let soup simmer for 10-15 minutes.

The broccoli should become tender but still maintain a slight crunch.

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup.

Step 6: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Remove pot from heat.

Gradually sprinkle in cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted.

Taste and season with salt as needed.

Step 7: Serve with Style

Ladle soup into warm bowls.

Pair with crusty bread or serve in a bread bowl for ultimate comfort.

Enjoy your creamy, dreamy broccoli cheddar masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Velvety Broccoli Soup

• Grate cheese at room temperature and add it off the heat to ensure smooth, silky melting without separating or becoming grainy.
• Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly and ensure each spoonful has balanced vegetable content and optimal tenderness.
• Adjust thickness by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating your perfect soup texture.
• Toast flour slightly during roux-making to develop a nutty, rich background taste that elevates the overall soup complexity.
• Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, and use vegetable broth to make completely vegetarian.

How to Store and Warm Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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

What Pairs Best With Broccoli Soup

• Pair Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice thick pieces of tangy sourdough to complement the creamy soup's rich texture and enhance its cheesy flavor profile.
• Recommend Crisp Apple Salad: Create a light apple and mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide refreshing contrast.
• Select Chardonnay Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Chardonnay with buttery notes that mirrors the soup's creamy consistency and balances its sharp cheddar taste.
• Match Roasted Garlic Crackers: Serve sharp, herb-infused crackers on the side to add crunch and provide a complementary savory element to the broccoli cheddar soup.

Ideas to Tweak Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Veggie-Packed Alternative: Swap broccoli with cauliflower or mixed seasonal vegetables for a nutrient-rich version that maintains the creamy texture and cheesy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Friendly: Replace half-and-half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese to create a plant-based soup that's equally satisfying and creamy.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute flour with almond flour or xanthan gum for thickening, and use heavy cream instead of half-and-half to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Protein-Boosted Option: Add cooked shredded chicken or diced ham directly into the soup for extra protein, transforming this recipe into a more substantial meal that keeps you fuller longer.

FAQs

• What's the purpose of making a roux in this soup recipe?

The roux (butter and flour mixture) helps thicken the soup and creates a smooth, creamy base that gives the soup its rich texture and prevents lumps from forming.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like monterey jack, gruyere, or a blend of cheeses. Sharp cheddar works best for maximum flavor, but feel free to substitute based on your preference.

• How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the recipe remains the same, ensuring you still get a delicious and creamy soup.

• Is this soup healthy?

While the soup contains nutritious vegetables like broccoli and carrots, it’s relatively rich due to butter, cheese, and half-and-half. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as a comforting meal.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli cheddar soup delivers comforting warmth with rich cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar and tender broccoli blend into a silky symphony that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 6 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups shredded carrots

Dairy and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 3 1/4 cups)
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 7 tablespoons (105 milliliters) unsalted butter, divided

Base and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 32 ounces (960 milliliters) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups)
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
• 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf

Serving Suggestion:

• Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls

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Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, combine butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until they transform into a golden hue, approximately 3-4 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and aromatic spices, stirring vigorously to release their intense flavors.
2. Create a roux by incorporating additional butter and gradually whisking in flour. Continue stirring until the mixture develops a smooth, paste-like consistency and emits a nutty aroma.
3. Slowly stream chicken broth into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Gently pour half-and-half, maintaining a steady stirring motion. Introduce bay leaf and allow the liquid to simmer, gradually thickening over 15 minutes.
4. Prepare broccoli by chopping into bite-sized florets and shred carrots into delicate strands. Carefully fold these vegetables into the simmering broth, ensuring even distribution.
5. Reduce heat and let the soup gently cook, allowing vegetables to become tender but retain a slight crispness. For a more refined texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the mixture, creating a harmonious blend of chunky and smooth elements.
6. Remove from heat and gradually incorporate cheddar cheese, stirring until each handful melts seamlessly into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning, balancing flavors with a gentle touch of salt.
7. Ladle the creamy, rich soup into warm serving bowls. Accompany with crusty bread or serve in hollowed bread bowls for an indulgent dining experience.

Notes

• Enhance the soup’s depth by using a mix of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
• Roast broccoli and carrots before adding to the soup to intensify their natural sweetness and add a subtle caramelized note.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk, and use less butter or a butter alternative.
• Customize the soup’s heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 80mg