Cozy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Comfort Bowl

Crafting a warm broccoli cheese soup brings comfort on chilly days.

Creamy textures and rich flavors dance together in every spoonful.

Cheese melts into velvety goodness, creating a luxurious experience.

You love how simple ingredients transform into something magical.

Sharp cheddar adds depth and personality to this classic dish.

You’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to master.

Hearty and satisfying, the soup promises to become your new winter favorite.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the soup to prevent it from becoming too watery.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar and parmesan are recommended, but you can also use mild cheddar, gruyere, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduce the amount of butter, choose reduced-fat cheeses, and add extra broccoli to increase the nutritional value of the soup.

• Is this soup gluten-free friendly?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Why Broccoli Cheese Soup Is a Year-Round Favorite

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this creamy broccoli cheese soup in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Nutrient-Packed Deliciousness: Combine the health benefits of broccoli with rich, melted cheeses for a delightful meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a restaurant-worthy soup using basic pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients, proving that gourmet meals can be incredibly simple to prepare.

Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable with delicious florets.
• Butter: Rich dairy product for base flavor.
• Onion: Sweet and aromatic vegetable for depth.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor booster.
• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid base for soup.
• Milk: Creamy dairy liquid.
• Heavy Cream: Extra rich and smooth dairy product.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses for rich flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced taste and warmth.

Cooking Steps for Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Base

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

Add chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently until they become soft and translucent, which takes about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Foundation

Toss in minced garlic and sprinkle flour over the onions.

Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour and prevent any raw flour taste.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Layer

Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture.

Add fresh broccoli florets to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 4: Develop the Soup’s Consistency

Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until it starts to thicken.

This process helps blend the flavors and create a rich base.

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer.

Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until the broccoli becomes tender, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Enhance with Dairy and Cheese

Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese.

Mix until the cheeses are completely melted and integrated into the soup.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serving

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot, with an optional sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top for additional richness.

Tips for a Smooth and Cheesy Broccoli Soup

• Cut florets into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and a smoother soup texture.
• Cook flour and butter mixture briefly to eliminate raw flour taste without burning.
• Select sharp cheddar and freshly grated parmesan for rich, authentic flavor that melts smoothly.
• Add dairy slowly and maintain medium-low heat to avoid separating or becoming grainy.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use lactose-free milk for vegetarian or dairy-sensitive diets.

How to Store and Reheat Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Transfer leftover soup into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and restore creamy consistency.
• Add a splash of milk or chicken broth while reheating to help restore original texture and prevent cheese from breaking.

Pairings That Go Great with Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice thick, rustic sourdough bread and toast until golden. Its tangy flavor and crispy texture perfectly complement the creamy, rich soup.
• Create a Bacon Garnish: Crisp up some bacon bits and sprinkle on top. The salty, smoky crunch adds amazing depth and contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
• Match with Chardonnay: Select a buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay. Its slight oakiness and creamy notes harmonize wonderfully with the cheesy, velvety soup.
• Serve with Simple Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with light vinaigrette. The fresh, bright salad cuts through the soup's richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint.

Different Ways to Prepare Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk, swap heavy cream for coconut cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a vegan-friendly version that's creamy and flavorful.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute flour with cauliflower rice or xanthan gum for thickening, use bone broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra cheese for a keto-friendly soup that's rich and satisfying.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits into the soup, blend in some white beans for extra protein, or top with grilled shrimp to transform this classic recipe into a more substantial meal.
• Vegetable Medley: Expand the soup's nutrition by adding zucchini, carrots, or cauliflower alongside broccoli, creating a more colorful and nutrient-dense version that still maintains the creamy cheese soup essence.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli cheese soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich cheddar with tender broccoli florets. Hearty and satisfying, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic American comfort classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli, chopped
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (preferably sharp cheddar)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk or heavy cream

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup or 56 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Nutmeg (a pinch, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavorful base by sautéing diced onions in melted butter over medium-high heat until they become translucent and slightly softened.
2. Introduce minced garlic and flour to the sautéed onions, stirring continuously to create a fragrant roux that will help thicken the soup.
3. Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth liquid foundation.
4. Add fresh broccoli florets to the liquid mixture, allowing them to simmer and infuse their vibrant green flavor into the developing soup.
5. Allow the soup to gently simmer, stirring frequently, until the liquid begins to thicken and the broccoli starts to soften but remains slightly crisp.
6. Reduce the heat and continue cooking, periodically stirring, until the broccoli reaches a tender consistency without becoming mushy.
7. Enrich the soup by stirring in heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture and deeper flavor profile.
8. Incorporate sharp cheddar and nutty parmesan cheeses, gently folding them into the soup until they melt completely and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
9. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Serve the soup piping hot, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese for added richness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of liquid, ensuring a perfect creamy consistency without being too runny or dense.
• Enhance flavor depth by using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
• Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by removing the pot from heat before adding cheese and stirring gently until smoothly incorporated.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the soup’s rich texture and taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg