Soups

The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

By Emma :

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

There’s nothing like a warm, cozy bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup to bring comfort and smiles to the dinner table! This recipe brings all the goodness you want in a classic, cheesy, and creamy soup loaded with tender bites of broccoli. Perfect for a chilly night, it’s easy to make and full of delicious flavor! Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal or a fantastic starter. And don’t forget to get quick, easy, and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Subscribe here.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Soup

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is a game-changer, with just the right balance of flavors, textures, and richness. If you’ve been on the hunt for a soup that’s anything but boring, here it is! Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

  • Perfectly Cheesy: Made with sharp cheddar and a hint of Parmesan, it’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • Hearty and Filling: Loaded with fresh broccoli, it’s not only comforting but also a great way to get a healthy serving of veggies.
  • Easy and Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.
  • Versatile Pairing: Goes well with fresh bread or even a simple salad for a complete meal.

For more cozy soup inspiration, check out this Best Homemade Tomato Soup with Roasted Tomato and Basil, or try this Cabbage Roll Soup for another hearty option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Butter – 6 tablespoons, cut into pieces for easy melting.
  • Yellow Onion – 1 cup, finely chopped for a savory base.
  • Garlic – 1 clove, minced, for a fragrant kick.
  • Flour – ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons to thicken the soup.
  • Milk – 3 ¼ cups low-fat milk, plus more if needed to thin.
  • Chicken Broth – 14.5 oz can, low-sodium for depth.
  • Heavy Cream – ½ cup for extra richness.
  • Broccoli Florets – 3 cups, finely chopped.
  • Cheddar Cheese – 10 oz (about 2 ½ cups) sharp or extra-sharp for a bold cheese flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese – 1 oz (⅓ cup) finely shredded, for an extra flavor boost.
  • Salt and Black Pepper – to taste.

Necessary Tools

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

This recipe is very adaptable! Try these tweaks to make it suit your taste or dietary needs:

  • For a Milder Flavor: Use sharp cheddar instead of extra-sharp.
  • Add Extra Veggies: Add shredded carrots or cauliflower for added texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook, stirring often, until they’re soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Base

Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. While whisking, slowly add the milk, followed by the chicken broth. Continue to whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli and Simmer

Add finely chopped broccoli to the pot and stir well. Allow the soup to cook, stirring often, until it begins to thicken. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the broccoli is tender, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, then gradually add the cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar if desired. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad. Enjoy every bite of this deliciously cheesy goodness!

For another warm, nourishing option, check out this Paleo Egg Roll Soup, a delightful choice if you’re looking for a lighter but filling soup.

Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup

  • Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the smoothest, creamiest soup, grate cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
  • Chop Broccoli Small: Small, bite-sized broccoli pieces blend better with the soup and cook more quickly.
  • Adjust Consistency as Desired: If you like your soup thinner, add a splash more milk or broth until you reach the right thickness.
  • Avoid Boiling the Cheese: Adding cheese at the end off the heat prevents it from separating and ensures a creamy texture.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette, soft dinner rolls, or garlic bread. It’s also lovely alongside a simple green salad for added freshness. If you’re looking to keep it light, try pairing it with a roasted vegetable side like carrots or cauliflower.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezer

Broccoli Cheese Soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that cream-based soups can sometimes separate upon reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm slowly on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but the texture may be a bit softer. Just add it directly to the pot, and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Is it possible to make this soup lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

What if my soup is too thick?
Simply add more milk or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Nutrition Information

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting meal packed with flavor and some hidden nutrients! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

  • Calories: 541
  • Fat: 39g
  • Saturated Fat: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 121mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Vitamin A: 2024 IU
  • Vitamin C: 109 mg
  • Calcium: 634 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on ingredients and serving sizes.

I hope you’ll try this Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe and love it as much as I do! It’s a perfect blend of flavors and makes for a wonderful comfort meal. When you make it, be sure to share your photos on Pinterest and let me know how it turns out.

Enjoy this delicious soup, and if you’re in the mood for more cozy bowls, check out our Best Homemade Tomato Soup or Cabbage Roll Soup to fill your recipe collection with warm, hearty goodness.

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The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender broccoli, this soup is both hearty and easy to make. It’s ready in just 25 minutes and pairs perfectly with fresh bread for a complete, comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 Tbsp butter, cut into 1 Tbsp pieces
  • 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 large clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup + 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/4 cups low-fat milk, more if needed to thin
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups (packed) finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
  • 10 oz (2 1/2 cups) sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 oz (1/3 cup) Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft (about 4-5 minutes).
  • Add minced garlic and flour, stirring constantly, and cook for about 1 minute.
  • While whisking, slowly pour in milk followed by the chicken broth. Add chopped broccoli, stirring to combine.
  • Cook, stirring constantly, until the soup begins to thicken, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer, stirring often, until broccoli is tender, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream, then cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve warm with additional cheddar if desired.

Notes

  • Use only broccoli florets (from about 1 lb of broccoli crowns) and chop into small pieces for the best texture.
  • Freshly shred the cheese from blocks for optimal flavor and creaminess.
  • For a bolder flavor, choose extra-sharp cheddar; for a milder option, use sharp cheddar.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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