Try This Cozy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a Warm Hug in a Bowl

Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting classic known for its creamy and rich flavors.

This warm dish combines hearty vegetables with delicious cheese to create a satisfying meal.

Whether you’re cooking in your own kitchen or at a restaurant, people love how fresh broccoli pairs with sharp cheddar cheese.

The soup turns simple ingredients into a smooth and luxurious treat that pleases many palates.

It’s both nutritious and indulgent, offering healthy greens alongside the creamy goodness of melted cheese.

With room for seasonal changes and personal tweaks, this soup can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Tips To Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Even Better

• Perfectly Chop Vegetables: Use a food processor or mini chopper for uniform, quick vegetable cutting, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
• Roux Mastery: Cook flour mixture for exactly 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth, rich base for the soup.
• Blending Techniques: Partially blend the soup using an immersion blender or remove and blend a portion to create a creamy yet textured consistency without losing vegetable chunks.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Add cheddar cheese off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth finish.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use gluten-free flour for a lactose-free or gluten-sensitive version of the soup.

How To Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup Safely

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of broth or milk if soup seems too thick.
• Freezing Option: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quality Tip: Cheese-based soups can separate when reheated, so stir gently and reheat slowly to maintain creamy texture.

What To Eat With Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, rustic sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to dip and soak up the creamy soup goodness. The crunchy texture perfectly complements the smooth, cheesy liquid.
• Select Crisp White Wine: Choose a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheese and balance the soup's creamy profile. These wines provide a refreshing contrast that elevates the entire meal.
• Create Protein Companion: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or add crispy bacon bits on top for extra protein and a smoky crunch. The additional protein makes the soup more satisfying and adds another layer of flavor complexity.
• Introduce Fresh Salad: Toss a light green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the heavy, rich soup. The salad's brightness will cleanse the palate between bites.

Ways To Mix Up Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap regular flour with almond flour and use cauliflower instead of broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add cooked chicken or white beans to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQs

• Why use an immersion blender in this recipe?

An immersion blender allows you to quickly blend part of the soup directly in the pot, creating a creamy texture while keeping some vegetable chunks for added interest and nutrition.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the soup to maintain the ideal consistency.

• How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy when melting?

Remove the pot from heat before adding cheddar cheese and stir slowly until completely melted. This helps prevent separation and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

• What type of broth works best for this soup?

Chicken broth provides the most flavor, but vegetable broth is an excellent alternative for a vegetarian version. Both will create a delicious base for the soup.

Why Broccoli Cheddar Soup Is Always A Winner

• Ultra-Fast Prep: Chop vegetables in minutes using a food processor, making this soup a speedy weeknight dinner solution that saves precious time.
• Customizable Texture Magic: Partially blend the soup to create a creamy, thick consistency that suits different preferences, allowing home cooks to control the final texture effortlessly.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combines kid-approved cheese with nutritious broccoli, sneaking vegetables into a delicious meal that everyone will love without any mealtime battles.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in a single pot, reducing dishwashing stress and making this recipe perfect for busy households seeking convenient meal solutions.

What Goes In Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Onion, Carrot, Celery, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth of flavor and enhances the soup's overall taste. Fresh vegetables work best for maximum flavor.
• Broccoli Florets: Main vegetable star that adds nutrition and texture. Look for bright green, firm florets without yellowing.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables. Unsalted butter gives better control of salt levels.
• Milk: Creates creamy base and adds smoothness to the soup. Whole milk recommended for richer texture.
• Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and creates smooth, creamy consistency. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

• Broth: Provides liquid base and additional flavor depth. Chicken or vegetable broth work well.
• Flour: Thickens the soup and creates smooth roux. All-purpose flour is standard for this recipe.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances the soup's richness. Kosher or sea salt recommended.

Simple Steps For Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prepare Veggie Base

• Onion
• Carrot
• Celery
• Garlic

Finely chop all vegetables using a food processor or sharp knife. The smaller the chop, the smoother your soup will be.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Mixture

Melt butter in a large pot over gentle heat. Add chopped vegetables, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Dust flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a rich base for the soup.

Step 4: Pour Liquid Gold

Slowly pour broth into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Ensure smooth, silky consistency while incorporating liquid.

Step 5: Boost Creaminess

Add milk and increase heat. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then introduce broccoli florets and Parmesan cheese. Allow ingredients to mingle and develop deep flavors.

Step 6: Simmer and Soften

Reduce heat, letting soup simmer uncovered. Cook for 10 minutes until broccoli becomes tender but maintains vibrant green color.

Step 7: Blend to Perfection

Use an immersion blender to partially blend soup. Alternatively, remove 1-2 cups, blend in a separate container, then return to pot. This technique creates a luxurious texture with some vegetable chunks.

Step 8: Finish with Cheesy Flourish

Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve piping hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort soup.

Tasty Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup brings comfort and warmth to winter’s chilly embrace, blending rich cheese with tender green florets. Hearty spoonfuls promise a delightful balance of sharp cheddar and nutritious broccoli that will satisfy your craving for a soul-warming meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 6 cups broccoli florets, chopped (about 2 heads)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pulverize onion, carrot, celery, and garlic into fine, uniform pieces using a food processor for consistent texture and efficient preparation.
2. Transform butter into a silky base in a substantial pot, introducing chopped vegetables with measured salt and pepper. Allow ingredients to soften and release aromatic flavors through gentle sautéing.
3. Integrate flour seamlessly into vegetable mixture, creating a golden roux that will provide luxurious thickness and eliminate raw flour undertones.
4. Carefully introduce broth, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety foundation for the soup.
5. Escalate temperature, incorporating milk and bringing liquid to a vigorous boil. Introduce vibrant broccoli florets and nutty Parmesan, allowing ingredients to meld harmoniously.
6. Reduce thermal intensity, permitting broccoli to tenderize while maintaining structural integrity and absorbing surrounding flavors.
7. Employ an immersion blender to partially deconstruct soup’s texture, strategically transforming some portions into a creamy consistency while preserving vegetable chunks.
8. Fold luxurious shredded cheddar into soup, facilitating complete melting and creating a rich, indulgent final product. Calibrate seasoning for perfect flavor balance before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Chopping vegetables in a food processor saves time and ensures uniform size, promoting even cooking and better flavor distribution.
• Create a silky texture by partially blending the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for added texture and visual appeal.
• Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by adding it off the heat and stirring gently until completely melted and incorporated.
• Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting the amount of broth or milk to achieve your desire

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg