If you are craving a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with vibrant, fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese that melt together into a velvety soup with just the right balance of savory flavor and gentle spice. This recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever you want a bowl of pure happiness. Plus, it’s easy enough to make on any weeknight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem basic, but each one plays a crucial role in building the soup’s glorious flavor, silky texture, and bright color. From the creamy half-and-half to the sharp cheddar cheese, every element is essential to making this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe shine.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This creates the luscious base and helps sauté the aromatics for depth.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and a subtle savory note to complement the broccoli.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Brings warmth and a punch of flavor that wakes up the whole soup.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to make a light roux that thickens the soup to creamy perfection.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base and balances richness with savory notes.
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk: Adds velvety creaminess that makes the cheese melt gorgeously.
- 4 cups broccoli florets (chopped small): The star of the show, giving a vibrant green color and fresh vegetable goodness.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers a hint of sweetness and bright orange color that’s both inviting and nutritious.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional): Enhances the soup with smoky warmth and subtle depth.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): This is the magic ingredient that melts creamy and tangy, defining the soup’s character.
- Extra cheese for topping (optional): Because you can never have too much cheddar on a broccoli cheddar soup!
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting that butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they are soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it—soft onions and garlic release their sweetness and create a delicious base.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook it for about a minute while stirring constantly. This process forms the roux, which is a fancy term for thickening agent. It ensures your soup develops a smooth, velvety texture that clings lovingly to every spoonful.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Milk
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Then add the half-and-half or whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is silky smooth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, which helps to meld the flavors and begin tenderizing your veggies.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Stir in your chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrots, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a touch of bite. This balance keeps the soup fresh and flavorful rather than mushy.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and luscious. For extra creaminess, you can partially blend the soup using an immersion blender, creating a perfect mix of smooth and chunky textures. Now your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your soup experience with a generous sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese on top. A little crisp bacon, chives, or a swirl of cream also add layers of flavor and visual delight that make each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup is a star on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm bread bowls for dipping. A fresh green salad alongside adds a light contrast to the rich soup that can brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers for a festive touch. For an elegant presentation, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a pleasant crunch that surprises with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your soup fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day serving even better.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm up your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to maintain that smooth, creamy consistency. A splash of milk or broth can help loosen the texture if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the soup will still be rich and flavorful, perfect for vegetarians.
What can I use if I need a gluten-free version?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener to keep the soup just as delicious and creamy.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Transforming this recipe into a vegan dish is possible by using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, vegetable broth, and vegan cheddar cheese alternatives.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker soup, add a little more flour at the roux stage or simmer it uncovered so excess liquid evaporates. To thin it out, simply stir in extra broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is it okay to freeze soup with cheese?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture might slightly change after freezing. Stir well when reheating, and you can add a bit more shredded cheese to freshen up the creamy flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those magical dishes that never disappoints. So creamy, so flavorful, and so satisfying—it’s a perfect way to cozy up any day. Enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Broccoli Cheddar 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 Cheddar Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich roux-based broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, it features tender vegetables simmered to perfection and blended slightly for a smooth, velvety texture. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this classic American soup makes a delicious starter or main course.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Extra cheddar cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form. Then add the half-and-half or whole milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer Vegetables: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then add the chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrots, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. This step is optional based on your preference.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm, topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener.
- This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or can be served in a bread bowl for a rustic presentation.
- Use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian or chicken broth for a slightly richer flavor.
- The immersion blender step is optional; blending part of the soup creates a smoother texture while leaving some vegetable chunks adds more bite.
