Quick Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Whipping up a creamy broccoli cheese soup in just 20 minutes might sound like a culinary magic trick.

Kitchen wizards know this recipe delivers serious comfort without endless prep work.

Fresh vegetables blend seamlessly with rich, melted cheese for a delightful meal.

Chopping becomes a breeze when you understand smart techniques.

Professional chefs appreciate how quickly quality ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Nutritious and satisfying, this soup represents pure weeknight dinner perfection.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this incredibly simple yet delicious creation.

Why This Broccoli Cheese Soup Is a Go-To

• Enjoy a deliciously creamy soup that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger pangs.
• Packed with nutritious broccoli and rich, melted cheese, this soup delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction with minimal effort.
• Flexible recipe allows simple additions like crispy bacon bits, croutons, or different cheese varieties to match your taste preferences.
• Beginner-friendly method that doesn't demand advanced cooking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.

Quick Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that gives the soup its signature flavor and nutrition.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that creates a rich and creamy texture.
• Milk: Smooth base that helps create a silky soup consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that adds depth to the soup.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweet and aromatic foundation.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent flavor to the soup.
• Flour: Thickens the soup and creates a smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances creaminess and adds luxurious richness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall flavor.
• Shredded Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and extra color.
• Optional Herbs: Fresh garnish for additional flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Fast

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a spacious pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft.

Introduce minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly, releasing its fragrant essence.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the softened onions and garlic.

Stir continuously to form a golden roux, cooking for about a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste and develop a rich, nutty flavor.

Step 3: Build Creamy Liquid Base

Gradually pour in milk and broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring frequently until it begins to thicken and develop a silky consistency.

Step 4: Add Vegetable Goodness

• Broccoli florets
• Shredded carrots

Simmer the vegetables until they become tender but still maintain a slight crunch, typically 6-7 minutes.

Step 5: Melt in Cheesy Deliciousness

Reduce heat to low.

Slowly incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy texture.

Pour in heavy cream and blend thoroughly.

Step 6: Season and Perfect

• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Optional garnishes include extra cheese sprinkles, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Soup Tips for Rich, Creamy Texture

• Constantly stir flour to prevent burning and create a smooth, lump-free base for your soup's creamy texture.
• Add cheese gradually off direct heat to prevent separation and ensure a silky, perfectly blended consistency.
• Simmer broccoli just until tender to maintain vibrant color, crisp texture, and maximum nutritional value.
• Stir in heavy cream at the end to prevent curdling and add luxurious richness to your soup.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar or gruyère for a more complex taste profile.

How to Save and Reheat Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream for best texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming, about 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup is thoroughly warm.

What Goes Well With Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough: Slice thick, rustic sourdough bread that perfectly soaks up the rich, cheesy soup and adds delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's creaminess and refresh the palate with bright, acidic notes.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing vegetable accompaniment.
• Add Crispy Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top for a salty, crunchy element that enhances the soup's deep flavor profile and adds protein.

Add-Ons and Tweaks for Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Vegan Veggie Comfort Soup: Replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, swap cheddar for nutritional yeast and cashew cream, and add dairy-free cheese alternatives for creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour for thickening, ensure broth is gluten-free, and use certified gluten-free cheese to maintain soup's richness.
• Low-Carb Protein Power Soup: Skip flour completely, use cauliflower instead of broccoli, increase heavy cream ratio, add grilled chicken chunks for extra protein, and incorporate more low-carb vegetables like zucchini.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion Soup: Incorporate diced green chilies, sprinkle cumin and smoked paprika, add roasted jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and garnish with cilantro for a zesty kick.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before adding to the soup. Fresh broccoli provides slightly better texture, but frozen works perfectly fine.

• What type of cheese works best for this soup?

Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the most robust flavor. However, you can also use mild cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for variety.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour for thickening. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure you’re using vegetarian-friendly cheese. The recipe will still be creamy and delicious.

20-Minute Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy 20-minute broccoli cheese soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending hearty vegetables with rich, melted cheddar. Elegant simplicity meets quick kitchen magic, ensuring you savor warmth and flavor without hours of preparation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, melting butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
2. Introduce finely diced onions to the melted butter, allowing them to transform into a translucent, softened state within approximately 3 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and briefly toast for half a minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Dust the surface with flour, continuously stirring to create a smooth, pale roux. Cook for 60 seconds to eliminate any raw flour undertones.
5. Gradually pour milk and broth into the mixture, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and encourage a silky texture.
6. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly, approximately 5 minutes.
7. Introduce broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the creamy base, letting them nestle and cook until the broccoli becomes tender yet maintains a vibrant green color.
8. Reduce heat to low, then slowly integrate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into a luxurious, smooth consistency.
9. Finish by swirling in heavy cream and seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor.
10. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs for a delightful presentation.

Notes

• Ensure the roux is cooked properly to eliminate any raw flour taste, which can make the soup gritty and unpleasant.
• Shred the cheese yourself for a smoother, more even melt and better flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-fat cheese to reduce overall calories.
• Customize the soup by adding crispy bacon bits, roasted garlic, or swirling in some hot sauce for extra kick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 421
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 748mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 90mg