The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Creamy broccoli cheddar soup brings comfort to chilly afternoons like a warm embrace.

Crisp green florets dance with sharp cheese in this delightful bowl of goodness.

Kitchens come alive with the rich, velvety aroma of melted cheddar and tender vegetables.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-warming experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Each spoonful promises pure satisfaction and unexpected depth of flavor.

Nutrition meets indulgence in this simple yet elegant recipe that anyone can master.

Let this soup become your new favorite winter companion.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup That’s Pure Cozy Comfort

• Comfort in a Bowl: Rich, creamy soup that hugs your taste buds with warm, cheesy goodness and hearty vegetables.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whips up easily in less than an hour, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Nutrition Packed Delight: Combines powerful broccoli and protein-rich cheese, delivering a wholesome dish that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, mild flavors and smooth texture that everyone can enjoy together.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredient List

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides texture and nutrition.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that gives the soup rich flavor.
• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes that help thicken the soup.

• Butter: Provides rich base flavor for the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Adds smoothness and luxurious texture.
• Chicken Stock: Creates the liquid foundation of the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders for the soup.
• Dried Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall taste.

• Flour: Helps thicken and create smooth consistency.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Butter Up the Pot

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden base for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet flavors.

Step 3: Boost Flavor with Garlic and Herbs

• Minced garlic
• Dried thyme

Toss these fragrant ingredients into the pot and cook for a minute until they become wonderfully aromatic.

Step 4: Create a Thickening Roux

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir continuously, creating a smooth foundation for your soup.

Step 5: Pour in Liquid Gold

Gradually whisk chicken stock into the pot, ensuring a silky-smooth texture with no pesky lumps.

Step 6: Add Hearty Potatoes

Drop diced russet potatoes into the pot and season with salt and pepper for depth of flavor.

Step 7: Simmer Potatoes to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until potatoes become tender and soft.

Step 8: Introduce Vibrant Broccoli

Add finely chopped broccoli florets and continue simmering until they’re tender but maintain their bright green color.

Step 9: Bring on the Creaminess

Stir in heavy cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 10: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely and blends into a smooth, dreamy soup.

Step 11: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste and fine-tune the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Better

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, bright green broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and nutritional value.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Add cheese off the heat and stir gradually to ensure smooth, creamy texture without separating.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust thickness by adding more stock for a thinner soup or simmering longer for a thicker version.
• Boost Nutrition Hack: Swap chicken stock with vegetable stock and use plant-based cream for a vegetarian-friendly adaptation.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Roast broccoli before adding to soup for a deeper, nuttier taste that elevates the overall dish.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Best Way To Keep It Creamy

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy soups as they may separate.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to restore original consistency if needed.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed and steaming.

Broccoli Soup Flavor Pairings

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a warm, crispy sourdough bread to dip into the creamy soup, enhancing the rich flavors and providing a delightful textural contrast.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's richness, offering a refreshing and light accompaniment that balances the creamy texture.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Chicken Salad: Create a light side salad with roasted chicken, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a protein-packed and zesty counterpoint to the hearty soup.
• Match with Craft Amber Ale: Choose a smooth, malty amber ale that echoes the cheese's nutty undertones and provides a robust beverage to stand up to the soup's creamy consistency.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Cheesy Upgrade Ideas

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked, diced chicken or crumbled bacon to the soup for extra protein and a savory depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the soup celiac-friendly and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Stir in diced green chiles, replace thyme with cumin, and top with jalapeño slices for a zesty, southwestern-inspired soup.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just add it directly to the soup and slightly reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

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

• What type of cheddar cheese is best for this recipe?

Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor. White or yellow cheddar both work well, so choose based on your preference.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of the soup. The overall cooking method remains the same.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers creamy richness with hearty vegetables and sharp cheese. Wholesome ingredients blend into a satisfying meal that warms you from the first spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 2 cups russet potatoes, diced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame and melt butter until it shimmers with a golden hue.
2. Introduce diced onions into the melted butter, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet essence for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and dried thyme, stirring until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance, about 60 seconds.
4. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, whisking persistently to create a smooth, pale roux that will thicken the impending soup.
5. Gently stream chicken stock into the pot, vigilantly stirring to prevent any undesirable lumps from forming.
6. Tumble russet potatoes into the liquid, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the foundational flavors.
7. Accelerate heat until the liquid reaches a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing potatoes to tenderize for 12-15 minutes.
8. Cascade broccoli florets into the simmering mixture, continuing to cook until vegetables achieve perfect tenderness while maintaining a vibrant emerald color.
9. Stream heavy cream into the soup, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that embraces all ingredients.
10. Gradually introduce shredded cheddar cheese, folding consistently until the cheese melts completely and integrates seamlessly into the soup’s landscape.
11. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper to harmonize the soup’s complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting garlic and thyme quantities to suit personal taste preferences.
• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Consider replacing chicken stock with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the soup.
• Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while keeping some chunks for added depth and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 80mg