Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: A Warm Hug in a Bowl

Comfort arrives with a steaming bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup that warms you from the inside out.

Rich and velvety textures dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Tender broccoli florets nestle perfectly in a smooth, cheesy base that promises pure deliciousness.

Sharp cheddar melts into a luxurious blend, creating a hearty soup packed with flavor and nutrition.

Every ingredient works together to craft a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

This soup transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a classic recipe that never disappoints.

Ingredients That Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Shine

• Broccoli: Fresh green veggie packed with nutrients.
• Milk: Creamy base for a rich soup.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that adds depth.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Tangy cheese that melts beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty cheese with a nutty flavor.

• Butter: Smooth base for sautéing.
• Heavy Cream: Extra rich and luxurious touch.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic flavor boosters.
• Flour: Thickening agent for soup consistency.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced taste.

How to Prepare Velvety Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Place a large pot on the stove and melt butter over medium-high heat.

Toss in chopped onions and dance them around the pot, stirring frequently until they become soft and slightly transparent, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Base

• Garlic
• Flour

Sprinkle minced garlic and flour into the pot.

Stir constantly for about a minute to create a magical roux that will transform your soup’s texture.

Step 3: Create Liquid Magic

• Milk
• Chicken broth
• Broccoli florets

Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumpy surprises remain.

Add broccoli florets and mix everything together smoothly.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Watch your soup thicken while stirring constantly.

Lower the heat and let the broccoli become tender, cooking for 6-8 minutes.

The kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Step 5: Creamy Cheese Transformation

Remove pot from heat.

Swirl in heavy cream, then gradually add sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.

Stir until the cheeses melt into a silky, dreamy mixture.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.

Ladle into bowls and sprinkle extra cheddar on top if you’re feeling indulgent.

Serve with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Best Tips for Smooth and Cheesy Soup Texture

• Constant stirring prevents flour from burning and ensures a smooth, lump-free base for your soup's creamy texture.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a silky, velvety consistency.
• Cut florets into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor complexity.
• Keep heat low when simmering to prevent milk from scorching and maintain the soup's delicate creamy composition.

Keeping Your Broccoli Cheese Soup Fresh

• Store leftover broccoli cheese soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if the soup has thickened.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause cheese to separate and become grainy.

What to Serve Alongside Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair this creamy broccoli cheese soup with crusty sourdough bread for a delightful texture contrast.
• Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the soup's richness and cleanse the palate.
• Create Protein Balance: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits on top to introduce a savory protein element that elevates the soup's depth.
• Match Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the soup's creamy consistency.

Delicious Twists on Classic Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Veggie Power Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese for a completely vegetarian version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Keto Friendly Brew: Swap milk with heavy cream, use cauliflower instead of broccoli, and add extra sharp cheddar to create a low-carb, high-fat soup perfect for ketogenic diets.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, use almond milk, and incorporate coconut cream for a lactose-free alternative that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Protein Boost Batch: Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to increase protein content, making the soup more filling and satisfying for athletes or protein-focused eaters.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it before adding to the soup. The texture and flavor will be very similar to fresh broccoli.

• What's the best way to prevent cheese from becoming grainy?

Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and add it gradually while stirring constantly. This helps cheese melt smoothly without separating or becoming lumpy.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reduce cheese quantity, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or carrots. You can also use reduced-fat cheese varieties for a lighter version.

• Is this soup gluten-free friendly?

Not in its original form. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just use the same measurement and follow the original recipe steps.

Why Broccoli Cheese Soup Is a Classic Favorite

• Quick Comfort Feast: Create a heartwarming, creamy soup that delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture in just a few simple steps.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for beginner cooks with straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results without complex cooking methods.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe that works as a cozy lunch, elegant starter, or comforting dinner companion with endless customization potential.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Combine nutrient-rich broccoli with protein-packed cheese for a wholesome meal that tastes incredible while supporting your wellness goals.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich cheddar with tender broccoli florets. Warm spices and smooth texture invite you to savor each comforting spoonful, making this classic soup a delightful winter companion.

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Ingredients

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Soup Base:

• 3 1/4 cups low-fat milk, plus more to thin if desired
• 1 (14.5 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups (packed) finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 large clove garlic, finely minced

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (2 1/2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese or extra sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 ounce (1/3 cup) finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
• 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and melt butter over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their delicate aromatics.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the softened onions, then sprinkle flour evenly, whisking continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that will provide the soup’s rich foundation.
3. Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth, stirring vigorously to eliminate any potential flour clumps, creating a silky liquid base for the soup.
4. Gently fold chopped broccoli florets into the liquid mixture, allowing them to simmer and tenderize while the soup gradually thickens.
5. Lower the heat and let the broccoli cook until it reaches a perfectly tender consistency, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
6. Remove the pot from heat and swirl in heavy cream, transforming the soup’s texture into a luxurious, velvety canvas.
7. Incorporate sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring methodically until they melt completely, creating a smooth, glossy finish with complex flavor profiles.
8. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor.
9. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, optionally garnishing with additional shredded cheddar for extra indulgence, and serve alongside crusty bread or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Enhance the soup’s creaminess by using a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
• Control the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of flour or adding extra broth if it becomes too dense.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and use reduced-fat cheese options.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or carrots during the simmering process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 637 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg