Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of broccoli cheese soup to make you feel cozy and comforted. This recipe combines the freshness of broccoli with the richness of cheese and cream, creating a velvety smooth texture that’s irresistible. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something hearty but light. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily make this delicious soup at home in no time. Whether you serve it as a starter or a main dish, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Velvety Smooth Texture

The combination of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich and creamy texture that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread or crackers.

2. Packed with Flavor

With a base of sautéed onions and garlic, this soup is bursting with savory flavors, and the added cheese gives it that comforting, cheesy goodness.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe takes only about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.

4. Customizable

You can add additional vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to suit your preferences and give the soup a new twist.

5. Great for Leftovers

This soup stores well and can be kept in the fridge for a few days. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Croutons for garnish (optional)

Variations

1. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup.

2. Vegan Version

To make this soup vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese and butter.

3. Spicy Kick

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup.

4. Extra Cheesy

For an even cheesier soup, increase the amount of cheese or add a mix of different cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda.

5. Croutons and Toppings

Top your soup with croutons, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs for added texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir continuously to combine with the butter and vegetables. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to form a roux (a thickening paste).

Step 3: Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to incorporate the roux. Increase the heat to a gentle boil, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Once the soup is boiling, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend just half of the soup, leaving some broccoli pieces intact.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and add the shredded cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the soup hot and garnish with croutons or any other toppings you desire. Enjoy your comforting bowl of broccoli cheese soup!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

Be sure to cook the broccoli until it’s tender but not mushy to maintain its texture and vibrant color.

2. Use Fresh Cheese

For the best results, use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s texture.

3. Control the Thickness

If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

4. Blend Half for Chunkiness

If you like a chunkier soup, blend just half of the mixture, leaving some broccoli florets whole.

5. Make It Ahead

You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

How to Serve

This creamy broccoli cheese soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even some homemade croutons. You can also serve it as a comforting starter to a larger meal or enjoy it on its own for a cozy, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Freezing

While the soup can be frozen, the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the cream and cheese. If you do choose to freeze it, let it cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup for the best texture.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half, whole milk, or equal parts milk and melted butter.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, you can add vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to make the soup more hearty and nutritious.

5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

6. Can I make this soup vegan?

To make it vegan, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and dairy-free cheese.

7. Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, but the texture may change after freezing. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat on the stove.

8. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the soup a bit of heat.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

10. How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a little longer to thicken.

Conclusion

This creamy broccoli cheese soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to make and full of flavor. With tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and rich, savory broth, it’s the perfect soup for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this soup will warm you up from the inside out. Serve it with some crusty bread or croutons, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

Print