The Coziest Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Comfort arrives with this hearty broccoli cheese soup that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with vibrant green florets dancing through rich dairy goodness.

Kitchens everywhere come alive with the aroma of melting cheese and tender vegetables.

Seasonal ingredients create magic when combined with simple culinary techniques.

Home cooks know this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction without complicated steps.

Crisp broccoli mingles delightfully with smooth, velvety cheese, creating a bowl of pure happiness.

You’ll want to savor each delectable bite and share this soul-warming delight with everyone around your table.

Broccoli Cheese Soup That Warms You With Every Spoonful

• Quick Comfort Cooking: Whip up this creamy broccoli cheese soup in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, smooth texture that transforms healthy broccoli into an irresistible dish everyone eagerly enjoys.
• Flexible Preparation Method: Customize the soup's consistency by choosing to blend partially or fully, giving you total control over the final texture and presentation.
• Nutrient-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combines vegetables, protein, and dairy in a single pot, delivering a balanced meal that's both delicious and nutritionally rich without complicated cooking techniques.

Creamy Touches That Define Broccoli Cheese Soup

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides texture and nutrients to the soup.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth of flavor and sweetness.
• Garlic: Provides robust, savory undertone to the soup's overall taste.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and extra color to the soup.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates rich and creamy soup base.
• Milk: Provides smooth and creamy consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and luxurious texture to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Provides foundational savory liquid for the soup.
• Butter: Creates smooth base for sautéing and adds rich flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create smooth texture.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Nutmeg: Optional spice that provides warm, subtle background note.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Comfort Simmering

Step 1: Prep Flavor Base

Grab a big pot and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Drop in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute, releasing its amazing aroma.

Step 2: Create Silky Thickener

Sprinkle flour over the onion-garlic mixture.

Stir constantly for about two minutes, allowing the flour to cook and develop a light golden color without burning.

Step 3: Build Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming.

Add milk and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer.

Step 4: Cook Veggie Goodness

Toss in fresh broccoli florets and shredded carrots.

Let everything simmer until the vegetables become tender and fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Create Perfect Texture

For a luxurious soup, use an immersion blender to partially puree the mixture.

Leave some chunks for a rustic feel, or blend completely for ultimate smoothness.

Step 6: Cheese Magic

Lower the heat and gradually stir in sharp cheddar cheese.

Fold gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy consistency.

Step 7: Final Touches

Season with salt, black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve with crusty bread or crispy crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Tips

• Toast flour in butter before adding liquid to develop a rich, nutty undertone that enhances the soup's overall taste.
• Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to ensure smooth, creamy melting without curdling.
• Adjust thickness by adding more broth for a thinner soup or simmering longer to reduce and thicken the base naturally.
• Swap dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for different dietary restrictions.
• Include additional vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Leftovers

• Store leftover broccoli cheese soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy soups for best texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming hot.
• Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each 30-second burst. This prevents separation and ensures even heating of cheese and vegetables.

Warm Bites for Broccoli Cheese Soup

Pair Perfectly with Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic sourdough or artisan baguette to dip into the creamy soup, catching every cheesy bite and soaking up the rich flavors.

Wine Complement Elegance: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay to balance the soup’s richness, cutting through the creamy texture with bright, refreshing notes.

Protein Partner – Grilled Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken breast on the side for extra protein, creating a more substantial meal that enhances the soup’s comforting profile.

Crunchy Side Kick – Herb Croutons: Toss homemade croutons seasoned with dried thyme and rosemary on top, providing a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, velvety soup.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Creamy Twists

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and substitute cheddar with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets, use heavy cream instead of milk, and add extra cheese for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour, ensure all broth and dairy products are certified gluten-free, and maintain the rich, cheesy flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Power Soup: Add cooked diced chicken or crumbled bacon, incorporate white beans for extra protein, and top with grilled chicken strips to create a more substantial meal.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the cheese from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir constantly. Remove the pot from direct heat and add cheese gradually, stirring until it melts smoothly.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives to create a vegetarian version.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most robust flavor, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex taste profile.

• How can I make the soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach, or include protein-rich ingredients such as cooked chicken or white beans to boost nutritional value.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy broccoli cheese soup brings comfort and warmth to cold winter nights. Rich Wisconsin cheddar and tender broccoli florets combine in a silky blend you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Base and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a flavor base by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Gently sauté diced onions until they become translucent and soft, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the softened onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allow the garlic to release its pungent essence.
3. Dust the aromatic mixture with flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that will thicken the soup and provide a rich foundation.
4. Slowly incorporate chicken broth, whisking methodically to eliminate any potential flour lumps and create a silky liquid base.
5. Pour in milk and cream, stirring gently to combine the dairy components and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
6. Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the simmering liquid, allowing the vegetables to become tender and infuse the soup with their vibrant flavors.
7. For a more refined consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some vegetable chunks for textural interest.
8. Reduce the heat and gradually fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the soup.
9. Enhance the flavor profile with a delicate balance of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg.
10. Ladle the creamy, aromatic soup into warm bowls and serve immediately with crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Achieve a silky-smooth base by whisking the roux carefully, preventing any flour lumps for a perfectly creamy texture.
• Create a lighter version by substituting whole milk with low-fat milk or using half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach, which blend seamlessly into the soup’s creamy consistency.
• Prevent cheese from separating by removing the pot from direct heat and gradually stirring in shredded cheese at a low temperature, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 29 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg