The Coziest Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Cozy winter evenings call for a comforting cheddar broccoli soup that warms you from the inside out.

Simmering vegetables and rich cheese create an irresistible blend of flavors.

Creamy textures mingle with bright green florets, promising a satisfying meal.

Hearty ingredients come together in one delightful pot, making preparation a breeze.

Nutritious broccoli adds a fresh punch to this classic comfort dish.

Sharp cheddar cheese melts into a silky base that hugs each spoonful.

Curl up with a bowl and let this soul-soothing soup chase away the winter chill.

Each spoonful promises pure culinary comfort that you won’t want to miss.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

• Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains chicken broth. To make it vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth while keeping other ingredients the same.

• How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken the soup, add more flour or reduce the liquid. To thin it out, add more broth or cream gradually until you reach desired consistency.

• Can I add protein to this soup?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or diced ham can be stirred in at the end to make the soup more substantial and protein-rich.

Cheddar Broccoli Soup That’s Smooth and Comforting

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this creamy cheddar broccoli soup in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a warm, satisfying dinner fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combines rich cheddar cheese with tender broccoli and carrots, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will love.
• Nutrition Packed: Loaded with vegetables and protein from cheese, this soup offers a delicious way to sneak extra nutrients into your family's diet without sacrificing taste.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, making this recipe a dream for those who hate doing dishes after cooking.

Cheddar Broccoli Soup What You’ll Use

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté onions smoothly.
• Onion: Adds deep, sweet base flavor to the soup's foundation.
• Flour: Thickens the soup and creates a smooth, velvety texture.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid base with depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, smooth soup consistency.

• Broccoli, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that provide nutrition, color, and hearty texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy sauce with sharp, tangy flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance overall taste.

Cheddar Broccoli Soup Simmering Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle Butter and Caramelize Onions

Grab a big cooking pot and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and cook them until they turn soft and golden, releasing their sweet aroma.

Stir occasionally to prevent burning and create a rich foundation for your soup.

• Butter
• Onions

Step 2: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and whisk continuously.

This magical mixture will help thicken your soup and create a luxurious texture.

Cook for about a minute until the flour turns slightly golden and smells nutty.

• Flour

Step 3: Pour Liquid Goodness

Slowly stream in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching it transform into a smooth, creamy base that will make your soup irresistible.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Step 4: Add Vibrant Veggie Crunch

Introduce sliced broccoli and julienned carrots into the bubbling liquid.

Let them simmer until they become tender but still maintain a slight bite, keeping their bright colors and nutritional power.

• Broccoli
• Carrots

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Happiness

Reduce heat and gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir until the cheese completely melts, creating a velvety, rich consistency that coats every spoonful with tangy, creamy goodness.

• Cheddar cheese

Step 6: Finish and Feast

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Give the soup a final stir, ladle into warm bowls, and prepare for a comforting, soul-warming meal that celebrates simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Creamy Broccoli Soup Tips You’ll Come Back To Again

• Slowly melt butter to develop a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to the soup's base.
• Toast flour briefly to eliminate raw flour taste and enhance the soup's overall complexity.
• Remove soup from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cut broccoli and carrots into uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter, healthier version of the soup.

Keep Cheddar Broccoli Soup Warm

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if soup seems too thick.
• Cream-based soups tend to separate and lose texture when frozen, so it's best to enjoy this cheddar broccoli soup fresh.
• When reheating, use a saucepan instead of a microwave to help preserve the soup's smooth consistency and prevent cheese from becoming grainy.

Bread and Cheese for Cheddar Broccoli Soup

• Pairing Crusty Bread Dippers: Grab a rustic sourdough or hearty French baguette to soak up the rich, creamy soup, adding delightful texture and complementing the cheesy broccoli flavors.
• Recommend Crisp White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the soup's richness, providing a refreshing contrast with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Create Protein Balance: Serve alongside grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits to enhance the soup's depth and introduce a satisfying protein element that elevates the entire dining experience.
• Match Herbal Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the soup's creamy and cheesy profile, balancing the meal's richness.

Cheddar Broccoli Soup with Cheesy Tweaks

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap flour with cauliflower rice or xanthan gum as a thickener, and use bone broth for extra nutrition.
• Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to increase vegetable content and create a more colorful soup.
• Protein Power: Include cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to transform the soup into a heartier meal with added protein.

Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheddar broccoli soup brings hearty comfort straight from homestyle kitchens. Wisconsin chefs have perfected this classic blend of sharp cheese and tender vegetables that warms souls and satisfies hunger with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli (1 crown), sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream

Thickening and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 onion, diced

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Transform butter into a silky base by melting it in a spacious cooking vessel, then gently coax diced onions into a state of tender translucence through careful sautéing.
2. Dust the aromatic mixture with flour, stirring diligently to create a golden-hued roux that will serve as the soup’s thickening agent.
3. Introduce chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking the liquid ensemble until it reaches a robust, bubbling crescendo.
4. Usher in vibrant broccoli florets and delicate carrot ribbons, allowing them to dance and soften in the bubbling liquid landscape.
5. Reduce the thermal intensity and gradually fold in sharp cheddar cheese, creating a smooth, luxurious blanket of molten dairy that embraces the vegetables.
6. Calibrate the flavor profile with judicious pinches of salt and pepper, ensuring a harmonious balance that tantalizes the palate.
7. Ladle the velvety concoction into waiting bowls, presenting a warm, comforting embrace of creamy, cheesy goodness ready to be savored.

Notes

• Choosing the right cheese matters immensely, so opt for sharp cheddar to enhance the soup’s depth and create a more robust flavor profile.
• Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by reducing heat and adding cheese gradually, stirring constantly to ensure smooth, silky texture.
• Vegetable preparation is crucial – chop broccoli and carrots into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same thickening properties while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg