If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug in a cup, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli and a touch of sweet carrots, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it to guests as a starter, this soup brings that irresistible combination of sharp cheddar and fresh vegetables together in a way that’s both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe relies on straightforward, kitchen-friendly ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor, richness, and color. Each item has an important role, from building the base to adding the finishing savory punch.
- Unsalted butter: Perfect for gently softening the onion and garlic without overpowering their natural sweetness.
- Small yellow onion (chopped): Adds a mild, aromatic foundation that deepens the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Offers a subtle kick and fragrant warmth that enhances the whole dish.
- All-purpose flour: The secret to a silky but slightly thickened broth, making every spoonful luxuriously smooth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth: Acts as the savory liquid base while keeping saltiness in check.
- Whole milk: Brings creamy richness and balances the cheese’s sharpness.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the luscious texture for that indulgent soup feel you love.
- Fresh broccoli florets (chopped small): The star ingredient, providing vibrant green color and a fresh, earthy taste.
- Shredded carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and lovely warmth to the broth’s flavor profile.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers the signature cheesy tang that makes this soup truly unforgettable.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a whisper of spice that elevates the warmth and depth of the soup.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing all ingredients together harmoniously.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, cooking it gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. The onions release their natural sweetness here, laying the delicious groundwork for your soup. Add the minced garlic next and cook for just 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—don’t let it brown, or it could get bitter.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Next comes the magic of thickening! Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for a minute or two. This simple step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps build a smooth, velvety foundation for your broth to cling to. The roux is what transforms your soup from watery to wonderfully creamy.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Now, slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps—smoothness is key here. Then add in the milk and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Once your base has thickened slightly, add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. This slow cooking infuses the broth with all the fresh veggie flavors without turning everything to mush.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Season
Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous. Give it a final stir, and your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy. For extra creaminess, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup at this stage.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only brightens the presentation but also layers extra flavors and textures on top of your soup. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and mild freshness. A dash of crispy bacon bits or crunchy croutons adds a delightful crunch, while an extra handful of shredded cheddar on top always wins hearts.
Side Dishes
Because this soup is rich and creamy, it pairs perfectly with simple sides. A warm, crusty baguette or a soft pretzel roll is ideal for dunking and savoring every last drop. Light garden salads with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness, and roasted vegetables can add complementary earthy flavors to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an irresistible rustic touch. Or, for a dinner party, dish it up in individual white ramekins garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley and a swirl of cream for a sophisticated but cozy look. You could also top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of pesto to shake things up visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before reheating, as some separation might occur.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but because it contains dairy, freezing can sometimes affect texture. To freeze, place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to help re-emulsify the cheese and cream. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can heat unevenly and cause the soup to break.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just thaw it and chop it into smaller pieces before adding to ensure even cooking and to maintain a nice texture in your soup.
Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?
It can be easily made vegetarian by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, but double-check your broth choice if you want to keep it completely meat-free.
How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit more shredded cheddar or let the soup simmer for a few extra minutes uncovered. For a thinner consistency, simply stir in some extra milk or broth when reheating.
Can I make this soup vegan?
To veganize this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, substitute the dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives, use vegan butter, and replace cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese option. Using vegetable broth keeps the base plant-based.
What’s the best way to get that smooth, creamy texture?
An immersion blender gives you control over blending just enough to smooth the soup while keeping some texture. Be careful not to over-blend if you want that perfect balance of creamy soup with little veggie bits.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to impress with its comforting creaminess and vibrant flavors. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for friends and family gatherings. I promise once you make this soup, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes whenever you need that cozy, cheesy goodness in a bowl. So grab your ingredients and get cooking — you’re going to love every delicious spoonful!
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup features tender broccoli florets and shredded carrots in a rich cheddar cheese broth. Perfect as a warming meal, it is made on the stovetop using butter, onions, garlic, and a roux base with milk and cream to create a luscious texture. The soup is seasoned with a touch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper, making it an ideal vegetarian dish to enjoy year-round.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Liquids
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Cheese and Seasoning
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Cook Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the whole milk and heavy cream.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Add Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for an inviting meal.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding cheese.
- Frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is unavailable; simply thaw and chop before adding.
- Increase the amount of cheddar cheese for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
