Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup—comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor. This homemade version is rich and velvety, made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of cream for that irresistible creamy texture. The simple ingredients come together to create a warm, hearty meal perfect for chilly days. With its smooth consistency and cheesy goodness, this soup is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or a dinner paired with crusty bread, it offers the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in just under 45 minutes, with only a few steps that produce a satisfying result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese gives this soup an ultra-creamy, velvety texture that’s sure to satisfy any cheese lover.

2. Quick and Easy

With just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, this soup is a simple yet comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

3. Packed with Vegetables

Loaded with broccoli, this soup is a delicious way to get your daily dose of veggies while still enjoying a hearty, indulgent meal.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add in extra vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach, or swap out the cheese to suit your taste. This soup is easy to adjust to your preferences.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup reheats beautifully, making it a perfect dish for meal prepping. You can store leftovers for a quick, comforting meal later in the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika (optional)
• Croutons for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need

This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook.

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, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir continuously to combine with the butter and onions. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, making sure the flour doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Once the broth is boiling, toss in the broccoli florets. 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. For a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup, leaving some of the broccoli pieces intact.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

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

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the soup hot, garnished with croutons if desired. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Consistency: For a creamier soup, blend it thoroughly. For a more rustic, chunky texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as-is.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. The amount of cheese can also influence the seasoning.
• Thickening the Soup: If the soup is too thin for your liking, you can cook it a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or stir in a little more flour to thicken it.

How to Serve

This broccoli cheese soup is best served hot with a side of crunchy croutons, a warm slice of sourdough bread, or even a fresh salad. It’s a perfect pairing with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent curdling. If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.

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. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half and half, whole milk, or a combination of milk and melted butter for a similar creamy texture.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach to the soup along with the broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.

4. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.

5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream substitute (such as coconut cream) and swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda, mozzarella, or a mild cheddar, depending on your preference.

7. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat it when ready to serve.

8. How do I prevent the cheese from separating?

To prevent the cheese from separating, make sure to add it slowly while stirring the soup, and keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from curdling.

9. Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, if you like a little heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even a sliced jalapeño.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled if you need to serve more people. Just make sure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any season. Whether you’re craving something warm and satisfying on a cold day or looking for an easy meal that the whole family will love, this soup hits the spot. It’s packed with flavor, made with simple ingredients, and is ready in under 45 minutes. With its rich, creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this soup will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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