Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

When winter’s chill bites, a hearty broccoli cheddar soup becomes my ultimate comfort companion.

Cold evenings demand warmth and nourishment from creamy, rich dishes.

Cheese lovers recognize this classic combination as pure magic on a spoon.

Nutritious green florets mingle perfectly with sharp, melted cheddar for a satisfying meal.

Small kitchens can easily master this simple yet elegant recipe.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients transform into something spectacular.

You’ll want seconds of this soul-warming bowl that promises both comfort and flavor.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup That Hits the Spot

• Packed with fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots, this soup delivers a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals while providing the ultimate creamy, comforting experience perfect for chilly days.
• Easily modify the recipe by using vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, adjusting cheese types, or adding extra protein like shredded chicken to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kids and adults alike will love the rich, cheesy flavor that transforms ordinary vegetables into an irresistible meal that can be served as a hearty lunch or cozy dinner option.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for sautéing aromatics and developing flavor.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup's foundation.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic intensity and robust flavor to the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a thickening roux for a smooth, velvety soup texture.

• Chicken Broth: Offers a savory, hearty liquid base with rich depth.
• Milk: Contributes creaminess and helps create a smooth soup consistency.

• Broccoli Florets: Main vegetable that provides nutritional value and signature green color.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and extra nutrients to the soup.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, creamy flavor and signature cheesy texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and aromatic complexity.

• Nutmeg: Offers warm, subtle background note to complement cheese.
• Fresh Parsley, Chives: Light, fresh garnish with bright herbal notes.

Steps to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Kickstart The Flavor

In a spacious pot, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they turn translucent and soft. Drop in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a moment, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 2: Whip Up The Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion-garlic mixture. Stir constantly for a couple minutes to eliminate that raw flour taste and create a smooth foundation.

Step 3: Pour In Liquid Gold

Slowly introduce chicken broth and milk, whisking with enthusiasm to create a silky smooth liquid. Ensure no pesky lumps remain in your mixture.

Step 4: Welcome Veggie Heroes

• Broccoli florets
• Grated carrots

Let everything simmer gently until vegetables become tender and soft, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Transform Texture

For ultra-smooth results, use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions to a standard blender, transform, then return to pot.

Step 6: Cheese Magic

Lower heat and gradually introduce grated cheddar. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent cheese separation.

Step 7: Season With Love

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 8: Serve And Celebrate

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Pair with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Cooking Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

• Boost Flavor Depth: Roast broccoli and carrots before adding to the soup for a richer, caramelized taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Grate cheese at room temperature and toss with a little cornstarch to help it melt smoothly and prevent separation in the soup.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Texture Trick: Hold back some broccoli florets to chop finely and add at the end for a varied texture that provides both creamy and chunky elements in each spoonful.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers, and reheat gently to maintain the creamy consistency.

Store and Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Soup the Smart Way

• Store leftover broccoli cheddar soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream-based ingredients for best texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.

Toppings and Sides for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Slice thick pieces of tangy sourdough bread and lightly toast them to create a perfect crunchy companion for the creamy broccoli cheddar soup.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the richness of the cheesy soup, cutting through its creamy texture with refreshing acidity.
• Prepare a light chicken salad with fresh herbs like dill and parsley, providing a lean protein side that contrasts the soup's hearty nature.
• Top the soup with quick-pickled cucumber or radish slices to add a bright, tangy crunch that elevates the overall flavor profile and provides textural interest.

Customizable Versions of Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with olive oil, chicken broth with vegetable broth, milk with unsweetened almond milk, and cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a roux, ensuring the soup remains thick and creamy while accommodating gluten-sensitive diets.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Add cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or white beans to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal that keeps you feeling full longer.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower florets and reduce flour quantity to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the rich, cheesy flavor profile.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli cheddar soup blends robust flavors into a comforting classic that warms hearts during chilly evenings. Sharp cheddar and tender broccoli combine in a rich, velvety blend that delivers pure culinary satisfaction straight to your spoon.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated

Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Thickening Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, transform butter into a shimmering base over medium warmth. Introduce finely diced onions and transform them into translucent jewels, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for an additional minute.
2. Delicately dust flour across the aromatic foundation, whisking persistently to eliminate raw undertones and create a silky roux, roughly 2 minutes.
3. Methodically stream chicken broth into the mixture, ensuring a velvety consistency. Follow with milk, continuously whisking to banish any potential lumps.
4. Gently cascade chopped broccoli florets and grated carrots into the liquid landscape. Allow the concoction to simmer softly, nurturing vegetables until they surrender their tender essence, approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. For enhanced smoothness, deploy an immersion blender to transform the soup’s texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions to a blender, puree until luxuriously uniform, then reunite with the remaining soup.
6. Reduce thermal intensity and incrementally fold grated cheddar, watching it melt into a creamy symphony. Exercise caution to prevent boiling, which might compromise the cheese’s delicate structure.
7. Harmonize flavors with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Taste and recalibrate seasonings to personal preference.
8. Artfully ladle the soup into waiting vessels. Embellish with verdant parsley or chives if desired, and present alongside crusty, rustic bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Enhance the soup’s flavor by roasting broccoli and carrots before adding them to the pot, which deepens their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized note.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same creamy texture without wheat-based ingredients.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like cauliflower or spinach, which blend seamlessly with the cheesy base and increase the soup’s nutrient profile.
• Make the soup more protein-rich by stirring in cooked diced chicken or crispy bacon bits, transforming it from a simple side dish to a hearty main course.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg