This warm and cheesy broccoli soup is a hug in a bowl! Packed with tender broccoli and creamy cheese, it’s perfect for cozy days.
Sometimes, I pretend I’m at a fancy restaurant when I serve this! Who wouldn’t love slurping up this deliciousness? A nice piece of bread on the side makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, frozen works too, just thaw and drain it first. I appreciate using fresh because it gives the soup a nice crunch!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor, but you could mix in some mild cheddar or even Gruyère if you prefer. This flexibility lets you customize the taste to your liking!
Chicken Broth: For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is perfect! It’s a great way to keep the flavor strong without meat. I often make my own broth to control the taste too.
Milk: Whole milk makes the soup creamy, but you can swap it for half-and-half for richness or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter option. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
How Do You Make Sure Your Broccoli is Perfectly Tender?
Cooking the broccoli just right is essential for great soup. You want it tender but still vibrant and a bit crunchy. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start by adding the broccoli once your broth is simmering. This helps cook it quickly.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time! About 15-20 minutes is usually perfect. You want the broccoli to be fork-tender but not mushy.
If you like some chunks for texture, feel free to chop some florets larger than others before adding them to the pot. This way, you get a nice mix of creaminess and a bite of broccoli in each spoonful!
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot (optional, for color and sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and soft. This step builds a lovely base for your soup!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Create the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. This will help thicken the soup later. It should look slightly paste-like.
4. Whisk in the Liquids:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, making sure to stir continuously. This will prevent any lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth.
5. Add the Broccoli and Carrots:
Now, add the chopped broccoli and the optional shredded carrot to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Yum!
6. Stir in the Cheddar:
Once the broccoli is tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
7. Season the Soup:
Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your taste. Every bowl should be perfect!
8. Optional Blending:
If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup. This can make it super creamy while still leaving some broccoli pieces for texture. Just a few pulses will do!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if desired. Pair it with warm crusty bread for dipping.
This easy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a delicious way to enjoy your veggies while indulging in cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent the soup from becoming too watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If you’re reheating from the freezer, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy milk, like almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just ensure the broth is also vegetable-based for a completely dairy-free version!
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like chicken or beans if you like!