- Creamy, comforting broccoli cheese soup made with sharp cheddar, fresh broccoli, and cream for café-quality flavor at home.
- Use fresh broccoli and freshly grated sharp cheddar; balance cheese and cream for rich yet not overwhelming texture.
- Make ahead tips: chop broccoli, grate cheese, dice aromatics, and measure ingredients to streamline weeknight cooking.
- Store/reheat gently: refrigerate 4 days or freeze 2 months; thaw and warm low with milk to prevent separation.
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of broccoli cheese soup on a chilly day. It’s creamy, comforting, and the kind of meal that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing. I started making this soup in my tiny New York apartment one winter night, and it instantly became a staple, simple, cozy, and downright delicious.
With just a handful of ingredients like fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and cream, you can whip up something that tastes like it came straight from your favorite café. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a quick meal to warm you up, this homemade broccoli cheese soup always hits the spot.
Table of contents
- Let’s Get Cooking!
- Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Get a Head Start on Flavor
- Secrets to the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Fun Twists on a Classic Bowl of Comfort
- What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup
- How to Store and Reheat Your Broccoli Cheese Soup
- FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
- Wrapping Up With a Warm Bowl
Let’s Get Cooking!
Broccoli Cheese Soup
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes360
kcalThis creamy and cheesy broccoli cheese soup is a classic American comfort dish made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a velvety, flavorful base. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weekday meal.
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Ingredients
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 small heads)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
Pinch nutmeg (optional)
Directions
- Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, that’s your flavor foundation. Add chopped onion and garlic, and let them cook just until soft and fragrant; your kitchen will already smell amazing at this point.
- Sprinkle in the flour to make a quick roux, this will thicken your soup later. Stir it constantly for a minute or two so it doesn’t burn. Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, then add the milk and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Toss in your chopped broccoli and let it cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes. I like my broccoli with a little texture left, but you can simmer longer if you prefer it softer.
- Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar until it melts into a creamy, dreamy consistency. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional, but it adds such cozy warmth). If you like a smoother soup, blend half of it and then stir it back in for that perfect creamy-chunky balance.
- Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with extra cheese, and serve with crusty bread or a light salad. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, and it tastes even better the next day.
Notes
- Freshly grated cheddar melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- For extra richness, swap some of the milk for cream.
- Want a lighter version? Use half-and-half or skim milk.
- If you prefer a vegetarian soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Pair this soup with a crisp green salad or warm bread for a comforting, balanced meal.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 360kcal
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 15g
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Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Broccoli Cheese Soup
This isn’t just another soup recipe, it’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh broccoli flavor that makes every spoonful irresistible. After testing this recipe more times than I care to admit, I’ve figured out what makes it truly special:
- The right balance of cheese and cream: Too much cheese can make the soup heavy, and too much cream can drown the flavor. This recipe hits that sweet spot, rich, but never overwhelming.
- Fresh broccoli for the best texture: Using fresh florets gives you a tender bite that frozen broccoli just can’t match.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: With sharp cheddar, onion, garlic, and a touch of butter, every ingredient adds depth without complicating things.
- One pot = easy cleanup: You can make the entire soup in one pot, which means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
- Totally customizable: Go lighter with milk instead of cream, add extra veggies, or make it gluten-free by skipping the roux.
If you’re a broccoli fan, you might also love exploring something different like this Asian Broccoli Recipe, which brings out the veggie’s bold, vibrant side in a totally new way.
Get a Head Start on Flavor
A little prep goes a long way with this soup, and I’m all about saving time on busy weeknights. Here’s what you can do ahead to make this meal come together effortlessly:
- Chop your broccoli: Cut it into small, bite-sized florets and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Grate the cheese: Shred your cheddar ahead of time (freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded).
- Dice the aromatics: Onion and garlic can be chopped and stored in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Measure out ingredients: Having your milk, broth, and seasonings pre-measured makes cooking a breeze.
- Make a batch of stock: Homemade stock adds great depth, if you have leftover from another recipe like this Swamp Soup Recipe, it’s perfect to use here.
Secrets to the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you want that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and comforting, these simple tricks make all the difference.
- Grate your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother and gives the soup that velvety finish.
- Don’t rush the roux: Let the butter and flour cook for a minute to lose that raw taste and thicken evenly.
- Simmer gently: After adding the cheese, keep the heat low so it melts smoothly and doesn’t separate.
- Whisk as you pour: When adding broth and milk, whisk constantly for a silky texture.
- Use sharp cheddar: It gives the soup that bold, rich flavor everyone loves.
And if you’re into comforting, flavor-packed meals like this, check out the hearty Beef Enchilada Recipe, another weeknight favorite in my kitchen.
Fun Twists on a Classic Bowl of Comfort
One of the things I love most about broccoli cheese soup is how easy it is to customize. Once you’ve mastered the creamy base, you can switch things up depending on your mood, what’s in your fridge, or who you’re cooking for.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to make it your own:
- Loaded Broccoli Cheese Soup: Add crispy bacon bits, shredded carrots, and a dollop of sour cream for a heartier version that feels like a full meal.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or even a spoonful of hot sauce for a bold, zesty twist.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the flour and thicken the soup by blending half of it, still creamy, just lighter.
- Vegan Broccoli “Cheese” Soup: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and vegan cheddar. A touch of nutritional yeast adds that cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Blend: Mix in cauliflower florets for a milder, slightly nutty twist, kind of like in this refreshing Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe, but in warm, cozy form.
What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup
Whenever I make this soup, I love pairing it with something that balances its creamy richness. Think crusty bread for dipping or a crisp salad to freshen things up.
- Serve with warm baguette slices or homemade garlic bread for dunking.
- Pair with a light mixed greens salad or a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
- Add a sandwich on the side, a simple turkey melt or grilled cheese makes it a comforting meal combo.
- For a full cozy dinner, serve it before a hearty main like this Best Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Your Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you somehow end up with leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my kitchen), you’ll be happy to know this soup keeps and reheats beautifully.
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Avoid high heat or microwaving directly, as that can cause the cheese to separate.
FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
The key is low and slow heat. Once you add the cheese, keep the soup just warm enough to melt it, boiling can cause the dairy to separate. Also, freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother finish.
Absolutely! Just skip the flour and thicken your soup by blending half of it, or use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. It’ll still be rich and creamy without the gluten.
You can, but it’s best to thaw and drain it first so the soup doesn’t get watery. Fresh broccoli gives a slightly better texture, but frozen works great in a pinch, perfect for quick weeknight cooking.
Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it gives the soup that classic bold flavor. You can mix in a little mozzarella for stretch or Gruyère for extra richness.
Try using milk instead of cream, or swap in low-fat cheese. You can also add more veggies like carrots or cauliflower, similar to what I do in my Asian Broccoli Recipe when I want a lighter, fresher flavor twist.
Yes, but with one little trick: let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Wrapping Up With a Warm Bowl
There’s something timeless about a bowl of broccoli cheese soup, it’s cozy, creamy, and comforting in all the best ways. Whether you’re curled up on the couch on a chilly evening or cooking a quick weeknight meal for your family, this recipe always delivers that homemade, heartwarming goodness.
I hope this version becomes your go-to when you’re craving something satisfying yet simple. Once you master it, you’ll find endless ways to make it your own, and every time, it’ll taste just as comforting as that first spoonful.
So grab your pot, shred some cheese, and let’s make something delicious tonight.
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