Broccoli Cheese Soup

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich flavor. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety smooth base, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal. Whether served in a bread bowl or with a side of crusty bread, it’s a comforting classic that’s easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Cheesy – Loaded with melty cheddar cheese.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy & Hearty – Made with fresh broccoli for a nutritious boost.
• Better Than Panera – Homemade flavors with no processed ingredients.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for easy leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Soup:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half & half)
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
• 1 large carrot (shredded)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
• Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Make the Roux

• Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
• Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

3. Add Broccoli & Carrots

• Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until broccoli is tender.

4. Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

• For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.
• For a chunky texture, leave the broccoli whole.

5. Add the Cheese

• Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
• Stir until fully melted and smooth (do not boil, or the cheese may become grainy).

6. Serve & Enjoy

• Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or croutons.
• Serve with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for a restaurant-style meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Bacon Broccoli Cheese Soup – Stir in crispy bacon crumbles for extra richness.
• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Extra Creamy – Blend the soup fully for a velvety smooth texture.
• Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.
• Low-Carb/Keto – Replace flour with xanthan gum and use cream instead of milk.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop – Heat over low, stirring frequently to prevent separation.
  • Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based soups can become grainy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just add frozen broccoli directly and extend the simmer time by 2-3 minutes.

What’s the best cheese for broccoli cheese soup?

Sharp cheddar melts best, but a mix of cheddar and Parmesan adds depth.

How do I prevent my soup from becoming grainy?

Avoid boiling after adding cheese—melt it on low heat for a smooth texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in cheese at the end.

How do I thicken my soup?

Add a slurry of cornstarch and water or simmer longer to reduce liquid.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes! Shredded chicken or ham pairs well with the flavors.

What’s the best way to serve broccoli cheese soup?

In a bread bowl, with garlic bread, or topped with crispy croutons.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free flour or use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.

Is this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you enjoy it chunky or smooth, it’s a delicious, homemade alternative to restaurant-style soups. Serve with warm bread and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal!

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