This homemade broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor. Packed with fresh broccoli and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting dish perfect for any day!

Making this broccoli cheddar soup is a joy for me because it is my favorite! My husband loves this soup so much that he asks for it often, especially on chilly days. The combination of fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese creates a comforting dish that warms us up and brings smiles to our faces.

This soup is great for a cozy family dinner and is easy to prepare with simple ingredients like broccoli, cheddar cheese, onion, and garlic. I appreciate how quickly it comes together, usually in about 30 minutes. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a hit at our dinner table, and I love how it’s a delicious way to sneak in some veggies.

Serving broccoli cheddar soup is always fun! I like to pair it with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal. Sometimes, I add toppings like croutons or extra cheese to make it even more special.

Why you’ll love Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

You’ll love broccoli cheddar soup because it is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. The mix of fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese makes a delicious taste that warms you up on cold days. It’s also a great way to get some veggies in your meal, making it satisfying for the whole family.

This soup is simple to make with just a few ingredients and can be ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, and you can easily add your favorite spices or extra vegetables. Broccoli cheddar soup is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to your table!

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

How to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1:

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2:

Add the broccoli florets to the pot, then pour the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 3:

Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.

Step 4:

Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or milk, and add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 5:

Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. If you want a thicker soup, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 6:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Tips

• Add Extra Veggies: Boost nutrition by adding other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach. These can add flavor and color to the soup while making it even healthier.

• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with various cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can elevate the taste and richness of the soup.

• Incorporate Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the soup’s flavor. A pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper can add warmth and depth to the taste.

• Make It Chunky: Instead of blending all the soup, reserve some cooked broccoli florets to stir back in for added texture. This gives the soup a hearty feel and makes it more visually appealing.

• Top It Off: Serve the soup with creative toppings such as crispy bacon, croutons, or a drizzle of balsamic reduction. These can add crunch and contrast to the creamy soup.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

One great way to serve broccoli cheddar soup is in a bread bowl. You can hollow out a small round loaf of bread and fill it with the hot soup. This adds a fun twist, and you can enjoy the soft bread as you finish the soup. It makes for a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days.

Another tasty option is to pair the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The gooey, melted cheese in the sandwich goes perfectly with the creamy soup. You can even get creative by using different types of bread or adding ingredients like tomatoes or bacon to your sandwich for extra flavor.

Finally, don’t forget to top your soup with crunchy croutons or fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a nice texture and a burst of color to the dish. You can also serve the soup with a light side salad for a refreshing balance.

How to store

To store broccoli cheddar soup, let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, put the soup in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep the soup fresh and avoid any strange smells.

If you want to keep the soup longer, you can freeze it. Divide the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for it to expand as it freezes. You can freeze broccoli cheddar soup for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup needs it, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy texture.

More Favorite Soup Recipes

If you enjoy this Broccoli Cheddar Soup, be sure to try one of these delicious soup recipes next:

• Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
• JJ Smith Fat Flush Soup Recipe
• Demos Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
• Frisch’s vegetable soup recipe
• Zuppa Del Giorno Soup Recipe
• La Madeleine Mushroom Soup Recipe
• Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

FAQ

Is this soup gluten-free?

• It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or omitting the thickening agent entirely.

Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

• Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers.

What can I add for extra flavor?

• You can add spices like nutmeg, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

How do I reheat frozen soup?

• Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I use different cheeses?

• Yes, you can use other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for different flavors.

Can I make this soup vegan?

• Yes, use plant-based milk and nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan version.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

This homemade broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor. Packed with fresh broccoli and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting dish perfect for any day!

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or milk

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Directions

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the broccoli florets to the pot, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
• Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
• Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or milk, and add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. If you want a thicker soup, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Boost nutrition by adding other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach. These can add flavor and color to the soup while making it even healthier.