Cozy up with Broccoli Cheese Soup, a Creamy Veggie Soup that transforms tender broccoli and sharp cheddar into a rich, velvety bowl of comfort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, chilly evenings, or a crowd-pleasing lunch, this easy recipe blends wholesome veggies with indulgent cheese for a satisfying meal. Ready in under an hour, Broccoli Cheese Soup is a family favorite that sneaks in nutrition while delivering unbeatable flavor!
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Soup
Here’s what you’ll need for Broccoli Cheese Soup (serves 6):
For the Soup:
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 cups (210g) fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 cups (480ml) half-and-half or whole milk
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
For Garnish:
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: chopped chives, crumbled bacon, or croutons
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)
- Ladle
Ingredient Tips
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and vibrancy; frozen works too, no thawing needed.
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar melts smoothly for bold flavor in this Creamy Veggie Soup; hand-shred for best texture.
- Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version; low-sodium allows better seasoning control.
- Half-and-Half: Adds creaminess; whole milk or a milk-cream mix works for a lighter option.
- Flour: Creates a roux for thickness; gluten-free flour is a great substitute for dietary needs.
Directions for Broccoli Cheese Soup
Let’s make this Broccoli Cheese Soup—a delightful Creamy Veggie Soup!
Create the Flavor Base
I melt 4 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. I add 1 diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent, filling the kitchen with a sweet aroma for this Creamy Veggie Soup.
Build the Roux
I stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. I sprinkle in ¼ cup flour, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux, ensuring a velvety texture for Broccoli Cheese Soup.
Add Broth
I slowly whisk in 4 cups broth, blending the roux to avoid lumps. This creates a savory base that sets the stage for the soup’s rich flavor.
Cook the Vegetables
I add 3 cups chopped broccoli florets and 1 grated carrot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. I reduce to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until the veggies are tender but retain some texture.
Incorporate Dairy
I stir in 2 cups half-and-half, warming gently without boiling to keep the soup creamy and smooth for this Creamy Veggie Soup.
Add Cheese and Season
Off the heat, I gradually stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar, letting each handful melt before adding more. I season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). For a smoother soup, I use an immersion blender, or leave it chunky for heartiness.
Serve and Garnish
I ladle Broccoli Cheese Soup into bowls, topping each with extra cheddar, chives, bacon, or croutons for a cozy, flavorful finish.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~390 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 12g protein, 28g fat, 2g fiber
Variations for Broccoli Cheese Soup
Try these twists on Broccoli Cheese Soup:
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip bacon garnish for a meat-free Creamy Veggie Soup.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version.
- Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken or cubed tofu for a heartier Creamy Veggie Soup.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in ¼ tsp cayenne or hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Cauliflower Swap: Replace half the broccoli with cauliflower for a different veggie vibe, inspired by Layla Cooks’ creative recipes.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping.
- Serve with Layla Cooks’ cucumber blueberry feta salad for a fresh contrast.
- Offer with Layla Cooks’ Lace Cookies with Chocolate for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store Broccoli Cheese Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and creamy. For freezing, I cool the soup completely and store in freezer-safe containers (without garnishes) for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of broth if needed, then add fresh garnishes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup in wide bowls or bread bowls with a generous sprinkle of cheddar and chives for a cozy look.
- Garnish: Add crumbled bacon, croutons, or a dash of smoked paprika for a gourmet touch to this Creamy Veggie Soup.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp white wine, sparkling water, or Layla Cooks’ iced herbal tea for a refreshing meal.
- Portion Size: 1–1.5 cups per person for a hearty meal; smaller portions for a starter.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or casual lunches.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about Broccoli Cheese Soup:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great and saves prep time; add directly to the soup and simmer until tender for Broccoli Cheese Soup.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
Whole milk or a mix of milk and cream works for a lighter Creamy Veggie Soup; unsweetened plant-based milks like oat or cashew are dairy-free options.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and vegetarian-friendly cheese (no animal rennet) for a vegetarian Broccoli Cheese Soup.
Why does my cheese get grainy?
Add cheese off the heat and stir gradually to prevent graininess; hand-shredded cheddar melts smoother than pre-shredded for Broccoli Cheese Soup.
Can I add protein to the soup?
Yes, stir in cooked shredded chicken, bacon, or tofu for a heartier Creamy Veggie Soup.
More Dinner Recipes
- Classic Moussaka: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Treat
- Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer
- Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheese Soup is a creamy, comforting classic that brings together tender veggies and rich cheddar in a bowl of pure bliss. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this Creamy Veggie Soup is a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish. Whip up Broccoli Cheese Soup, share with loved ones, and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness in every spoonful!
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Soup:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped
- 1 large carrot grated
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of ground nutmeg optional
- Extra shredded cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over onions and cook to form a roux. Slowly whisk in broth until smooth.
- Cook Vegetables: Add broccoli and carrot, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in half-and-half or milk, then melt in cheddar cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend to desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with extra cheese, and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance with hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Try Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese for a different twist.
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