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Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Featured in Warm and Comforting Bowls.

This classic broccoli cheddar soup achieves perfect balance by combining fresh, tender broccoli with premium sharp cheddar in a velvety, warming broth. The careful preparation allows the cheese to melt smoothly into the soup while the broccoli maintains its bright flavor and gentle texture. Ready in just thirty five minutes, this soup offers remarkable comfort and satisfaction while remaining achievable for busy weeknights. The result delivers all the beloved qualities of this classic combination.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:16:23 GMT
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A close-up of creamy broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheddar and black pepper in a bowl. Pin it
A close-up of creamy broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheddar and black pepper in a bowl. | tastygusto.com

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food! This creamy, cheesy soup is packed with tender broccoli, a rich broth, and sharp cheddar cheese for a warm, satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly day, it's quick to make in just 30 minutes and pairs wonderfully with a crusty sourdough bread bowl or fresh side salad.

Why This Soup Warms My Heart

Every time I make this soup it reminds me of cozy winter evenings at home. The combination of rich cheddar and fresh broccoli creates such a comforting blend of flavors. I love how quickly it comes together making it perfect for those busy weeknights when we need something warming and delicious. Whether I'm serving it in bread bowls for guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home this recipe never disappoints.

What You'll Need

  • Broccoli: Cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect texture in every spoonful.
  • Onion and Garlic: Add a savory depth of flavor to the soup base.
  • Butter and Flour: Create a roux that thickens the soup.
  • Milk: For a creamy consistency. Whole milk or unsweetened almond milk works well.
  • Vegetable Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
  • Carrot: Optional but adds sweetness and color. Julienne strips mimic a cheesy look.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings tangy depth to balance the flavors.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar for bold flavor; grate fresh for the best results.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the soup's flavor profile.

Let's Make It

Start by cutting your broccoli into bite-sized florets that'll be perfect for spooning. In a large pot melt butter over medium heat and add your diced onion and minced garlic sautéing until they become fragrant and soft. Next comes the important part sprinkle flour over your onion mixture and whisk constantly this creates the base that will give your soup that luxurious thickness. Slowly pour in your milk while whisking to keep things smooth then add the vegetable broth. Drop in your broccoli and let everything simmer until the vegetables are tender. The final magical touch is adding the freshly grated cheddar cheese over low heat stirring until it creates that perfect creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper until it tastes just right.

Make It Your Own

You can easily customize this soup to make it perfect for your tastes. Try adding julienned carrots for extra color and sweetness or swap in dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version. I sometimes stir in some fresh spinach or kale for added nutrients or spice things up with a pinch of cayenne. For cheese lovers experiment with different combinations like mixing sharp cheddar with creamy Gruyere or adding a bit of Parmesan for extra depth.

Storage and Serving

Keep your leftover soup fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge where it'll stay good for up to three days. When reheating warm it gently on the stovetop stirring occasionally and add a splash of broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. While fresh bread bowls make for an impressive presentation I also love serving this soup with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic breadsticks on the side. Top each bowl with a little extra cheese and maybe a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that perfect finishing touch.

Common Questions Answered

Many people ask if they can use pre-shredded cheese but I always recommend grating your own for the smoothest results. The flour and butter roux is key for achieving that perfect thick and creamy texture we all love. If you need to make it gluten-free simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. And yes you can absolutely add protein feel free to toss in some cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits for an even heartier meal.

A bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese, served alongside slices of toasted bread. Pin it
A bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese, served alongside slices of toasted bread. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Yes, unsweetened almond milk works well as a substitute for whole milk. Just ensure it's unflavored to maintain the savory taste of the soup.
→ Why add Dijon mustard to the soup?
Dijon mustard enhances the cheese flavor and adds depth to the soup. It's subtle but makes a difference in the overall taste.
→ How should I cut the broccoli for best results?
Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Make sure they're similar in size for consistent cooking.
→ What's the best way to add the cheese?
Add the cheese gradually, stirring after each addition, to ensure it melts smoothly and creates a creamy texture without clumping.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
Homemade croutons or crusty bread work perfectly. The crunchy texture complements the creamy soup nicely and helps make it a filling meal.

Conclusion

This classic broccoli cheddar soup brings together fresh vegetables and sharp cheddar in a creamy, comforting broth. Made in just 35 minutes, it's perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A quick and easy comfort soup combining tender broccoli and carrots in a rich, cheesy broth. Ready in 35 minutes and perfect with crusty bread.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.
02 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
03 ½ teaspoon sea salt.
04 Freshly ground black pepper.
05 3 garlic cloves, chopped.
06 ¼ cup all-purpose flour.
07 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk.
08 2 cups vegetable broth.
09 3 cups chopped broccoli florets.
10 1 large carrot, julienned or finely chopped.
11 ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard.
12 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese.
13 Homemade croutons, optional.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Cook onion with salt and pepper for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

Step 02

Sprinkle in flour and whisk 1-2 minutes until golden. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously.

Step 03

Add broth, broccoli, carrot, and mustard. Simmer 15-20 minutes until broccoli is tender.

Step 04

Gradually add cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season to taste and serve with optional croutons.

Notes

  1. Can use almond milk instead of whole milk.
  2. Best served with crusty bread or croutons.
  3. Add cheese gradually for smooth melting.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or large pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~