If you are on the hunt for a comforting, soul-warming bowl of goodness, look no further than the Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe. This creamy, cheesy soup combines tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese in a velvety broth that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Every spoonful bursts with flavor and just the right touch of richness, making it an absolute favorite for family dinners or whenever you crave something nourishing yet indulgent. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort food classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that all play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh broccoli’s vibrant green to the creamy depth of cheddar and heavy cream, each element is essential in creating this soup’s irresistible character.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): Fresh and crisp broccoli provides brilliant color and a satisfying bite.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms a flavorful, savory base that carries the soup’s richness.
- Grated cheddar cheese (1 cup): Gives the soup its signature cheesy, creamy indulgence.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds silky smoothness and a luscious finish.
- Diced onion (1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Butter (1/4 cup): Essential for sautéing and creating that perfect roux base.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Adds aromatic warmth and subtle kick.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the soup into a creamy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides gentle seasoning and balance.
How to Make Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Broccoli Ready
Start by giving your broccoli florets a good wash under running water to remove any grit or dirt. Freshness here is key to a bright, clean flavor that shines through the creamy base. Once washed, set them aside as we prepare the flavorful foundation of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large pot, melt your butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent — this step builds a fragrant, sweet base that beautifully balances the soup’s savory notes.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute. This roux acts as the thickening agent, ensuring the soup develops that rich, velvety texture that feels luxurious with each spoonful.
Step 4: Add Broth and Broccoli
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Then, add the broccoli florets along with salt and pepper. The broth simmers as the broccoli softens, allowing all those fresh flavors to intertwine.
Step 5: Simmer and Blend
Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. Once ready, use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency — whether completely smooth or with a bit of texture, it’s delicious either way.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the hot soup, making it irresistibly creamy and flavorful. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then get ready to enjoy the best cheesy broccoli soup you’ve ever had.
How to Serve Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate your soup instantly. Try sprinkling extra shredded cheddar on top for a melty finish, or toss on some crispy crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a lovely pop of color and freshness to brighten each bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up all the creamy goodness. A light side salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness nicely, while buttery garlic toast adds an extra layer of comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the soup in rustic mugs or wide bowls, topped artistically with cheese and garnishes. You could also serve it inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and hearty experience that makes every bite special and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick lunch on busy days.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen soup can last up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly, but a good stir after reheating will bring it back to perfection.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup seems too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway will help heat it evenly.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth is a great vegetarian-friendly swap and still delivers a flavorful base that complements the cheddar and broccoli wonderfully.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry. This will thicken the soup without compromising on taste or texture.
Is it possible to make this soup without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative such as cashew or oat milk. The soup might be slightly lighter, but it will still be deliciously creamy.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Cauliflower or carrots blend nicely with the broccoli, adding extra layers of flavor and nutrition to your soup. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I get the cheese to melt smoothly without clumping?
Make sure your soup is warm but not boiling when adding the cheese. Gradually stirring the cheese in over low heat allows it to melt evenly and prevents clumping.
Final Thoughts
This Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe is truly a soul-soothing dish that feels like a warm embrace in every bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a regular weeknight, this recipe’s rich flavors and creamy texture make it stand out from the usual soup routine. I encourage you to give it a try and savor its comforting deliciousness times over. You might just find your new favorite cozy classic.
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Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and comforting Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup features tender broccoli florets simmered in a flavorful chicken broth base, thickened with a classic roux, and enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Perfect as a hearty lunch or light dinner, this soup combines rich dairy goodness with fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Others
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under running water and set them aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat to create the base for the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they are soft and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour and form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps and incorporate the roux fully.
- Add Broccoli and Season: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and season the mixture with salt and black pepper.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and fully cooked.
- Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches your desired smoothness or leaves some texture, according to preference.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese until the cheese melts fully and the soup becomes creamy and rich.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary to suit your taste.
- Serve: Serve the Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup hot, optionally topped with additional shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy your comforting bowl!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
- Blending the soup completely results in a smoother texture; blend less for a chunkier style.
- Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
