Cozy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Cozy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Classic

Creamy, comforting soups always hit the spot when temperatures drop, especially when you blend broccoli cheese soup with hearty, rich ingredients.

Warm kitchens buzz with excitement as aromatics sizzle in the pot, promising deliciousness ahead.

Tender broccoli florets peek through a velvety cheese-infused broth that beckons hungry souls to the table.

Each spoonful carries layers of sharp cheddar and smooth textures that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients transform this classic recipe into a soul-warming experience that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

The magic happens when sharp cheese melts into tender vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors.

Let this soup wrap you in delicious warmth and satisfaction.

All Ingredients For Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

For Aromatics and Base:
  • Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.
  • Onion: Provides sweet, deep foundational taste for the soup's depth.
  • Garlic: Brings intense, warm aromatic notes and boosts overall flavor profile.
  • Flour: Creates silky thickening base and helps develop soup's creamy consistency.
For Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Delivers savory foundation and enhances soup's overall complexity.
  • Heavy Cream: Introduces luxurious, smooth texture and rich mouthfeel.
For Vegetables and Seasoning:
  • Broccoli: Offers vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and hearty vegetable texture.
  • Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and provides additional nutritional value.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all ingredient flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic sharpness.
  • Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky, warm undertone and gorgeous reddish hue.
  • Nutmeg: Provides warm, slightly sweet background complexity.
For Cheese Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and creamy melting quality.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, sophisticated taste and helps thicken soup.
Optional Garnish Ingredients:
  • Bacon: Adds crispy, salty crunch and smoky flavor dimension.
  • Extra Cheese: Provides additional melty, rich topping.
  • Croutons: Creates delightful textural contrast and crunchy element.

Kitchen Tools For Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

  • Large pot: Essential for sauteing aromatics and simmering the soup.
  • Immersion blender: Perfect for creating a creamy texture while keeping some vegetable chunks.
  • Whisk: Crucial for mixing the roux and preventing lumps in the broth.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, broccoli, and carrots.
  • Sharp knife: Helps in precise vegetable preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
  • Ladle: Used for serving the finished soup into bowls.

Steps To Simmer Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

  • Kickstart the Flavor Base

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic and let it dance around for a quick moment, releasing its aromatic magic.

  • Create a Silky Foundation

Dust flour over the softened onions and stir continuously until it turns a light golden color. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking gently to eliminate any stubborn lumps that might try to form.

  • Build the Soup's Character

Pour heavy cream into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Add broccoli, carrots, and a sprinkle of seasonings. Let everything bubble and mingle, cooking until the broccoli becomes tender and full of flavor.

  • Transform and Enrich

Grab an immersion blender and partially puree the soup, leaving some delightful broccoli chunks for texture. Fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt into a smooth, creamy embrace.

  • Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. For an extra touch of deliciousness, garnish with a sprinkle of cheese, crispy bacon bits, or crunchy croutons.

Flavor Tips For Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

  • Soup Rescue Techniques: Quick fixes for perfect consistency if soup gets too thick.
  • Pro Blending Hack: Partially blend for creamy-chunky texture, leaving some broccoli pieces whole for extra bite.
  • Dairy-Free Magic: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for vegan version.
  • Smart Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and depth of flavor.
  • Leftover Transformation: Refrigerated soup can be reheated gently with additional broth to restore original texture.

How To Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe Warm

  • Cozy Soup Companions: Crusty bread slices or garlic toast perfectly complement the creamy soup, helping soak up every delicious drop.
  • Protein Power-Up: Grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits add extra protein and crunch, transforming the soup into a more substantial meal.
  • Greenery Garnish: Fresh chopped chives, parsley, or green onions sprinkled on top provide a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy base and enhance visual appeal.
  • Comfort Bowl Customization: Allow guests to personalize their soup with optional toppings like extra cheese, croutons, or a dash of hot sauce for individual flavor preferences.

Store Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe Fresh

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezer-Friendly Tip: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if soup thickens during storage.
  • Texture Preservation Hack: Avoid microwaving entire batch. Reheat smaller portions to maintain original soup's smooth and rich characteristics. Cheese might separate if overheated, so stir carefully and watch temperature closely.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 448 kcal

Servings: 7

Print
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Cozy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Cozy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty broccoli cheese soup emerges as a creamy comfort classic from American kitchens. Robust cheddar and tender broccoli florets combine in a luscious blend that satisfies hungry souls and warms winter evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) broccoli florets, fresh, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tbsps butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Croutons

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a spacious pot over medium heat until shimmering and translucent.
  2. Aromatic Base: Sauté finely chopped onions in the butter until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic, stirring to create a fragrant foundation.
  3. Thickening Technique: Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, continuously stirring to develop a golden, nutty roux that will provide body to the soup’s texture.
  4. Liquid Integration: Gradually stream chicken broth into the pot, whisking methodically to create a smooth, velvety liquid, then pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Vegetable Harmony: Add broccoli florets, carrots, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg, reducing heat to allow vegetables to become tender while melding flavors.
  6. Texture Transformation: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a balanced consistency with some intact vegetable pieces and a creamy overall texture.
  7. Cheese Elevation: Sprinkle sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt seamlessly, creating a luxurious golden finish.
  8. Serving Flourish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional crispy bacon bits, additional cheese, or crunchy croutons for a delightful final touch.

Notes

  • Butter Browning Caution: Melt butter slowly to prevent burning, ensuring a golden base without bitter undertones.
  • Flour Roux Technique: Stir flour continuously while cooking to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth thickening base.
  • Cheese Melting Precision: Remove soup from direct heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a silky, smooth texture.
  • Vegetable Texture Control: Use immersion blender sparingly to keep some vegetable chunks, preserving the soup’s rustic character and nutritional integrity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 448
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 930 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 92 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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