Print

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Print Recipe

Warm up with creamy, comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup made easy—perfect for cozy nights and simple homemade meals. This classic soup combines tender broccoli florets with rich, melted sharp cheddar cheese in a velvety base that feels like a hug in a bowl. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for a quick, delicious, and nostalgic meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Base and Thickener

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 2 cups milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)

Dairy and Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic to release their flavors evenly throughout the soup.
  2. Cook the base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
  3. Add liquids and broccoli: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth and starting to thicken. Toss in broccoli florets, then bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the broccoli to cook until tender but still vibrant green.
  4. Blend for creaminess (optional): For a silkier texture, carefully blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender or in batches. Leave some broccoli chunks intact for contrast.
  5. Add cheddar cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for deeper flavor and better melt.
  • Do not overcook broccoli; keep it vibrant and slightly crisp.
  • Cook the roux (flour and butter) thoroughly to avoid a grainy texture.
  • Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping or greasiness.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning gradually to balance flavors.
  • For vegetarian options, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Dairy-free options can use plant-based milk and vegan cheddar alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, creamy broccoli soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, cheesy soup

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/broccoli-cheddar-soup/