Welcome to this delightful journey of creating the best Broccoli Cheese Soup from the comfort of your home! Imagine a bowl of this creamy, cheesy goodness warming you up on a cold day. It’s a dish beloved by many for its rich flavors and comforting texture. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this easy Broccoli Cheese Soup is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Let’s dive in to discover how you can whip up this classic recipe effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup for Beginners: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe!
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: Packed with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of garlic for an unforgettable taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy leftovers; it’s easy to store and reheat.
- Nutritious and Filling: Broccoli provides essential nutrients, and the soup itself is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Soup
Essential Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these are the stars of our soup.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for flavor, can be adjusted to taste.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Choose based on dietary preferences; full of flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors.
Dietary Swaps
- For a lighter version: Use half-and-half or milk in place of heavy cream.
- Vegetarian option: Stick with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Gluten-free: Ensure your broth is gluten-free.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup – Step by Step
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot along with the vegetable or chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- Allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender and puree.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the cheese has completely melted and is well incorporated.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Stir in the heavy cream and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Heat the soup gently over low heat until it is warmed through. Avoid boiling once the cheese and cream are added to prevent curdling.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or fresh broccoli florets if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delicious soup.
Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Easy and Delicious
Pro Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Can I make Broccoli Cheese Soup ahead of time? Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days.
- What is the secret to the best Broccoli Cheese Soup? Using sharp cheddar gives a wonderful tangy flavor that elevates the taste of the soup.
- Texture Tips: For a chunkier texture, puree only half the broccoli and add back to the soup.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine for added depth of flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Pair with Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread or a freshly baked roll complements the soup perfectly.
- Ideal Drink Pairings: Serve with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea to balance the richness.
- Enhance Your Meal: Pair with our Easy Caesar Salad to create a full meal.
Nutritional Information for Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Perfect for those on a low-carb diet, this nutritious meal provides a balance of macronutrients.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Guidelines: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tips: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat to prevent the cheese from clumping.
FAQs for Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Can I freeze Broccoli Cheese Soup?
- Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream in Broccoli Cheese Soup?
- You can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version..
- You can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version..
- How can I make the soup thicker?
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix in a little cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix in a little cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
- Is Broccoli Cheese Soup gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as the broth and cheese you use are gluten-free.
Related Recipes for Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Yes, as long as the broth and cheese you use are gluten-free.
- Can I freeze Broccoli Cheese Soup?
- Scallion Chicken Recipe – Easy & Delicious Dinner Idea
- Cheesy Beef and Noodles Skillet – Easy Family Dinner
- Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe
Conclusion & Call to Action
Creating the best Broccoli Cheese Soup at home is not only easy but a delicious, satisfying way to enjoy a healthy meal. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do. Why not leave a review and let us know how it turned out? Don’t forget to share your delicious creation with your friends and family on social media! Now you know how to make the best Broccoli Cheese Soup at home!
Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting broccoli cheese soup that’s perfect for any cold day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
- Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and well incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy broccoli cheese soup!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, soup recipe, comfort food, healthy eating, vegetarian, homemade, cheddar soup, healthy recipes, easy recipes, broccoli