If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort that delivers ultimate coziness with every spoonful, the Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is calling your name! Imagine rich, velvety cheese melting into tender broccoli florets, all suspended in a luscious, creamy broth—it’s the kind of soup that transforms even ordinary weeknights into something special. This dish brings the warmth of your favorite neighborhood café right into your own kitchen, and once you taste it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe every time the weather starts to cool or you need a little edible hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a few humble kitchen staples come together to make such an irresistible soup. Each of these ingredients brings its own unique charm, whether it’s a pop of color, a dash of tang, or that unmissable cheesy depth. Let’s break down why every item is a star in this classic Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe:
- Butter: Starting with unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, while also delivering rich flavor and an inviting sheen to the finished soup.
- Onion: A finely chopped small onion adds subtle sweetness and a savory backbone that rounds out every bite.
- Garlic: Minced garlic provides that hint of aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
- All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit thickens the soup into that classic, spoon-coating creaminess we crave.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Using low-sodium broth means you get flavor without overwhelming salt; use veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
- Whole Milk: It balances richness with a silky consistency and helps the soup feel dreamy without being heavy.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the decadence comes in! It makes the soup ultra-creamy and luscious.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: When chopped small, broccoli cooks fast and stays vibrant green—perfect texture and color.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These two simple seasonings accentuate all the savory notes of the soup.
- Ground Mustard (Optional): Just a pinch brightens the cheese flavors and adds a gentle tang without being recognizable.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For bold, unmistakable cheesy flavor that melts like a dream.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Lends a salty, nutty complexity and a gorgeously smooth finish.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting your butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s foaming gently, toss in the finely chopped onion and let it sweat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. The goal is to soften and sweeten the onion without getting any color. Once the onion is translucent, add that fragrant garlic and cook for just one minute longer. It instantly makes your kitchen smell incredible and forms the flavor foundation for this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Now it’s time to build the soup’s body. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key for thickness and gives the final soup its lovable, creamy heft, but don’t walk away—it can burn if ignored! When the mixture looks golden and smells a bit nutty, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Add Broth, Milk, and Cream
Slowly (and I do mean slowly!) whisk in your chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the whole milk and heavy cream. Pour gradually while whisking vigorously. This helps avoid lumps and makes the base ultra-smooth. Once everything is combined and the mixture is silky, bring it up to a gentle simmer; small bubbles are what you want here, not a rolling boil.
Step 4: Simmer with Broccoli and Spices
It’s broccoli’s time to shine! Stir in your chopped broccoli, salt, pepper, and a little ground mustard if you’re using it. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Every so often, give it a loving stir. As the broccoli softens and flavors mingle, your kitchen will fill with that telltale cheesy-broccoli aroma only a true Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe can offer.
Step 5: Add Cheeses and Finish
Once the broccoli is fork-tender, reduce your heat to low. Slowly add the sharp cheddar and Parmesan, a handful at a time, letting each bit melt before adding the next. Patience pays off here—rushing can make your cheese separate instead of melting gracefully. Remember: don’t let the soup boil after you’ve added the cheese! For a silky-smooth soup, blend part of it with an immersion blender, or leave it chunky for sheer cozy satisfaction.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls and serve it immediately. This is a dish that loves a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. Every spoonful is pure, velvety joy—just what homemade Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is all about.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate each bowl to something truly special with a few thoughtful garnishes. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or freshly grated Parmesan adds even more cheesiness, while a handful of chopped chives or green onions brings color and a pop of freshness. A few crisp croutons piled on top deliver irresistible crunch—trust me, you’ll want to grab extra!
Side Dishes
A big hunk of warm, crusty bread transforms the Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe into a soul-satisfying meal. For a classic combo, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a crisp, tangy salad. If you’re feeling fancy, tiny cheese toasts or a flaky pastry twist are both perfect for dunking.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your soup in edible bread bowls for an impressive, mess-free twist—everyone loves ripping off the “bowl” and soaking it in any leftover soup! Mini soup shooters make adorable appetizers at parties, or get cozy by ladling the soup into oversized mugs and curling up by a window with your favorite book.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making those weekday lunches so much tastier and more satisfying.
Freezing
You absolutely can freeze this soup for longer storage! Pour fully cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It will last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—this helps preserve the soup’s creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. If the soup separates a bit, just give it a good whisk or a quick blitz with an immersion blender to bring it back to creamy perfection. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Definitely! Frozen broccoli works well in this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe. Just thaw it, drain off any excess water, and chop before adding for the ideal texture and flavor.
What type Soup
Sharp cheddar is key for that bold cheesy kick, but feel free to try extra-sharp or even a blend of white and yellow cheddar to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply swap in vegetable broth for the chicken broth—every other ingredient is already vegetarian. The result is just as rich and satisfying.
Can I make it lighter?
For a lighter Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe, use half-and-half in place of the heavy cream and swap in low-fat milk for the whole milk. The soup will still be creamy, with fewer calories.
Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely! Carrots, cauliflower, or even a handful of spinach wilted in at the end add color and nutritional variety without overpowering the classic flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making your own Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe before, this is the moment to start! It’s deeply satisfying, comes together with simple ingredients, and fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Grab your pot, a big spoon, and get ready to enjoy a soup that’s sure to become an instant favorite!
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Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this comforting Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup. Made with fresh broccoli, a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic, this soup is perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Broth Base:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Soup Mixture:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Create Roux: Whisk in flour and cook to form a roux. Slowly whisk in broth, milk, and cream. Simmer until smooth.
- Add Broccoli: Mix in broccoli, salt, pepper, and mustard. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce heat, then gradually stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted.
- Blend or Serve: Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture or leave chunky. Serve hot with bread or extra cheese.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and chop it before adding.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
