If you have ever craved a comforting, velvety bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe is your new best friend. With rich, sharp cheddar melting beautifully into tender broccoli and a luscious creamy base, every spoonful hits the perfect balance between savory and soothing. It’s the kind of soup that makes you want to cozy up with a good book or share a hearty meal with loved ones, all while filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma that promises delicious satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this soup is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role in creating that signature taste, texture, and vibrant color that makes this recipe stand out. Simple, fresh components bring out the best in every spoonful.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: The star of the show providing freshness, nutrients, and bright green color.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a subtle kick and aromatic flavor.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and silky smoothness to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté the vegetables and create a luscious roux.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives the soup its creamy texture.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it provides that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a mild smoky warmth and a hint of color.
- Croutons for garnish (optional): For a crunchy contrast and an extra touch of fun.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, letting it get nice and bubbly. Toss in the chopped onion, cooking until it softens to release its natural sweetness, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, filling your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma that sets the tone for a fantastic soup.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cooking this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes ensures the flour’s raw taste cooks away while forming a smooth base that will thicken your soup perfectly, giving it that creamy, velvety consistency you crave.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring non-stop. This careful step prevents clumps and helps the roux blend seamlessly with the liquid. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, which signals that it’s ready for the next tasty ingredient to dive in.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Drop the fresh broccoli florets into the simmering pot, then reduce the heat to keep a gentle simmer. Let those vibrant green florets cook for 10 to 15 minutes until tender but still full of character. This timing ensures the broccoli keeps its bright color and fresh flavor, not turning mushy or dull.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Here’s where your soup really starts to come together. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it reaches your desired smoothness. Prefer a little texture? Consider blending just half the soup, leaving tender broccoli bites to surprise your palate with every spoonful.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, folding them gently until the cheese melts into a luscious, gooey layer throughout the soup. This step transforms the dish into the creamy masterpiece its name promises. Finish by seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’d like a subtle smoky note. Always taste and adjust—the perfect creaminess depends on your flavor preferences!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup piping hot for the ultimate comfort experience. Top with crunchy croutons if you want a bit of extra texture and a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. Now dig in and enjoy a bowl that’s nothing short of pure comfort.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Little touches take this soup to the next level. Croutons add satisfying crunch, a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top amps up the gooey factor, and a dash of paprika or freshly cracked black pepper adds a pop of color and subtle spice. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley also brighten the presentation and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread for dipping or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate cozy combo. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette contrasts nicely, adding a refreshing balance to the richness. For something heartier, consider roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming look, serve in mini bread bowls that soak up every drop of delicious soup. Another idea is layering the soup in clear glass mugs for a satisfying visual of green broccoli flecks swirled with creamy cheddar. You can also top individual servings with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese and paprika, making each bowl feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe is great to keep! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy again without losing any of its velvety charm.
Freezing
This soup freezes remarkably well. Cool it completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months — perfect for busy days when you want that comfort without the prep. Just avoid freezing the croutons; add those fresh when serving.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to maintain that silky texture and prevent scorching. If it’s thicker than you like, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the soup remains just as flavorful and comforting. The cheddar and cream bring plenty of richness to keep it hearty and satisfying.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe because of its bold flavor and excellent melting qualities. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch, but fresh florets provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, add them directly to the pot and simmer a bit longer to make sure they are fully tender.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
To lighten it up, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. Keep in mind this may change the texture slightly but still results in a delicious, creamy soup.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup up to the blending stage and refrigerate. Then, when ready to serve, blend, add the cream and cheese, and warm through. This saves time on busy days while still delivering all the comfort you crave.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe is truly a heartwarming classic that belongs in every kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with family, this soup hits all the notes. The combination of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and creamy broth feels like a hug in a bowl. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with every spoonful!
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Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting, velvety blend of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy broth. Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner, it combines tender broccoli florets with a rich roux and melted cheese, producing a smooth, flavorful soup that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Garnish
- Croutons (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot with the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and begin thickening.
- Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Broccoli: Once boiling, add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and stir it back in.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese melts completely into the soup. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika to taste. Adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with croutons, if desired. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To make the soup gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or heavy cream when blending.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with other mild cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
