Cream Of Broccoli And Cheese Soup Recipe

If you’re someone who loves cozy, creamy, and flavorful soups that warm you from the inside out, then Cream of Broccoli and Cheese Soup might just become your new favorite recipe. Think of it as a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness that’s packed with the rich taste of sharp cheddar cheese and the earthiness of fresh broccoli. It’s the kind of dish that makes a cold evening feel like a hug in a bowl, offering both nostalgia and indulgence.

This soup is a perfect balance between smooth, creamy texture and fresh, veggie goodness, making it ideal as a starter or even as a main dish. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate that rich, velvety soup you find in your favorite café, look no further! We’re going to dive deep into everything you need to know, from the ingredients to the step-by-step process, along with expert tips and variations to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Cream Of Broccoli And Cheese Soup Recipe

This homemade cream of broccoli and cheese soup is surprisingly easy to make, yet it’s bursting with flavor. Rich, velvety, and full of wholesome ingredients, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a whole family, this recipe scales well and can be modified for various dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, make sure you have all of the following ingredients in your kitchen to create the most delicious, cheesy broccoli soup:

• Fresh Broccoli (4 cups) – You can use either fresh broccoli florets or frozen, but fresh will give you the best flavor and texture. Don’t forget the stalks-use them too for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Butter (3 tablespoons) – A rich fat like butter is perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a depth of flavor to the base of your soup.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium) – A finely chopped onion will give the soup a slight sweetness when cooked down, balancing the earthy taste of broccoli.
• Garlic (2 cloves) – Minced garlic adds that savory punch that really brings the flavors together.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups) – The broth forms the backbone of your soup, adding moisture and flavor. Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – The cream is key to achieving that ultra-smooth, rich texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – The star of the show! Use a sharp cheddar for a bold, tangy flavor that complements the cream and broccoli perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Don’t skip this step; seasoning makes all the difference in bringing out the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheese.
• Flour (2 tablespoons) – Flour helps thicken the soup, giving it that creamy, hearty consistency.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, optional) – A touch of acidity can cut through the richness and brighten the flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making this creamy broccoli and cheese soup:

1. Prep The Broccoli

   • Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into small florets, discarding any tough stems. You can chop the stalks into small pieces if you prefer to use them.

2. Cook The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.

3. Make The Roux

   • Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. This step creates a roux, which thickens the soup and helps give it that smooth, creamy texture.

4. Add The Broth

   • Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 5-7 minutes until it slightly thickens.

5. Add The Broccoli

   • Once the broth has thickened a bit, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

6. Blend The Soup

   • For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.

7. Stir In The Cream And Cheese

   • After blending, return the soup to the pot (if necessary) and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and velvety.

8. Taste And Adjust

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

9. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately with a slice of crusty bread.

Ingredient Insights

• Broccoli: Rich in vitamins C, K, and A, broccoli adds a nutritious punch to this soup. It also offers fiber and antioxidants, making this creamy dish just a bit healthier!
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor, but if you prefer a milder cheese, you can swap it with mozzarella or gouda. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well to achieve that silky texture.
• Heavy Cream: While heavy cream creates the luxurious texture, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk if you want a lighter version. Keep in mind that the soup may not be as rich or thick.
• Broth: The choice of broth-whether chicken or vegetable-greatly affects the flavor of your soup. Chicken broth tends to add a more robust, savory note, while vegetable broth gives a slightly lighter flavor.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Over-Blend: If you prefer some texture in your soup, don’t over-blend the broccoli. You want it creamy, but leaving a few small pieces of broccoli adds a nice bite.
• Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Frozen broccoli tends to be mushier and less vibrant.
• Add a Dash of Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg can add a subtle depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and cream.
• Make it Vegan: Swap the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, use plant-based cheese, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

• Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon crumbles on top for an extra savory crunch. The smoky flavor of bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.
• Spicy Twist: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the soup. This will add an unexpected kick without overpowering the flavor.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables, like carrots or cauliflower, to bulk up the soup and add more color. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook quickly.
• Cheese Combo: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses, like gruyere or fontina, for a unique flavor profile.

Final Words

This Cream of Broccoli and Cheese Soup is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or making a batch to impress guests, it’s sure to be a hit. The combination of creamy, cheesy richness with the fresh, healthy crunch of broccoli is the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment. And with so many ways to customize it, it’s a dish that can be easily adapted to your personal taste preferences.