If you’re craving a cozy bowl of comfort that’s both hearty and full of vibrant flavors, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Rich, creamy, and loaded with tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you want a satisfying lunch or a lovely starter for dinner, this soup hits that perfect balance between indulgent and nourishing, making it an all-time favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe to create a soup that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s building a flavorful base, thickening the soup for creaminess, or adding those vibrant colors that make your bowl so inviting.
- Unsalted butter, 7 tablespoons: Provides a rich, silky foundation for cooking and finishing the soup.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Adds depth to the base while helping sauté the onions.
- Finely diced yellow onion, 1 cup: Brings sweetness and a mild, savory flavor when softened.
- Minced garlic, 1½ teaspoons: Infuses the soup with an aromatic warmth.
- Paprika, ¾ teaspoon (smoked preferred): Adds a subtle smoky note and beautiful color.
- Ground mustard, ¾ teaspoon: Gives a gentle tang and complexity.
- Ground cayenne pepper, 1/8 teaspoon: Lends a slight kick without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- All-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons: Creates the roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
- Low-sodium chicken broth, 32 ounces: Forms the hearty liquid base; vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian twist.
- Half-and-half, 3 cups: Adds luscious creaminess that makes the soup irresistibly smooth.
- Bay leaf, 1 (optional): Imparts a subtle herbal hint during simmering.
- Chopped broccoli, 6 cups: The star vegetable, tender yet vibrant green and full of nutrients.
- Shredded carrots, 2 cups: Bring sweetness and a splash of color to brighten the bowl.
- Grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese, 12 ounces: The crown jewel that melts into creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional): Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last spoonful.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter along with a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. The combination allows you to gently cook the onions without browning them too quickly. Once melted, toss in the diced onions and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, releasing a sweet aroma that promises something delicious is underway.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for about a minute until the spices bloom and become fragrant. This step layers in warmth and complexity that’s key to the soup’s inviting flavor profile.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns a golden hue. This roux is the magical thickening agent that will give your soup a silky, velvety texture—just the way homemade soup should be.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, keeping the mixture smooth and lump-free. This process thickens the soup while blending the buttery, spicy base with creamy richness. Add the bay leaf at this point if you’re using one; it’s like a secret note of flavor that elevates the whole pot.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to start thickening. This simmer also prepares the broth for the fresh vegetables you’re about to add.
Step 6: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots, then continue to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. The vegetables become tender but not mushy, offering a lovely bite that contrasts with the rich soup base.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Butter
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup develops an irresistible creamy consistency that’s packed with cheesy goodness.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your soup a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve it hot alongside buttered bread or in a cozy bread bowl for a meal that’s comfort food at its best.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can take your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe from lovely to show-stopper. Try fresh cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of extra cheddar, or a bit of crispy bacon crumbled on top. For a fresh touch, a drizzle of green onions or chives adds color and a slight bite that complements the creamy base beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is wonderfully filling, it pairs wonderfully with light sides. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for dipping and rounding out the meal. For a heartier option, try serving with a grilled cheese sandwich for an ultimate comfort food combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit fancy? Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a rustic, edible serving vessel that doubles the yum factor. Or, portion the soup into wide, shallow bowls and top each with a small dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that dairy-based soups sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. To maintain the best texture, allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in portions without the cheese for better results. Add fresh shredded cheddar when reheating to bring that creamy, cheesy finish back to life.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened a lot, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Stir in extra cheese at this time for a fresh, creamy finish that tastes just like new.
FAQs
Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the soup flavorful but vegetarian-friendly. The combination of cheese and vegetables ensures it remains hearty and satisfying.
What can I use instead of half-and-half?
If you don’t have half-and-half, you can mix equal parts milk and heavy cream as a substitute. For a lighter version, whole milk will work too, though the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup further, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce the liquid. You can also stir in an extra tablespoon or two of flour when making the roux or blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well when fresh isn’t available. Just add it a bit earlier during the simmering stage to ensure it cooks through evenly without becoming mushy.
What’s the best cheese to use in this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe?
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese provides robust flavor that stands up to the richness of the soup, but feel free to experiment with aged white cheddar or a blend of sharp cheeses to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is truly one of those feel-good dishes that can brighten any day with its creamy, cheesy comfort and vibrant veggie goodness. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe, perfect for sharing with loved ones or just treating yourself to a bowl of happiness. So go ahead, dive into this soul-satisfying soup—you won’t regret it!
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy delight perfect for a cozy meal. Made with fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful roux base, it’s a delicious blend of vegetables and rich dairy, simmered to perfection in a large pot. Serve it with buttered bread or in bread bowls for an extra hearty experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
- 1–1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 6 cups chopped broccoli (bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 12 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 3–1/4 cups)
Serving Suggestions
- Hearty buttered bread (optional), or serve in bread bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to make a golden roux.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer: Add the bay leaf if using, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the soup thickens.
- Add Vegetables: Add chopped broccoli and shredded carrots, simmer for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Take out the bay leaf if added.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally with hearty buttered bread or in bread bowls for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a creamy texture; you can substitute with heavy cream or whole milk for variation.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor but can be substituted with regular paprika.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
