This is the best broccoli cheese soup recipe I have come across, and I have tried a few! You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets for this one, just a dutch oven or large pot, and your stovetop. It’s made with simple ingredients, and only takes 30 minutes to make, so it ticks all of my boxes. Broccoli and cheese are perfect together for making comfort food that also counts as healthy eating. The classic flavor combination is always a hit! We love broccoli and cheese in comforting dishes like my Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes, this Broccoli Casserole, and, of course, my Chicken Broccoli Alfredo dish. One of my husband’s favorite dishes is this Layered Broccoli Salad which is loaded with fresh veggies, dried cranberries, bacon, walnuts, and, of course, cheddar cheese too! This cheddar broccoli soup is perfect for any time of year. For more comforting soups try my Ham and Potato Soup, this Sausage Potato Soup with Kale, and my Easy Minestrone Soup. And don’t forget a side of Homemade Breadsticks for dunking! 😉
Ingredients Needed:
Vegetables: use chopped onion and carrots for a great savory flavor, and whole fresh broccoli florets for a burst of flavor, color, and nutrients! Butter: unsalted butter will be fine here, as you will add salt to taste. If you use salted butter you may not need to add as much salt as specified later on. Seasoning: fresh garlic cloves that you have minced yourself, as well as Italian seasoning, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground mustard blend together so well to pack a flavorful punch in this broccoli soup. Flour: all-purpose flour will thicken the soup. You can use a Gluten Free alternative if you wish, but the amount you need may vary. Broth: I use a low-sodium vegetable broth in this soup as I can better control the saltiness this way. Use vegetable stock in a pinch, or chicken broth or chicken stock for a slightly different flavor. Milk and Cream: whole milk and heavy cream will give the creamy texture and flavor, or you can use evaporated milk in place of both. Cheese: we use shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a strong cheesy flavor. You can use other cheeses as well if you wish.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This homemade broccoli cheddar soup is quick and easy to make. Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.
Tips and Notes
This soup will thicken. Soup tends to thicken as it cools. You may need to add in some extra broth if the soup is too thick before serving, or after reheating it from being in the fridge. Use fresh veggies. Pre-chopped vegetables tend to dry out, so use freshly chopped vegetables for the best flavor. Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has a floury coating on it which can affect the taste. It’s best to get a block of cheese that you can shred yourself. Texture. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup as it is nearing the end of the cooking time. Broccoli stalks. If you have broccoli stalks that you need to use, you can cook and blend them into this soup. Blend them when they have softened, you can cook them separately if you wish to have whole broccoli florets in the soup as well.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Variations
Change the veg. You can add some seasonal vegetables or your favorite vegetables to this soup. Save this recipe for use with vegetable leftovers, or if you have an abundance of broccoli. Fill it out with some potatoes, or add some bell peppers for sweetness, color, and added nutrients. Spice it up. Adding red pepper flakes, chili powder, chopped jalapenos, or hot sauce to your soup is a great way to add some heat. Cheese. Top your soup with some parmesan or mozzarella cheese. Use your own cheese choice for the soup itself, like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese mix for a slight kick.
Protein. Add some protein to your soup by mixing in some shredded chicken or crumbled crispy bacon.
Serving Suggestions
While this vegetable soup is hearty and filling, it will also go well with some sides to make it a fuller meal. Bread is always a great side dish, or you can serve the soup in a bread bowl for an extra special presentation! From crusty bread to soft rolls, you can’t go wrong! Try these amazing Homemade Crescent Rolls, my No Knead Artisan Bread, these Homemade Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls, or these yummy Homemade Breadsticks.
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