Creamy Broccoli & Cheddar Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

ByEmma

There’s nothing like a warm, creamy bowl of broccoli and cheddar soup to make any day feel better. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy lunch, a light dinner, or a starter for your meal, this recipe hits the spot every time.

Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make a restaurant-quality soup at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting & Delicious: Perfectly creamy with a hint of sharp cheddar, it’s irresistible.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious broccoli and a cheesy indulgence.
  • Quick & Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

For the Soup Base:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or substitute with half-and-half for extra creaminess)

For the Cheesy Flavor:

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (freshly grated for the best melting quality)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended for extra depth)

For Seasoning:

  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables

  • Wash and cut your broccoli into small florets.
  • Dice the onion, shred the carrots, and mince the garlic.

2. Cook the Aromatics

  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

3. Make the Roux

  • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux that thickens the soup.
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to ensure no lumps form.

4. Simmer the Broccoli

  • Add the broccoli florets to the pot and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

5. Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

  • Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup if you prefer a creamier texture with some broccoli chunks. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.

6. Add the Cheese

  • Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
  • Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Soup

  • Use fresh cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating your own cheddar will make a big difference.
  • Don’t boil the cheese: Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to avoid curdling.
  • Add cream for indulgence: Swap half of the milk with heavy cream for a richer texture.

Serving Suggestions

This broccoli and cheddar soup is perfect on its own, but pairing it with sides makes it even better:

  • Crusty sourdough bread or garlic bread for dipping.
  • A fresh green salad for a light contrast.
  • Croutons or crispy bacon bits as a topping for extra crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup is too thick.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli & Cheddar Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again.

Enjoy your warm, delicious bowl of happiness!

More Recipes