Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Warm up with Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, a healthy, velvety blend of tender broccoli and rich cheddar. This comforting, nutrient-packed dish is perfect for cozy dinners, easy to prepare, and bursting with flavor, making it a wholesome family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is the perfect marriage of indulgence and nutrition, offering a rich, cheesy flavor without the guilt. This wholesome soup combines vibrant broccoli with sharp cheddar for a satisfying, creamy texture that feels like a treat but is packed with vitamins and fiber. It’s quick to make, ideal for weeknight dinners, and versatile enough to fit vegetarian or gluten-free diets with simple tweaks. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening or need a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings, this soup delivers warmth and flavor in every spoonful. Its vibrant green hue and cheesy aroma make it as inviting as it is delicious, and the straightforward preparation ensures it’s a go-to recipe for any home cook.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Chop broccoli finely: Smaller pieces cook faster and blend smoother for a creamy texture.
- Use a blender safely: Blend hot soup in batches, venting the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
- Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly due to additives.
- Adjust thickness: Add more broth for a thinner soup or simmer longer for a thicker one.
- Low heat for cheese: Stir in cheese gradually over low heat to avoid graininess.
- Season at the end: Taste and adjust salt after adding cheese, as it adds saltiness.
- Use an immersion blender: For easier blending and less mess, blend directly in the pot.
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup: a healthy, cheesy, nutrient-rich comfort dish, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prep Broccoli: Chop fresh broccoli into small florets or thaw frozen broccoli; set aside.
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Onion: Add diced onion, cooking 5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, cooking 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
- Thicken Base: Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, stirring for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in vegetable broth, stirring to combine and prevent lumps.
- Cook Broccoli: Add chopped broccoli, bring to a simmer, and cook 15 minutes until tender.
- Blend Soup: Blend in batches or use an immersion blender until smooth or slightly chunky.
- Stir in Milk and Cheese: Over low heat, add milk and cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper, ladle into bowls, and enjoy warm with bread.
Notes
- Chop broccoli evenly for consistent cooking.
- Blend hot soup carefully to avoid splattering.
- Use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after adding cheese.
Ingredients Notes
- Broccoli (4 cups, chopped): Fresh or frozen, broccoli adds nutrition, fiber, and vibrant color; chop small for even cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Sharp cheddar provides rich, tangy flavor; freshly grated melts best.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups): Low-sodium broth keeps the soup healthy and allows flavor control.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds savory depth; yellow or white onions work well.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances savory notes with a subtle, aromatic kick.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing, it adds a light, healthy fat; extra-virgin is ideal.
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess; use unsweetened almond or oat for vegan options.
- Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the soup; use gluten-free flour if needed.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances flavors; adjust after cheese is added.
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild, warming spice; freshly ground is best.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version; alters flavor slightly.
- Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese for a dairy-free, vegan soup.
- Replace broccoli with cauliflower or a broccoli-cauliflower mix for a different veggie twist.
- Substitute cheddar with gouda or Monterey Jack for varied cheese flavors.
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free thickener.
- Add carrots or potatoes for extra heartiness and subtle sweetness.
- Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne for a warm or spicy note.
- Blend partially for a chunkier texture or fully for a smooth soup.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring to maintain creaminess; add broth if thickened.
- Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
- Avoid boiling when reheating to prevent cheese from separating.
Dish Gallery
Please share this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Cottage Cheese & Pineapple Cup
