Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

There’s just something magical about Broccoli Cheese Soup that turns an ordinary day into a warm, cozy occasion. This creamy classic combines tender broccoli florets, sweet carrots, rich cheddar, and a hint of Parmesan in a velvety broth that’s perfect for dunking your favorite crusty bread. Whether you love it super smooth or enjoy every chunky bite, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every spoonful and proves why Broccoli Cheese Soup is a must-have on your homemade soup rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part of making Broccoli Cheese Soup at home is seeing how a handful of staple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each item adds depth, flavor, or texture to the final bowl, so don’t skip a thing if you want that crave-worthy result!

• Butter: Lends richness and a hint of nuttiness, plus sautés the veggies beautifully.
• Yellow onion: Brings subtle sweetness and a mellow foundation to the soup.
• Garlic cloves: Add aromatic depth that makes the flavors really pop.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup, creating that luscious, creamy texture.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid backbone; use veggie broth to keep it vegetarian.
• Whole milk: Adds body and silkiness—don’t be shy on the good stuff!
• Fresh broccoli florets: The star of the show, giving color, nutrition, and that signature taste.
• Carrot: Grated carrot sneaks in extra sweetness and cheerful color.
• Salt, black pepper, and paprika: Simple seasonings bring the whole soup together with a savory kick.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers bold, tangy creaminess; always freshly shredded for the best melt.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish and ties all the cheesy notes together.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by placing a large pot over medium heat and melting the butter. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and fragrant—about 4 to 5 minutes. When the onion is just about translucent, add in the minced garlic and keep stirring for another minute, letting that irresistible aroma fill your kitchen.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour directly over your sautéed onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the butter and form a golden paste, or roux. This step is key for achieving the soup’s signature creamy texture—think of it as the backbone of your Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer

Slowly whisk in the broth and milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; you’ll notice it starting to thicken into a silky base. Now, add your chopped broccoli, grated carrot, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well, lower the heat just a touch, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The broccoli should turn beautifully tender without losing its bright color.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low before adding in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the soup transforms into a glossy, luscious pot of Broccoli Cheese Soup. For a perfectly smooth finish, use an immersion blender to puree right in the pot—or leave some veggies chunky for texture.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Sample your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once it’s spot on, ladle into bowls and serve while it’s piping hot. Now you’re ready for the best part—digging in!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup

Garnishes

Elevate every bowl of broccoli cheese soup with a simple garnish! A sprinkle of extra cheddar, a scattering of fresh chopped chives, or just a few croutons on top add new layers of flavor and a charming finishing touch that guests will love.

Side Dishes

Broccoli Cheese Soup is comforting on its own, but it’s even better paired with a crusty baguette, warm dinner rolls, or classic garlic bread. If you want something a little greener, serve it with a fresh garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette—the soup’s richness loves good company.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your meal into something extra memorable by serving the soup in a warm bread bowl, mini soup mugs for appetizers, or as a fun dip with veggies and pretzel sticks at parties. However you choose to present it, Broccoli Cheese Soup always steals the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the last spoonful, simply cool any remaining Broccoli Cheese Soup to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for next-day lunches or easy weeknight suppers.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your soup, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to two months. Just keep in mind the texture may change slightly because of the dairy content, but a gentle stir as it reheats will help smooth things out.

Reheating

Warm your Broccoli Cheese Soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently until evenly heated. Avoid boiling, since that can cause the cheese to separate. For single servings, the microwave works well—just use short bursts and stir in between for a creamy, perfectly reheated bowl every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Simply thaw the broccoli first and pat it dry well to avoid excess water. The soup will still taste fantastic, though you might notice the pieces are a touch softer.

How can I make Broccoli Cheese Soup gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch. The thickening power is almost the same, so your soup stays creamy without any gluten.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice because of its bold flavor and smooth melt. If you want extra richness, add a bit of Gruyère or swap some cheddar for white cheddar or Colby Jack.

How do I make the soup smoother or chunkier?

This one’s totally up to your preference! Use an immersion blender for a creamy, smooth finish, or leave the soup as is after simmering if you’d rather enjoy bites of broccoli and carrot.

Can Broccoli Cheese Soup be made vegan?

Definitely—it’s simple to adapt. Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, vegetable broth, and your favorite vegan cheese. The result is still hearty, creamy, and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing more rewarding than a big, steaming bowl of homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup. I hope you take the plunge and stir up a pot—the results are pure comfort and guaranteed to put smiles around your table. Don’t forget to share your own little twists once you’ve made it—this soup just seems to spark creativity and happy memories in every kitchen!

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