Cheddar Broccoli Soup

If you’re in the mood for something cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, Cheddar Broccoli Soup is the answer. This velvety, creamy soup combines tender broccoli with the rich, savory goodness of sharp cheddar cheese. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and trust me, once you take a spoonful, you won’t want to stop. It’s perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or whenever you need a little extra comfort in your life. The best part? It’s easy to make, filling, and absolutely packed with flavor. You might even find yourself licking the bowl clean!

Why You’ll Love Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Rich and Creamy: The cream and cheddar cheese create a smooth, velvety texture that’s so comforting. Every spoonful feels indulgent, but it’s still packed with nutritious veggies!

Flavorful: The sharpness of the cheddar complements the natural sweetness of the broccoli, and a touch of garlic and onion adds depth to the overall flavor.

Quick & Easy: You don’t need any fancy techniques or hours of cooking to make this soup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a pot of this cheesy goodness ready in about 30 minutes.

Vegetable-Packed: The broccoli is the star of the show here, and it adds a nice balance of freshness and crunch to the creamy base. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without compromising on taste!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, making it for lunch, or even using it as a starter for a larger meal, this soup is always a hit.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy soup to life:

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, the broccoli is the key ingredient in this dish. You’ll want it tender, but still a bit of bite left to it.
• Butter: For sautéing the onions and garlic. It creates the perfect base for the soup’s rich flavor.
• Onion & Garlic: A classic flavor base. The onion adds sweetness and depth, while the garlic brings that wonderful aromatic quality.
• Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth): The soup needs a liquid base to bring it all together, and broth gives it an extra layer of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This makes the soup wonderfully creamy and smooth, providing that luxurious texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient! Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese will melt in perfectly.
• Flour (optional): A little flour will help thicken the soup and give it that nice, creamy consistency.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and balancing out all the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this soup together—it’s simple and comes together quickly!

Sauté the Onion & Garlic:

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. The smell will make you hungry!

Add the Broth & Simmer:

Sprinkle in flour (if using) and stir it into the onions and garlic. Let it cook for a minute to form a roux. Then, pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the Broccoli:

Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. You can cook it longer if you prefer a softer texture, but I love when the broccoli still has a little bite!

Add the Cream & Cheese:

Once the broccoli is tender, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and let the soup warm through. Now, add the cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly until it melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.

Season to Taste:

Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper. This step helps to balance the flavors and bring out the richness of the cheese and broccoli.

Serve & Enjoy:

Once everything is nice and creamy, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, and for a little extra indulgence, sprinkle some more cheese on top. You can even serve it with some crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~400-450 calories (depending on the exact ingredients and serving size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Cheddar Broccoli Soup is the ultimate comfort food, but it’s also a great addition to a variety of meals. Here’s how to serve it:

With a Side of Bread: Serve it with a warm, crusty bread like sourdough or a few slices of garlic bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy soup, and it’s absolutely divine.

Top with Extra Cheese: For the cheese lovers out there (you know who you are!), add a sprinkle of extra grated cheddar or even Parmesan on top. You can also toss in some crispy bacon bits for an extra salty, smoky crunch.

With a Side Salad: A light, fresh salad is the perfect accompaniment to this rich, creamy soup. Go for a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.

Serve in a Bread Bowl: If you want to go all-out, serve your soup in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. It’s fun and adds extra flavor when you dip the bread bowl into the soup!

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a better texture and flavor compared to frozen, but if that’s all you have, frozen broccoli works just fine.

Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use more flour or cook the soup a bit longer to let it reduce. A quick tip: you can also blend a portion of the soup (using an immersion blender or regular blender) to create a creamier consistency.

Add a Little Heat: If you like a kick, stir in some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use a reduced-fat cheese.

Double the Recipe: This soup makes for fantastic leftovers, so feel free to double the batch and store it in the fridge for later. It also freezes well for up to a month—just reheat it gently on the stovetop.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it thickens too much.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A2: Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup to avoid excess water.

Q3: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A3: Yes! You can use dairy-free butter, coconut milk or cashew cream, and dairy-free cheese to make it dairy-free. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will still be great.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat to preserve its creamy texture.

Q5: Can I freeze Cheddar Broccoli Soup?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to a month. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stovetop.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: Yes! You can use monterey jack, Colby, or Gruyère cheese in place of cheddar for a different flavor. However, cheddar really shines in this soup!

Q7: How can I make this soup spicier?
A7: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some chopped jalapeños to the soup.

Q8: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A8: Yes, you can! Sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all the ingredients (except the cream and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cream and cheese at the end.

Q9: Can I make this soup gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup.

Q10: How do I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?
A10: You can thicken your soup by simmer

ing it a bit longer, or by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. Just whisk the cornstarch into a bit of cold water and stir it into the soup until it thickens.

Conclusion

Cheddar Broccoli Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy, and vegetable-packed soup that’s perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or just when you’re craving something cozy. It’s quick, easy, and filled with flavor, and I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your household. Grab a bowl, a spoon, and enjoy this hearty, cheesy delight!

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