This Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with healthy broccoli! It’s perfect for a cozy meal and is super easy to make.
I love how this soup warms you up on chilly days. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! Just grab a bowl and enjoy—it’s like a hug in soup form! 🥦🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for flavor and nutrition. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli works too—just thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives this soup its rich flavor. You can try a mix of cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Gruyère, for a different taste. If you’re dairy-free, use a nut-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps to build flavor without adding extra salt. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter instead.
Broth: Chicken broth enhances the flavor, but vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian dish. Homemade broth is wonderful if you have it on hand!
How Do I Make a Creamy Soup Without a Blender?
If you don’t have an immersion blender or a regular blender, you can still achieve a nice creamy texture. After cooking the broccoli until tender, use a potato masher to break down some of the broccoli in the pot. This will thicken the soup while still giving you some chunky bits of broccoli.
Additionally, you could simply leave the soup as is, which makes for a more rustic style. The flavor will still be fantastic! Just be sure to stir in the cheese well so it melts completely.
Why Is the Roux Important?
The roux is a mixture of flour and butter that helps thicken the soup. Cooking it for a couple of minutes ensures it loses the raw flour taste and contributes to a creamy texture. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent it from burning.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Base:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This gives your soup a nice flavor base.
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will taste bitter!
3. Create the Roux:
Next, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for around 2 minutes. This mixture, called a roux, will help thicken your soup and give it a creamy texture.
4. Add Broth and Milk:
Slowly whisk in the broth first, then the milk, making sure to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring and bring the mixture to a simmer, which will take a few minutes.
5. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Cover and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is nice and tender.
6. Blend the Soup:
If you have an immersion blender, blend about half of the soup in the pot until creamy, while leaving some chunks of broccoli. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer half the soup to the blender, purée it, and return it to the pot.
7. Add the Cheese:
Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating that delicious cheesy goodness!
8. Season to Taste:
Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if you like for extra warmth. Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary to suit your preferences.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cozy soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley on top. It goes wonderfully with warm crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of broccoli cheese soup!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli can be a convenient alternative. Just thaw it and drain any excess moisture, then add it to the soup as you would fresh broccoli. Cooking time may be slightly reduced since it’s already blanched.
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a creamy blend of cheeses work well. For a dairy-free option, consider using a nut-based cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time! Just store it in the refrigerator after cooling it down. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, and stir in a little milk if needed to restore creaminess.
