This Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy, cheesy, and simply delicious! It’s the perfect warm hug in a bowl, packed with tender broccoli and melted cheese that makes you smile.
Whenever I make this soup, I can’t help but sneak in extra cheese. It’s just too good! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a chilly day, and your kitchen will smell amazing.
I love serving it with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s a cozy meal that warms your heart as much as your tummy! Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a family favorite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best for flavor and texture, but frozen broccoli is a great shortcut. It’s prewashed and pre-cut, saving you prep time. I often go for whatever I have on hand!
Carrots: Fresh chopped carrots add sweetness and color. If you’re in a hurry, you can use frozen diced carrots or even swap them for bell peppers or peas for a different twist.
Onion: Diced onion complements the soup with flavor. I prefer yellow onions for their sweetness, but white or red onions can work too, depending on your taste preferences.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese gives the richest flavor. If you want a milder taste, try using a mild cheddar or even a cheese blend. A bit of cream cheese can also add creaminess if you’re out of cheddar.
Milk: Using milk makes for a lighter soup. For a richer version, you can go with heavy cream or half-and-half. If you prefer dairy-free, almond milk or oat milk are good substitutes that keep things creamy.
How Do I Make a Creamy Roux?
Making a roux is key to getting that perfect creamy soup base. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add your diced onions and carrots and sauté until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked veggies, stirring continuously to combine. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
This process helps thicken your soup while giving it a smooth texture. Remember to stir well to avoid lumps, and gradually add your broth to keep it creamy!
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or cream for a richer taste)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup will take about 30 minutes total — around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick to make and perfect for a comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onions and carrots. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and soft. This step adds great flavor to your soup!
2. Create a Roux:
Once the onions and carrots are ready, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will help thicken your soup and give it a lovely texture.
3. Add the Broth:
Gradually pour in the broth, whisking as you go. This helps to combine everything smoothly and avoid any lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; you’ll start to see bubbles around the edges of the pot.
4. Cook the Broccoli:
Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets and the garlic powder. Cook this for about 10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender. You can give it a stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.
5. Mix in Milk and Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the milk (or cream) along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and delicious.
6. Season and Adjust Consistency:
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you find that the soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add a little more broth or milk to get it just right!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your tasty broccoli cheese soup is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and enjoy it hot, ideally with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. It’s a warm hug in a bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine in this recipe. Just thaw it first by placing it in the fridge overnight or microwaving it for a few minutes to soften. There’s no need to cook it ahead of time; simply add it to the pot as directed!
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
You can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free by substituting the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. For the cheese, try a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, which can help maintain the creamy texture of the soup.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly once thawed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like cauliflower, peas, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on how long those vegetables take to become tender.
