Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for chilly days. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich creamy base, it blends wholesome flavors and smooth textures into a hearty, quick-to-make soup ideal for weeknight dinners or hearty lunches.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Fats
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut the fresh broccoli into small florets. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic to release their fragrant flavors when cooked.
- Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking gently until translucent to create a flavorful base. Add the broccoli florets and stir frequently to soften them without becoming mushy.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot and stir thoroughly to combine it with the butter-vegetable mixture. Cook the flour for 2 minutes to avoid any raw taste and to help thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the milk and heavy cream. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to fully soften the broccoli and allow the flavors to blend.
- Blend and Add Cheese: Optionally, use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup to achieve a creamy texture while retaining some broccoli chunks for texture. Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese off the heat to allow it to melt smoothly without curdling.
- Season and Serve: Finish the soup by seasoning with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning before ladling into bowls and serving warm.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and quality cheese for vibrant color and rich flavor.
- Do not overcook the broccoli; soften it just enough to maintain bright color and texture.
- Add cheese gradually off the heat to prevent clumping or separation.
- Cook the flour properly before adding liquids to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Partial blending provides a perfect balance of smooth and chunky textures.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, creamy soup, comfort food, quick soup recipe, vegetarian soup