If you’re craving something truly comforting that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe is your new go-to. It brings together tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and rich creaminess in a way that’s both soothing and deliciously satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply want to indulge in a classic comfort food, this soup hits all the right notes with each velvety spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this soup is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color to create that iconic creamy broccoli cheese experience.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli ensures vibrant color and the perfect tender bite.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a gentle aromatic kick that enhances everything.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid backbone of the soup, infusing it with savory goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the soup its irresistibly creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For richness and to sauté the veggies, elevating the flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup into that perfect, luscious consistency.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that brings bold, cheesy flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky warmth if you like a touch of extra depth.
- Croutons for garnish (optional): Crunchy texture contrast for serving, making each spoonful interesting.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add your chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This gentle cooking draws out their natural sweetness which will form a flavorful base. Add in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute to release its lovely aroma without overpowering the soup.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot and stir continuously. Cooking the flour for 1 to 2 minutes will help eliminate its raw taste and it works as your thickening agent. This roux will give your soup that silky, clingy texture you love in creamy soups.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring the mixture constantly. This gradual addition prevents lumps and helps everything combine smoothly. Once incorporated, crank up the heat just enough to bring the soup to a gentle boil, preparing it to cook the broccoli and thicken perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Toss in the fresh broccoli florets and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the broccoli cook for 10 to 15 minutes until tender but not mushy. This allows the broccoli flavor to infuse the soup deeply while keeping a pleasant texture for blending or chunk retention depending on your preference.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you like a little more bite, blend only half of the soup and mix it back—this gives you that lovely mix of creamy and chunky in one satisfying bowl.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream for richness and then add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese melts fully into the soup. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika if you want an extra hint of warmth and color. Be sure to taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking so every spoonful is balanced and flavorful.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls while hot, and if you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle with croutons just before serving. This last touch of texture is delightful alongside the creamy, cheesy goodness of the soup. Time to dig in and savor your warm, homemade comfort in a bowl!
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates this soup from simple to special. Croutons add a satisfying crunch, while a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese or a dash of paprika can brighten the bowl. A few fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley also bring freshness and a pop of green that pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with crusty bread, buttery garlic toast, or a crisp green salad rounds out the meal perfectly. A grilled cheese sandwich alongside is a match made in comfort food heaven, doubling down on cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to wow your guests or family? This not only looks inviting but keeps the soup warm longer. You can also offer a DIY topping bar with cheese, bacon bits, and herbs so everyone personalizes their bowl just how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the soup will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners all week long.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup, making it a great candidate for batch cooking. Just ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of broth or cream during reheating helps restore its creamy texture if it has thickened up. Microwaving in short intervals with stirring also works well for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and can make this soup even more convenient. Just add it straight to the pot when it’s time to cook the broccoli, adjusting cooking time slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version with all the same creamy, cheesy charm.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the soup won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Adding a bit more cheese can help boost the flavor if you opt for lighter dairy.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming grainy?
Be sure to melt the cheese gently and avoid boiling the soup after adding it, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate and turn grainy. Stir continuously while incorporating the cheese for the smoothest result.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika will give your soup a nice warming kick without overpowering the comforting cheese flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe is truly a weekday favorite that feels like a special occasion every time you make it. With its rich, velvety texture and vibrant flavors, it’s a heartwarming dish that never fails to impress and soothe. I’m so excited for you to try it—once you do, it will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen repertoire. Enjoy every cozy, cheesy spoonful!
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Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and velvety dish perfect for chilly days. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich blend of cream and broth, it combines savory flavors with a smooth texture. The soup is enhanced with sautéed onions and garlic, thickened with a roux, and pureed for a luscious consistency. Garnish with croutons for added crunch and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Thickening & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Garnish
- Croutons (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to activate the thickening.
- Cook the Broccoli: Once boiling, add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and stir it with the rest.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue mixing until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for flavor balance.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with croutons if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy and comforting flavors at their best.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To vary the cheese flavor, try mixing sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyere.
- If the soup is too thick, add extra broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
