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Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish featuring tender broccoli florets simmered in a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar. This flavorful soup is simple to prepare, perfect for cozy evenings or nourishing lunches, and highly customizable to suit vegetarian, dairy-free, or protein-enriched diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (preferably freshly grated)
  • 3 cups milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Broth and Thickening Agent

  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccoli and Aromatics: Chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets and finely dice the onion and garlic. Set aside for use throughout the soup.
  2. Make the Roux: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2–3 minutes while whisking constantly to form a thickening base called a roux.
  3. Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens slightly.
  4. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.
  5. Blend and Combine: Use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times, creating a creamy texture while leaving some broccoli chunks intact. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Season and Serve: Finish by adding salt, pepper, and an optional pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with garnishes of choice.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crunchy broccoli to keep the soup bright green and avoid mushy texture.
  • Grate cheese freshly for best melting texture, as pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents.
  • Do not overblend; leaving some broccoli chunks adds texture and improves presentation.
  • Simmer gently after adding cheese to prevent curdling; avoid boiling vigorously.
  • Adjust the soup thickness by adding extra broth or milk if it thickens too much upon cooling.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli soup, cheese soup, creamy soup, comfort food, broccoli cheese, vegetarian soup, gluten free