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.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as roux substitute)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: broccoli soup, cheese soup, creamy soup, comfort food, broccoli cheese, vegetarian soup, gluten free