Creamy Garden Veggie & Cheese Soup Recipe: Quick Comfort

Creamy, comforting soups like this broccoli and cauliflower cheese soup capture the essence of cozy winter meals.

Packed with vibrant green vegetables and rich, melted cheese, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience.

Tender florets of broccoli and cauliflower swim in a velvety base that’s both nutritious and indulgent.

The golden, bubbling cheese creates a luxurious texture that melts seamlessly into every spoonful.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to deliver maximum flavor and warmth.

Hearty and satisfying, this soup turns simple vegetables into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a ladle and get ready to savor every comforting bite of this irresistible soup.

Tools to Simmer Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Soup Easily

• Large pot (4-quart or larger): Essential for cooking and mixing all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring vegetables and creating a smooth roux.
• Potato masher: Great for breaking down vegetables to create a creamy texture.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping carrots, celery, and onions.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for vegetable prep.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.

Instructions for a Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Soup

• Veggie Prep

Chop carrots, celery, and onions into small, bite-sized pieces. These colorful vegetables will be the flavor foundation of your hearty soup.

• Sizzling Start

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth. Toss in the chopped vegetables and let them dance and soften, releasing their aromatic magic.

• Flour Power

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a thick, rich base that will give the soup its luxurious texture.

• Liquid Gold

Pour in chicken broth and add broccoli and cauliflower florets. Watch as the ingredients mingle and create a symphony of flavors.

• Gentle Simmer

Let the soup bubble softly, allowing the vegetables to become tender and infuse the broth with their delicious essence.

• Creamy Transformation

Crush the vegetables slightly to create a rustic texture. Stir in cream and cheddar cheese until the soup becomes smooth and velvety.

• Comfort Served

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, ready to warm hearts and satisfy hungry souls.

Variations for Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Soup Flavor

• Soup Savvy Secrets: Veggie Swap Magic
• Mix up your vegetable lineup by adding zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and colorful depth. Experiment with different green veggies to keep the soup exciting and nutritionally diverse.
• Cheese Lover's Dream Boost
• Elevate the cheese experience by trying sharp white cheddar, gruyère, or a blend of monterey jack and parmesan for a more complex flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own unique richness to the soup.
• Creamy Texture Tricks
• For an ultra-smooth consistency, use an immersion blender instead of a potato masher. This technique creates a silky, restaurant-quality texture that's incredibly satisfying and professional-looking.
• Protein Power-Up
• Transform this soup into a complete meal by adding cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham. These protein additions make the soup more filling and turn it into a hearty main course.
• Low-Carb & Diet-Friendly Hack
• Replace half and half with unsweetened almond milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories. Use cauliflower rice or reduce the flour for a lower-carb version that's still packed with incredible flavor.

Serve Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Soup Warm and Comforting

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this creamy soup into deep ceramic bowls that capture warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly evenings when you need a hearty hug in a dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese on top, letting it slightly melt and create delicious golden swirls that add incredible richness and texture to each spoonful.
• Herb Garden Twist: Chop fresh parsley, chives, or green onions and scatter them generously over the soup, bringing bright color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the creamy base.
• Crispy Crunch Topping: Crumble some buttery croutons or toasted breadcrumbs over the soup, adding a delightful crackle and textural contrast that elevates the entire eating experience.

Store Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Soup for Next Time

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover soup in airtight containers, refrigerating within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Refrigerator Shelf Life: Store the soup for 3-4 days in sealed containers, ensuring the best taste and texture when consumed within this timeframe.
• Freezing Strategy: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months for future quick meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Tricks: Warm soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creamy consistency if the soup thickens during storage. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent cheese separation and grainy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Soup Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and building deep flavor.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup's foundation.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, earthy crunch and aromatic depth.
• Onion: Creates a savory backbone and enhances overall taste profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and intensifies the soup's flavors with classic seasoning.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a silky, smooth texture and thickens the soup.
• Water: Provides the primary liquid medium for the soup.
• Chicken Base: Infuses rich, robust chicken flavor without using whole chicken stock.
• Half and Half: Adds luxurious creaminess and velvety richness to the soup.

• Broccoli Florets: Brings nutritious green goodness and slight nutty undertones.
• Cauliflower Florets: Offers mild, slightly sweet texture and additional nutrition.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, tangy flavor and creamy melting quality.

Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending creamy textures with robust vegetable flavors. Rich cheese and tender vegetables create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (710 ml) broccoli florets, fresh
• 3 cups (710 ml) cauliflower florets, fresh
• 1 cup (240 ml) carrots, diced (about 2 medium to large)
• 1 cup (240 ml) celery, diced (about 2 large ribs)
• 1 cup (240 ml) onion, diced (about 1 small to medium)
• 2 cups (470 ml) cheddar cheese, sharp, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) half and half
• 4 cups (950 ml) water
• 4 tsp chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon)
• 2 tbsps olive oil (regular or light, not extra virgin)
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Aromatics Preparation: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions with salt and pepper, allowing vegetables to soften and develop rich flavors for 5 minutes.
2. Roux Creation: Dust flour over the vegetable medley, stirring consistently to form a smooth, integrated base. Toast the mixture for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
3. Liquid Foundation: Combine chicken base with water, then pour into the pot along with broccoli and cauliflower florets. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Vegetable Transformation: Cover the pot and let vegetables tenderize for 10 minutes. Use a potato masher to break down ingredients, creating a rustic texture that balances between chunky and smooth.
5. Creamy Finale: Remove from heat and fold in half and half, then gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese until a luxurious, velvety consistency develops. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs to elevate both visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

• Vegetable Prep Tip: Dice carrots, celery, and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Flour Technique: Stir flour thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky base that thickens the soup naturally.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Add cheese gradually off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, smooth consistency.
• Texture Balancing Trick: Use a potato masher strategically to create a rustic, hearty soup with a perfect blend of chunky and smooth elements.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg