Cozy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort comes in many forms, and this creamy broccoli cheddar delight soup recipe delivers warmth straight to your soul.

Rich, velvety cheese blends perfectly with tender broccoli florets in every spoonful.

The aroma fills your kitchen with promises of deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavor that satisfies deep hunger.

Sharp cheddar provides a tangy bite while smooth textures embrace your palate.

Each serving promises a delightful escape from ordinary meal routines.

You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again, craving its comforting embrace.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredient Notes

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation and helps sauté aromatics for deep flavor complexity.
• Onion: Delivers sweet, savory undertones and creates aromatic base for sophisticated soup profile.
• Flour: Magical thickening agent that transforms liquid into luxurious, silky consistency.

• Broccoli Florets: Nutritional powerhouse adding vibrant green color and hearty texture with subtle earthy sweetness.
• Vegetable Broth: Lightweight liquid carrier introducing gentle vegetable essence and enhancing overall soup depth.

• Milk: Smooth liquid contributor creating luscious, comforting mouthfeel and softening soup's intensity.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty ingredient bringing tangy richness and golden color with intense dairy complexity.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and elevates all ingredient profiles.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy element adding gentle kick and aromatic complexity.

Tools That Bring Broccoli and Cheddar Together

• Large Pot: Essential for creating the soup base and cooking all ingredients together.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending broth and preventing lumps in the roux.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping onions and cutting broccoli florets into uniform pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Cooking Broccoli Soup the Cheddar Way

• Butter Melting Magic

Grab a large pot and let butter dance on medium heat until it transforms into a golden, bubbling canvas.

• Onion Whispers

Sprinkle chopped onions into the melted butter, watching them soften and become translucent with gentle stirring.

• Flour Embrace

Dust flour across the buttery onion landscape, stirring briefly to create a silky foundation for the soup’s personality.

• Liquid Symphony

Pour vegetable broth slowly, whisking away any potential lumps, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors.

• Broccoli Adventure

Introduce broccoli florets to the pot, letting them simmer and become tender, absorbing the warming broth’s essence.

• Creamy Transformation

Lower the heat and invite milk and cheddar cheese to mingle, stirring until they create a smooth, luxurious landscape.

• Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the soup sings with balanced flavors. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the warm comfort.

Adjustments for Richer Soup Texture

• Cheese Melting Magic: For ultra-smooth cheese incorporation, remove the pot from heat before adding shredded cheddar and stir gradually to prevent separation or graininess.
• Broccoli Texture Pro-Tip: Cut broccoli florets into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain too firm.
• Soup Thickness Control: Want a thicker soup? Add an extra tablespoon of flour during the roux stage. Prefer it lighter? Use less flour or add more broth to adjust consistency.
• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Enhance depth by sautéing onions until golden and slightly caramelized, or sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg for unexpected warmth.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this soup into a complete meal by stirring in diced cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or leftover ham for additional protein and texture.

Plating Broccoli Soup in Bread or Bowl

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming soup into deep, rustic ceramic bowls that showcase its rich, creamy texture and vibrant green broccoli pieces.
• Crispy Crunch Topper: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, croutons, or crushed crackers on top to add a delightful crunch and contrast to the smooth soup.
• Garnish Garden: Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, green onions, or a small handful of shredded extra cheddar cheese to enhance visual appeal and provide an additional flavor boost.
• Hearty Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a crusty sourdough bread, warm garlic bread, or a light side salad to transform this soup into a complete and satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.

Keep This Soup Creamy After Chilling

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a large pot of this soup on weekends, and you'll have delicious meals ready throughout the busy work week. Store extra portions in airtight containers for quick, comforting dinners.
• Refrigerator Refresh Technique: Cool the soup completely before storing in sealed containers. It stays fresh and tasty for 3-4 days when refrigerated, making lunch prep a breeze for working professionals and busy families.
• Freezer-Friendly Formula: Freeze soup portions in individual containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Leave a little extra space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra milk or broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration. Avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy cheese texture and prevent separation.