When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to make you feel cozy and satisfied. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, easy broccoli cheddar soup hits the spot every time. Imagine creamy, velvety soup filled with fresh broccoli and gooey, melted cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through how to make the perfect easy broccoli cheddar soup from scratch, with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
You’ve probably had your fair share of broccoli cheddar soup from your favorite restaurant or even from a can. But when you make it at home, you control the flavors, the creaminess, and the quality of ingredients. This easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe is:
- Quick and simple: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a bowl of soup ready in about 45 minutes.
- Comforting and filling: The rich cheddar cheese adds a smooth, creamy texture, while the broccoli brings a fresh, healthy balance.
- Customizable: You can make this soup your own by adding extra vegetables, protein, or even adjusting the level of creaminess to suit your tastes.
Let’s dive into making the best broccoli cheddar soup you’ve ever had.
What You’ll Need to Make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups | Main ingredient, adds flavor and texture. |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups | Provides rich, cheesy flavor. |
| Butter | 1/4 cup | Forms the base of the roux for thickening. |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup | Thickens the soup. |
| Milk | 2 cups | Adds creaminess to the soup. |
| Chicken or vegetable stock | 4 cups | Creates the soup’s base. |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | Adds depth of flavor. |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Enhances savory notes. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Balances and enhances flavors. |
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor base for your soup, giving it a savory foundation.
2. Make the Roux
Next, add the flour to the pot and stir it in with the onions and garlic. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup later. Be sure to stir continuously so the flour doesn’t burn. This step is key to creating that creamy consistency that everyone loves in a broccoli cheddar soup.
3. Add the Broth and Milk
Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable stock, followed by the milk. Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once everything is incorporated, increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a smooth, creamy base for your soup.
4. Add the Broccoli
Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient—broccoli! Stir in the broccoli florets, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the soup. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
5. Blend (Optional)
For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend half of the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup to a regular blender, blend it until smooth, and return it to the pot. Blending part of the soup gives it a smooth, velvety texture while leaving some chunks of broccoli for added texture.
6. Add the Cheese
Lower the heat to low or medium-low to prevent the cheese from separating. Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time, until it’s fully melted and the soup is thickened. Be patient, as this will help the cheese melt evenly and create that perfect cheesy consistency.
7. Season and Serve
Once the cheese is melted, taste your soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a bit more flavor, feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Your easy broccoli cheddar soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper. Serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Use Fresh Broccoli
Fresh broccoli will give your soup a vibrant color and a more pronounced flavor than frozen broccoli. Make sure to cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
Shred Your Own Cheese
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting properties. Shredding your own cheese from a block will give you a smoother, creamier texture in your soup.
Stir Constantly When Adding Cheese
To avoid clumping, add the cheese gradually while stirring continuously over low heat. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and creates a silky, smooth soup.
Adjust the Consistency
If your soup is too thick, add a little more milk or stock to reach your desired consistency. On the flip side, if you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Serving Ideas and Variations
Serve with:
- Garlic breadsticks: The crispy, buttery texture of garlic breadsticks makes them the perfect accompaniment to your creamy soup.
- Sourdough bread: For a tangy contrast, serve your broccoli cheddar soup with thick slices of toasted sourdough.
- Caesar salad: A crisp salad with romaine lettuce, Parmesan, and croutons adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
Fun Variations:
- Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Add crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chopped green onions for a loaded twist on your classic soup.
- Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Kick things up a notch by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to spice things up.
- Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Swap out the chicken stock for vegetable stock, and add other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or celery for extra nutrition.
Health Benefits of Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This easy broccoli cheddar soup isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients.
- Broccoli: High in vitamins C and K, broccoli is an excellent source of antioxidants that promote immune health and reduce inflammation.
- Cheddar cheese: Rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin A, cheddar cheese helps maintain bone health and supports muscle function.
- Balanced meal: With a hearty base of broccoli and cheese, this soup offers a satisfying combination of vegetables and dairy, making it a great meal for your health.
Storing and Reheating Your Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Storing:
- Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, let the soup cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much during storage, you can add a splash of milk or stock to thin it out.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQ: Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli will work fine. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup for even cooking.
2. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version of this soup.
3. How can I make the soup even creamier?
For an extra creamy texture, you can add a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup once the cheese is melted.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the soup up to the point of adding the cheese. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the soup and stir in the cheese.
Conclusion: Warm Up Your Day with Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This easy broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for a busy weekday meal but special enough for a weekend treat. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious, creamy soup that your family will love. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of homemade broccoli cheddar soup today!