Broccoli Cheese Soup

Name: Broccoli Cheese Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Author: Tessa

Published: July 5, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of comfort when the temperatures drop, and this Broccoli Cheese Soup is my absolute favorite for chasing away the chill. I remember one blustery autumn evening, the wind howling outside, and all I craved was something rich and satisfying. I had a head of broccoli in the fridge and a block of cheddar, and inspiration struck! What started as a simple dinner idea quickly became a beloved staple in my kitchen. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a velvety, cheesy masterpiece that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Making Broccoli Cheese Soup doesn’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just a little love and attention to detail. It’s the perfect solution for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will adore, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch. Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe for ultimate comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Soup

This Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! You’ll love how incredibly satisfying and easy it is to whip up. Here’s why it’s about to become a household favorite:

Velvety Smooth Texture: We’re talking pure silkiness, thanks to the perfect blend and rich dairy.
Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with real cheddar, giving it that irresistible, comforting flavor we all crave.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on taste.
Wholesome & Hearty: Packed with fresh broccoli, it’s a delicious way to get your veggies in.

The Comfort of Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup

Making your own Broccoli Cheese Soup at home offers a superior experience to anything you’d find in a can or restaurant. You control the quality of ingredients, ensuring fresh broccoli and real cheese. The aroma filling your kitchen is just the beginning; every spoonful tastes deeply personal and incomparably fresh.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup

Crafting this luscious Broccoli Cheese Soup starts with a handful of simple, yet essential, ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building those layers of comforting flavor and achieving that signature creamy texture. You won’t need anything fancy, just fresh produce, quality dairy, and a few pantry staples.

Broccoli Cheese Soup - detail 1

Fresh Produce for Your Broccoli Cheese Soup

For the freshest flavor, you’ll want 2 tablespoons of good olive oil, one medium yellow onion, finely chopped, two cloves of garlic, minced, and four cups of vibrant broccoli florets, also chopped. These fresh ingredients form the delicious base of our soup.

Dairy and Seasonings for Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

To achieve that irresistible creaminess, gather 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of rich heavy cream, and for taste, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. The star of the show, of course, is 2 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese.

How to Prepare Your Delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup

Making this Broccoli Cheese Soup is incredibly straightforward, but paying attention to a few key steps will ensure you get that perfect, restaurant-quality result every time. I’ll walk you through each stage, sharing tips I’ve learned along the way to make sure your soup is silky smooth, perfectly seasoned, and utterly delicious. From sautéing the aromatics to getting that ideal creamy texture, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Sautéing Aromatics for Your Broccoli Cheese Soup

First things first, grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot and set it over medium heat. Add your 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once it shimmers, toss in your chopped yellow onion. Sauté it gently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it can turn bitter quickly!

Cooking the Broccoli for Broccoli Cheese Soup

Now, pour in your 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, add your chopped broccoli florets. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the broccoli cook until it’s tender. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce the florets with a fork. Don’t overcook it, or it might lose some of its vibrant color and flavor.

Achieving a Smooth Broccoli Cheese Soup Texture

This is where the magic happens for that classic creamy texture! If you have an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it’s as smooth as you like. If you’re using a regular blender, work in batches. Transfer portions of the soup to the blender, secure the lid, and blend until smooth. Always be cautious when blending hot liquids – start on low speed and vent the lid to allow steam to escape. Return all blended soup to the pot.

Finishing Your Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

With your soup blended, it’s time to add the dairy and cheese. Stir in the 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Heat this mixture gently over low heat, stirring constantly, but whatever you do, do not let it boil. Boiling can cause the dairy to curdle. Once it’s warmed through, remove the pot from the heat and gradually stir in your 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and beautifully smooth. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Broccoli Cheese Soup - detail 2

Tips for Success with Your Broccoli Cheese Soup

Making the perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup is all about a few simple tricks that elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. If you find your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can always mash some of the tender broccoli florets with a fork before blending. This adds body without needing extra thickeners. Also, remember that the quality of your cheddar cheese truly makes a difference here; fresh grating it yourself yields a smoother melt and better flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Always add the cheese off the heat and gradually to prevent it from clumping.

Customizing Your Broccoli Cheese Soup

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your heart’s content – a little more for extra decadence, or a little less if you prefer. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, some crispy beef bacon bits, a swirl of extra cream, or even some homemade croutons for added texture and visual appeal. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheese Soup

I get a lot of questions about making this delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here. These tips will help you enjoy your homemade soup even more, whether you’re planning ahead or looking for the perfect pairing. This creamy soup is a favorite for a reason!

Can I Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This creamy broccoli cheese soup is fantastic for making ahead. Prepare the entire recipe, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!

What Can I Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Broccoli cheese soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A crusty loaf of bread or some warm dinner rolls are perfect for dipping. A simple green salad provides a nice contrast, or for a heartier meal, a grilled cheese sandwich makes an excellent companion to this rich, creamy soup.

Is This Broccoli Cheese Soup Vegetarian?

Yes, this broccoli cheese soup can be entirely vegetarian! The recipe calls for chicken or vegetable broth. If you use vegetable broth, then this soup is indeed vegetarian-friendly. Always double-check your broth label to ensure it meets your dietary needs for a truly vegetarian broccoli cheese soup.

Storing and Reheating Your Broccoli Cheese Soup

Once you’ve enjoyed your initial serving of this delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers are stored and reheated properly to maintain their creamy texture and fantastic flavor. A little care goes a long way in ensuring every spoonful is as good as the first!

Keeping Your Broccoli Cheese Soup Fresh

To keep your Broccoli Cheese Soup fresh, allow it to cool completely at room temperature (this prevents condensation and bacterial growth). Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Warming Up Leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup, reheat it gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cheese to separate or the milk to curdle. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information for Broccoli Cheese Soup

While I strive to provide helpful information, please remember that precise nutritional values for this Broccoli Cheese Soup can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, the exact portion sizes, and any modifications you make. The information provided is an estimate and should not be considered dietary advice. Always consult a professional for personalized nutritional guidance.

Share Your Broccoli Cheese Soup Experience

I absolutely adore hearing from you! If you whip up this Broccoli Cheese Soup, please come back and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. Did you add any fun garnishes? What did your family think? Don’t forget to rate the recipe, and if you share your delicious creation on social media, be sure to tag me! Happy cooking!