Creamy Classic Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Introduction

Warm up with a bowl of homemade broccoli cheese soup! This comforting recipe brings together tender broccoli florets with a rich, velvety cheese sauce for a truly satisfying meal. It is a timeless classic, loved by families everywhere for its hearty flavor and easy preparation. Get ready to create a comforting dish that will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Soup

This recipe for cheesy broccoli soup offers so much to love, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation.

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare this delightful soup in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the creamy texture and delicious flavor of this comforting dish.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s wonderfully warming and satisfying, perfect for any season, from chilly evenings to light lunches.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, from cheese types to vegetable additions.

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Creamy Classic Broccoli Cheese Soup

A rich, creamy broccoli cheddar soup inspired by the beloved classic from Panera Bread — loaded with tender broccoli, savory broth, and sharp cheddar cheese for comforting flavor at home.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup all‑purpose flour
• 2 cups half‑and‑half cream
• 2 cups low‑sodium chicken broth or low‑sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 lb broccoli florets (about 3 cups) chopped into bite‑size pieces
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated about 2 cups
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg optional, for flavor depth

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy‑bottomed pot
• Whisk
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
• Cheese grater

Method

 

1. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy‑bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
2. Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and butter. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux and cook out the raw flour taste. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
3. Slowly whisk in the half‑and‑half and chicken broth, ensuring a smooth mixture. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
4. Add the chopped broccoli and julienned carrots to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10–12 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
5. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated, keeping the heat low to prevent graininess. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
6. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Stir gently to combine. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
7. Ladle the creamy broccoli cheese soup into bowls and serve hot. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Notes

This homemade broccoli cheddar soup delivers rich, comforting flavor with simple ingredients and replicates the creamy classic you’d find at Panera Bread. Use freshly grated cheddar for the best texture and melt. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite broccoli cheese soup:

• 1/2 cup butter (unsalted preferred)
• 1 whole onion, diced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 4 heads broccoli, cut into florets
• Dash of salt, plus more as needed
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups grated cheese (mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 2 cups chicken broth (optional, for thinning)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust several ingredients to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences. For a lighter soup, use 2% milk instead of whole milk, though it may be slightly less creamy. Experiment with various cheese blends like Gruyere or colby jack for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian broccoli cheese soup, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend when making the roux.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful soup.

• A large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is essential for even cooking.
• A whisk helps create a smooth roux and ensures the dairy blends perfectly.
• A cutting board and sharp knife are needed for preparing the onion and broccoli.
• An optional potato masher or blender allows you to customize the soup’s texture.

Instructions

Creating this creamy broccoli cheese soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time.

1. Melt Butter & Sauté Onion: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent.
2. Make a Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to combine the flour and butter, creating a roux. This mixture will thicken your soup.
3. Whisk in Dairy: Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once the milk is fully incorporated, add the half-and-half, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add Seasoning & Broccoli: Stir in the pinch of nutmeg, a dash of salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot.
5. Simmer until Tender: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the broccoli florets are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Stir in Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the grated cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Add more if you desire a stronger flavor.
8. Choose Texture: Serve the soup as is for a chunky texture. For a slightly smoother soup, use a potato masher to break up some of the broccoli. For a completely creamy soup, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth.
9. Thin with Broth (if pureed): If you puree the soup, return it to the pot and gently heat it up. Splash in chicken broth, a little at a time, if you prefer a thinner consistency. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect consistency and flavor for your broccoli cheese soup is easy with these simple tips. To avoid cheese curdling, always remove the soup from the heat before stirring in the cheese. This prevents the high heat from separating the cheese. For ideal soup thickness, remember that a roux is key; if your soup is too thin, you can create a small slurry with cornstarch and water, then whisk it in while simmering. Prevent a gritty texture by grating your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Always taste and adjust your seasonings at the end, as flavors develop during cooking.

Further information on the importance of a well-made roux in French cuisine can help perfect your soup’s consistency.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Elevate your creamy broccoli cheddar soup with delicious garnishes. Top individual bowls with crispy croutons, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh chives. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Freezing broccoli cheese soup is possible; let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

For variations, consider adding shredded carrots along with the broccoli for extra color and sweetness. Diced ham or cooked bacon can be stirred in for a heartier meal. Make it spicy with a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian version, ensure you use vegetable broth and no meat products.

Nutrition

This homemade broccoli cheese soup offers a comforting and nutrient-rich meal.

According to the USDA, broccoli is a good source of vitamins K and C, along with fiber, contributing to digestive health.

The generous amount of cheese delivers a significant source of calcium and protein, essential for strong bones and muscle maintenance. While rich and satisfying, this soup can be part of a balanced diet.

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Got questions about making the best broccoli cheese soup? We have answers!

Conclusion

There is truly nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade broccoli cheese soup to bring comfort and joy. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that rivals any restaurant version, right in your own kitchen. We encourage you to try this simple, satisfying recipe soon. Share your creations and let us know your favorite ways to enjoy this classic comfort food!

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