There’s nothing like a warm, creamy bowl of broccoli cheese soup to bring comfort on a chilly day. This rich and velvety soup is packed with fresh broccoli, garlic, and onions, all simmered in a savory broth and blended into a smooth, cheesy base. Topped with sharp cheddar cheese, this soup is the perfect blend of flavors—light yet filling, creamy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re craving a cozy lunch or a hearty dinner, this broccoli cheese soup is the ultimate comfort food that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and quick to cook, giving you a delightful meal in under an hour.

This soup also allows room for customization. You can easily adjust the seasoning or add different vegetables to suit your tastes. The best part? It’s perfect for meal prepping, so you can enjoy a comforting bowl of soup all week long. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation. It’s truly comfort in a bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

The combination of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese gives the soup a velvety smooth texture and rich flavor that is both satisfying and comforting.

2. Simple Ingredients

With a handful of basic ingredients like broccoli, onion, garlic, and cheese, this recipe is quick, easy, and affordable to make.

3. Customizable

You can easily add other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach to give it more variety and flavor.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

5. Hearty and Filling

Despite being a soup, this dish is hearty enough to be a main course, perfect for a light dinner or a cozy lunch.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

Fresh broccoli florets
Chopped onion
Minced garlic
Chicken or vegetable broth
Heavy cream
Butter
All-purpose flour
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika (optional)
Croutons for garnish (optional)

Variations

Add Other Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
Use Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, try adding other cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and vegan cheese to make a vegan version of this creamy broccoli cheese soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir it in, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. This will help thicken the soup.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Once the broth is boiling, add the broccoli florets. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest intact.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy broccoli cheese soup!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Broccoli: While frozen broccoli works in a pinch, fresh broccoli provides the best flavor and texture for this soup.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: For the best texture, cook the broccoli just until tender. Overcooking can result in mushy florets.
Blend to Your Desired Consistency: If you prefer a chunky soup, simply blend half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup after adding the cheese and cream, and add extra seasoning if needed. A pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder can also enhance the flavor.

How to Serve

This creamy broccoli cheese soup is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting, well-rounded lunch or dinner. You can also garnish the soup with extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Freezing

For longer storage, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw the soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup becomes too thick after refrigerating, you can add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.

2. What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a combination of milk and melted butter.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

5. Can I freeze broccoli cheese soup?

Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach can be added along with the broccoli.

7. How can I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, add a little extra flour when making the roux or blend more of the soup to create a creamier consistency.

8. Can I make this soup without cheese?

For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the cream.

9. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and blend when ready to serve.

10. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a little heat.

Conclusion

This creamy broccoli cheese soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, velvety texture and a satisfying blend of savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it ahead of time for a busy week, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless variations, it’s a must-try recipe that will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy your bowl of comfort!