If you’re on the hunt for a bowl of pure comfort, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl. This soothing, velvety soup brings together tender broccoli, sweet carrot, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, all in a rich, savory broth. Every spoonful is a warm, cheesy embrace, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something hearty and soul-satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this recipe is absolutely foolproof and delivers big flavor in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list for this one—just a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients that balance each other perfectly. Each piece plays a starring role, whether it’s adding color, boosting creaminess, or infusing that iconic cheesy goodness.
- Unsalted butter: The base for the soup, adding rich flavor and helping to form the roux for that super-silky texture.
- Yellow onion: Chopped finely, it brings gentle sweetness and depth to the aromatics.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, but they wake up the whole pot with perfume and punch.
- All-purpose flour: The secret thickener that gives the soup its creamy body—no heavy cream required (unless you want extra richness!).
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The foundation of savory flavor; you can swap for veggie broth if you want to keep it vegetarian.
- Whole milk: Lends luscious creaminess and ties all the flavors together; don’t skip this for that diner-style finish!
- Fresh broccoli florets: The undeniable star—chopped small so every spoonful is loaded with green, cozy goodness.
- Large carrot: Shredded for pops of color and a natural hint of sweetness, balancing the cheese and broccoli.
- Salt, black pepper, paprika, nutmeg: These pantry spices round out the flavors and give the soup depth and warmth.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Always go for the sharpest cheddar you can find for that tangy, melty stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty kick and elevates the cheesy richness.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for Flavorful Foundations
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, letting it sweat for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Next, stir in your garlic; just 30 seconds in the pot is enough to release that mouthwatering aroma. This foundational step infuses the soup with incredible depth right from the first sizzle.
Step 2: Create the Roux
With the onions and garlic softened, sprinkle the flour over and whisk constantly for about a minute. This simple roux might seem subtle, but it’s the magic behind the soup’s truly creamy structure—no lumpy texture here! It develops a nutty flavor as it cooks, which complements the vegetables and cheese beautifully.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Vegetables
Slowly pour in the chicken broth (or veggie broth, if you’re going meat-free) while whisking, ensuring everything is beautifully blended. Stir in the whole milk, then add the chopped broccoli and shredded carrot, along with your salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. This step is where the soup transforms into a vibrant, hearty masterpiece. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let the veggies soften and flavors mingle for 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses
When the vegetables are perfectly tender, reduce the heat to low and start stirring in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses gradually. They’ll melt into the soup, creating silky, cheesy ribbons throughout. Taste as you go—you might want to sneak a sample at this point (I always do!).
Step 5: Blend for Desired Creaminess
For that signature velvety finish, use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend part of the soup, or transfer half the batch to a blender and carefully pulse until smooth. Then, combine everything back in the pot. This step creates a wonderful texture combination: smooth, creamy base with tender broccoli pieces in every bite. Serve it up piping hot—with extra cheese on top if you like!
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Top your Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar, a zigzag of freshly cracked black pepper, or even a handful of crispy fried onions or croutons for irresistible crunch. A pinch of chopped fresh chives or parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This soup plays wonderfully with so many sides. Classic crusty bread or a warm sourdough roll is perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop. Pair with a crisp green salad or a simple grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting soup-and-sammie combo that never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls, or pour into petite espresso cups for cozy appetizers at your next gathering. For family dinners, consider a fun toppings bar—let everyone pile on extra cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, or spicy red pepper flakes. Presentation is part of the pleasure with this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then ladle it into airtight containers. The flavors will deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as the first bowl.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, though keep in mind that the dairy can sometimes cause a slight texture change when thawed. For best results, cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave an inch of space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a satisfying, ready-to-go meal on busy days.
Reheating
Bring leftover soup back to life by reheating gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep it smooth and creamy. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, just add a splash of milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Microwaving works in a pinch—use short intervals and stir often for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth, and you’re set—no flavor sacrifice, just pure, plant-based comfort.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl. Just make sure to thaw and chop it into smaller pieces before adding it to the pot for the best texture.
Why do you add nutmeg to broccoli cheese soup?
A little nutmeg is the secret to depth and warmth—you won’t taste it outright, but it subtly enhances all the creamy, cheesy notes without overwhelming the soup. Don’t skip it!
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The soup stays velvety with no sacrifice in flavor or consistency.
What’s the best way to get the creamiest texture?
Blending a portion of the soup (or all of it!) using an immersion blender or countertop blender ensures a perfectly creamy base, with just enough veggie bits remaining for texture. This technique is a game-changer for your Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you’re yearning for warmth, simplicity, and a spoonful of nostalgia, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together and how genuinely cozy it tastes—give it a try the next time you want to treat yourself or make someone’s day just a little bit brighter!
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Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy broccoli cheese soup recipe. Packed with tender broccoli, shredded carrot, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this soup is a cozy treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
- 1 large carrot (shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, followed by the milk.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli, shredded carrot, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or transfer half to a blender and pulse until smooth before returning to the pot.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- You can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available, but thaw and chop it before using.
- Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
