Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup

Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! This delightful dish combines the rich creaminess of cheese with the vibrant freshness of broccoli, creating a delicious harmony of flavors. Its bright green color and creamy texture make it visually appealing, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends and family. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you have a meal that’s comforting and satisfying.

When you take a spoonful of this soup, expect a delightful explosion of cheesy goodness, balanced by the slight bite of garlic and the sweetness of cooked onions. Not only will you enjoy the delicious taste, but you will also appreciate the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions for easy preparation, helpful tips for serving, and even ideas for variations. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh broccoli and quality cheese adds vibrant flavor and texture.
2. Ease of Preparation: This recipe is simple and quick for home cooks of all experience levels.
3. Nutrition: Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
4. Versatility: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins or veggies.
5. Presentation: Its bright green color and creamy texture make it visually striking for any table.

You’ll find that this recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic addition to your home cooking repertoire!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes

(Note: Times may vary based on individual cooking speed and stove efficiency.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this delicious soup starts with selecting the right ingredients: 1 large head of broccoli, chopped; 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup of heavy cream; salt and pepper to taste; and 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter.

Broccoli

• Typically, you’ll use fresh broccoli because it adds crunch and nutrition.
• Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, frozen broccoli works in a pinch but may alter the texture slightly.
• Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and health benefits.
• Make sure to wash the broccoli well to remove any dirt or pesticides.

Cheddar Cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and gives a rich flavor.
• Measure out one cup and let it sit at room temperature to help it melt smoothly.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, try gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
• Avoid pre-shredded cheese with additives, as they may not melt as well.
• Grate your cheese fresh for optimal melting and flavor.

Onion

• A chopped onion gives the soup depth and sweetness.
• Dice it finely to help it cook evenly and blend into the soup.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, shallots or leeks can provide a different flavor profile.
• Watch for browning in the pan, which indicates they are cooking properly.

Garlic

• Fresh minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma and taste.
• Mince two cloves, and add them right after the onions to sauté.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, garlic powder can be used, but fresh is preferred for flavor.
• Make sure not to overcook the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Broth

• Chicken or vegetable broth provides a rich base for the soup.
• Use four cups to give the soup enough depth and flavor.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, low-sodium options are great for a heart-healthy version.
• Always check for seasoning before adding salt, as broth often contains salt.

Heavy Cream

• Heavy cream gives the soup a silky texture.
• Measure one cup to add creaminess toward the end of cooking.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, half-and-half or coconut milk can work for a lighter version.
• Don’t boil the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling.

Olive Oil or Butter

• Use either for sautéing the veggies and enhancing flavors.
• Just two tablespoons are needed for cooking the onion and garlic.
• If you’re looking for an alternative, avocado oil is a great option as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this soup is a breeze thanks to its one-pan nature. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Heat the Oil
Begin by heating two tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, it should shimmer, indicating it’s ready for the onions.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Add Broccoli
Incorporate the chopped broccoli into the pot. Stir well to combine and ensure all the broccoli gets a bit of that delicious flavor.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
Once the broccoli is cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer some texture, blend it partially to keep some chunks.

Step 6: Stir in Heavy Cream
Stir in one cup of heavy cream and heat gently over low heat for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to boil, as this could curdle the cream.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Season
Finally, stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
2. Accompaniments: Serve it with freshly baked bread or crackers for delightful crunch.
3. Portions: This recipe typically serves four, making it ideal for a small family or as a comforting lunch.
4. Beverage Pairing: A light white wine or iced tea pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the soup.

Enjoy this wholesome soup and share it with loved ones to create memorable moments!

Additional Tips

• Flavor Enhancement: For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg while simmering.
• Customization: Feel free to toss in cooked chicken or shredded carrots for added nutrition.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve it in a bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation!

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Cheesy Garlic Broccoli: Mix in different types of cheese, like gouda or Parmesan, for new flavors.
3. Creamy Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For best results, freeze immediately after cooking in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Special Equipment

1. Large pot
2. Immersion blender (or regular blender)
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Ladle

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but fresh broccoli offers better texture and flavor.

Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, using vegetable broth and omitting any meat will make this soup vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I customize the soup with other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add carrots, spinach, or cauliflower for variation.

What alternative cooking methods can I use?
You can make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a hands-off approach.

Conclusion

Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup is not just a tasty treat; it’s a healthy and satisfying dish that warms both the stomach and heart. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delightful meal that everyone will love. Perfect for chilly days or family gatherings, this soup is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’ve got this!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

A comforting and creamy broccoli cheese soup that combines fresh broccoli with rich cheddar cheese, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 1 large head broccoli, chopped Fresh broccoli is preferred for flavor.
• 1 cup onion, chopped Diced finely for even cooking.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Add right after onions for best flavor.

Dairy

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Let sit at room temperature to melt smoothly.
• 1 cup heavy cream Avoid boiling after adding.

Liquids

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Check for seasoning, as broth often contains salt.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter For sautéing the veggies.

Seasonings

• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Incorporate the chopped broccoli into the pot and stir well.

Cooking

• Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
• Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
• Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth or partially for some texture.
• Stir in the heavy cream and heat gently for about 5 minutes, being careful not to boil.
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for dipping. For added flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or customize with additional vegetables or proteins.

Keyword Broccoli Cheese Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Soup, Vegetarian Soup