There’s something special about a warm bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup. It’s perfect on a cold evening. I remember my first time at a friend’s house.
The kitchen smelled amazing as she cooked. The broccoli and cheese mixed together in a way that felt like a hug. It was so good, it became my favorite comfort food.
Now, I make this soup at home. I turn simple ingredients into the best broccoli cheese soup. It’s a mix of fresh broccoli, creamy dairy, and hearty broth.
It makes me feel happy and brings back good memories. Making this soup is easy and fills my home with wonderful smells.
What is Broccoli Cheese Soup?
Broccoli cheese soup is a tasty mix of broccoli and cheddar cheese in a creamy base. It’s a great way to eat broccoli in a yummy way. The main parts are broccoli, cheddar cheese, and a creamy mix that you like.
The soup has a nice balance of tastes. The broccoli’s mild taste goes well with the cheese’s savory flavor. It’s warm and cozy, loved by both kids and adults. You can make it creamier by thickening it with a roux or pureeing veggies.
This soup is great with bread or in a salad. It’s full of calcium from the cheese and fiber from broccoli. It’s a healthy choice for many meals.
Making broccoli cheese soup takes about 10 to 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. It quickly becomes a favorite in your family. You can change it up to fit your taste, more cheese or more veggies.
Why I Love Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup
Homemade broccoli cheese soup holds a special spot in my heart. I pick the freshest ingredients for it. This makes the flavor better than any store-bought soup.
I love how creamy it is. It warms up my kitchen while I cook. It’s so cozy.
Adding garlic powder or smoked paprika makes it even better. It turns a good dish into an amazing one. It’s also a great way to eat more veggies.
The smell of it cooking is amazing. It makes my kitchen feel welcoming. It’s perfect for bringing people together.
This soup is very healthy. It has broccoli, milk, cheese, and garlic. Each bowl has about 148 calories. That’s much less than other creamy soups.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chopped Broccoli Florets | 3 cups |
| Milk (Whole or Almond) | 2 cups |
| Vegetable Broth | 2 cups |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 8 ounces (approx. 2 heaping cups) |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 |
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Medium Yellow Onion | 1 |
| Dijon Mustard | ½ teaspoon |
Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Making easy broccoli cheese soup is fun. You need simple ingredients for this recipe. It’s great for quick dinners or weekend meals.
In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy soup. It’s loved by family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 large carrot, julienned or finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 heaping cups)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Stir in the garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to combine smoothly.
- Add the vegetable broth, chopped broccoli, carrot, and Dijon mustard, stirring well to mix.
- Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the broccoli becomes tender.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Season to taste and serve with optional homemade croutons or a slice of crusty bread.
This recipe makes about 1 ½ quarts of soup. It’s a hearty meal full of flavor. You can make it with ingredients you probably already have.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 445 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Total Fat | 33 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 97 mg |
| Sodium | 524 mg |
| Potassium | 414 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Vitamin A | 1263 IU |
| Vitamin C | 35 mg |
| Calcium | 547 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Remember, this soup can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. Or, you can freeze it for up to three months. It’s perfect for meal prep or when you have unexpected guests!
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Perfect Comfort Food
Creamy broccoli cheddar soup is a classic comfort food. It warms the heart and stomach. The soup starts with a rich roux and then adds fresh or frozen broccoli.
Texture and Flavor Profiles
The soup has a silky smoothness with tender vegetable chunks. It’s made with 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. Onions and carrots are sautéed to add sweetness.
Adding 1.5 pounds of broccoli makes it fresh. Half-and-half makes it creamy. Shredding your own cheese makes it even better. A bit of garlic powder or smoked paprika makes it irresistible.
Variations of Broccoli Cheese Soup
Broccoli cheese soup can be made in many ways. People like to try new things to make it their own. You can make it vegetarian, low carb, or find healthy versions.
Vegetarian Broccoli Cheese Soup Options
For a vegetarian soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the flavor rich but fits dietary needs. You can also use vegan cheese for a vegan option.
Adding veggies like cauliflower, peas, or spinach makes it healthier. These add flavor and texture to the soup.
Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup Ideas
For a low-carb version, use heavy cream instead of milk. Skip the flour to thicken it. Xanthan gum is a good thickener that’s low in carbs.
Using fewer veggies can also lower carbs. This way, you can enjoy a cheesy soup without feeling guilty.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Quick Method
Making instant pot broccoli cheese soup is quick and tasty. It’s perfect for busy days. I sauté onions and garlic first. Then, I add broccoli, carrots, broth, and milk.
Next, I cook it all in the Instant Pot for 1 minute. A quick release makes the flavors mix well. Adding cheddar cheese makes it creamy. This method saves time and keeps the soup tasty.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 326 kcal |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 13g |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | 473mg |
| Potassium | 363mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 5098 IU |
| Vitamin C | 44mg |
| Calcium | 355mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Broccoli Cheese Soup Calories: Is It Healthy?
Broccoli cheese soup is tasty and good for you. It has 300 to 400 calories, depending on the cheese and cream. Broccoli is full of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s what’s in a serving of broccoli cheese soup:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 242 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Protein | 12.5 g |
| Fat | 12.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 37.5 mg |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Vitamin A | 3055 IU |
| Vitamin C | 109.6 mg |
| Calcium | 275 mg |
| Iron | 1.1 mg |
Healthier Ingredients to Consider
To make broccoli cheese soup healthier, try these:
- Use low-fat cheese for fewer calories and fat.
- Try almond milk for a dairy-free option that’s lower in calories.
- Add more veggies like mushrooms or leafy greens for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat.
For a low-calorie version, pick lighter cheese and use wholesome ingredients. This way, you can enjoy the soup without feeling guilty. It’s a tasty and healthy choice when part of a balanced diet.
The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Try
This recipe is the best broccoli cheese soup you’ll ever try. It uses top-quality ingredients and cooking skills. The result is a creamy, cheesy bowl of comfort that meets all your cravings.
Tender broccoli and rich cheddar make a perfect mix. It’s as good as your favorite restaurant soup.
The secret is in the flavors. I use 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets and the right mix of cheddar and Parmesan. This makes it very tasty and comforting.
It cooks in just 15 minutes. You can make a batch for 6 people. It’s great for family dinners or cozy nights.
Each serving has 541 calories. It has 39g of total fat, 24g of protein, and lots of vitamins. It’s why it gets a 4.97 out of 5 from 186 votes.
People love it more than chain versions. It’s a must-try recipe.
Plus, you can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it when you want a comforting meal anytime!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Broccoli Cheese Soup
To make your broccoli cheese soup better, try different ways to serve it. I like to add crusty bread or homemade croutons for a nice crunch. A crunchy salad or sautéed green beans also work well, balancing the soup’s richness.
Putting the soup in a bread bowl makes it more fun. The warm bread absorbs the soup’s creamy flavor. For different tastes, try vegan almond flour biscuits or gluten-free cornbread.
| Pairings | Description |
|---|---|
| Soft Cornbread | A warm, moist cornbread that complements the creamy soup beautifully. |
| Crunchy Salad | A fresh mix of greens, often enhanced by massaged kale to reduce bitterness. |
| Vegan Almond Flour Biscuits | Fluffy biscuits using nutritional yeast, perfect for plant-based diets. |
| Chickpea Salad | Chickpeas provide a hearty protein source and pair well with the soup. |
| No-Knead Beer Bread | Infused with home-brewed dry malt and beer, giving a unique taste. |
With over 25 sides to choose from, you’ll find the perfect match for broccoli cheese soup. Enjoy finding the best pairings for your taste!
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Soup
Want to make the best broccoli cheese soup? Start by grating your cheese fresh. This avoids clumps from pre-shredded cheese. Also, whisk well when adding flour to avoid lumps.
Slowly add cheese over low heat. This keeps it smooth and creamy. Reheat leftovers on the stovetop to keep it creamy.
Follow these tips to make your soup special. Be patient and enjoy the process. Soon, you’ll have a delicious, perfect bowl of soup.
