Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: A Comforting, Hearty Dish for Any Season

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There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. Imagine a cozy evening where the chilly air outside contrasts with the creamy, velvety texture of a broccoli cheddar soup in your hands. This dish is not just food—it’s an experience. The combination of fresh vegetables and sharp cheddar cheese brings together a comforting, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed year-round, whether it’s a cold winter day or a rainy evening.

In this article, we’re diving into a creamy broccoli cheddar soup recipe that you can make from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. You’ll learn not only how to prepare this soup but also why it has become a staple comfort food for many households. Plus, you’ll get some helpful tips and tricks for making it your own. So, let’s get started and discover how to make this comforting bowl of soup that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

What Makes This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup So Special?

What sets this creamy broccoli cheddar soup apart from others is its unique blend of flavors and textures. While most broccoli cheddar soups can be overly heavy, this recipe strikes a balance that leaves you satisfied without feeling overly full. The richness of sharp cheddar cheese pairs perfectly with the earthy flavors of fresh broccoli, creating a comforting, hearty dish that’s ideal for any season.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Let’s break down why this soup is truly special:

• Flavor-packed and creamy: With a base of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and potatoes, along with sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream, this soup has layers of flavor that will leave you craving more.
• Fresh and healthy ingredients: Unlike pre-made versions that might be loaded with preservatives, this homemade soup uses fresh vegetables, which not only taste better but also provide more nutritional value.
• Quick and easy: This is not a dish that requires hours of prep. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re looking for a weekday dinner, a weekend lunch, or a dish to serve guests, this soup fits all occasions.
• Customizable: If you want to make this soup vegan, gluten-free, or spicier, we’ll discuss simple substitutions that keep the flavors just as delicious.

Key Features of This Soup:

• Comforting: Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
• Simple ingredients: You won’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Quick preparation: Ready in just under 45 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight.
• Family-friendly: The whole family will love it, from the little ones to the adults.
• Vegetarian option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.

Now that you know why this soup is so fantastic, let’s dive into the ingredients and how to make it.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients

The beauty of this broccoli cheddar soup recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need the following ingredients to create a batch of this comforting soup:

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons, divided
Large yellow onion	1, diced
Fresh broccoli, florets and stems	1 medium head (about 4 cups)
Garlic	6 cloves, finely chopped or grated
All-purpose flour	¼ cup
Vegetable stock or broth	3 cups
Carrots	2 medium, peeled and grated
Russet potato	1 medium, peeled and diced
Vegan Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon
Mustard powder (or Dijon mustard)	1 teaspoon (or 1 tbsp Dijon mustard)
Smoked paprika	½ teaspoon
Heavy cream	½ cup
Sharp cheddar cheese	12 ounces (freshly shredded, about 3 cups)
Freshly grated nutmeg	¼ teaspoon
Kosher salt and ground black pepper	To taste

Helpful Tips for Prep:

• Prepping the Vegetables: Make sure to dice your onions finely to help them cook evenly. Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces, and peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes for quicker cooking. Grating the carrots will ensure they soften quickly and blend smoothly into the soup.
• Shredding the Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own cheese results in a creamier, more meltable texture. Plus, you avoid any additives that are sometimes used in pre-shredded varieties.

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s move on to the steps of preparing this delicious, creamy soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

The key to making any recipe go smoothly is having everything prepped before you start. For this broccoli cheddar soup, that means:

• Dice the onion and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
• Peel and dice the potato, then grate the carrots.
• Shred the cheddar cheese and measure out your stock or broth.

Once everything is prepped and ready to go, the cooking process will be much easier and faster.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the broccoli and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and becomes slightly tender. The goal here is to soften the vegetables just enough so that they cook evenly in the soup.

Next, add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Garlic adds such a great depth of flavor to the soup, so don’t skip this step! Once the garlic becomes fragrant, set the vegetable mixture aside.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown. This step is crucial because it creates the base of your soup and helps thicken it. It’s called a roux, and it’s a classic technique in many creamy soups and sauces.

Gradually add the vegetable stock while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 6-8 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Add the grated carrots, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir everything together and then add about two-thirds of the broccoli mixture that you set aside earlier. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. This is where the magic happens—everything comes together to create a flavorful, aromatic broth.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Now it’s time to blend the soup. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be sure to cover the blender with a towel to avoid splashing hot liquid. Once the soup is blended, return it to the pot and heat through.

Blending the soup gives it a smooth, creamy texture that’s the hallmark of this broccoli cheddar soup recipe. It’s up to you whether you want it perfectly smooth or prefer a bit of texture, but blending helps to integrate the vegetables and cheese seamlessly.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

Once the soup is blended, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the remaining broccoli mixture that you set aside earlier, then pour in the heavy cream. The cream is what gives this soup its luscious texture. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, adding a little at a time, and let it melt fully before adding more. This ensures the cheese blends smoothly without clumping. Stir in the freshly grated nutmeg and taste for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese. For an extra treat, serve the soup with warm, crusty bread, buttered to perfection. The bread adds a nice texture and complements the soup beautifully.

Nutrition Information for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition information for this broccoli cheddar soup:

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Serving Size: 1 bowl (makes 6 servings)

This soup is a filling, satisfying meal that can stand on its own. If you’re looking for a more complete meal, you could pair it with a salad or a light sandwich, but it’s just as delicious on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Soup Vegan?

Absolutely! You can easily make this creamy broccoli cheddar soup vegan by substituting the butter with plant-based butter, the heavy cream with coconut cream or another non-dairy alternative, and the cheddar cheese with vegan cheese. You’ll still get the same comforting, creamy texture with these simple swaps.

Can I Freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of extra stock or cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Soup?

Absolutely! While broccoli is the star of this dish, feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.

How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?

If you prefer a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers. Just be sure to taste as you go to ensure you achieve the level of heat you enjoy.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, it’s time to put your new skills to the test. This comforting, flavorful soup is the perfect solution for a cold evening or a cozy weekend meal. With its rich, creamy texture and hearty vegetables, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and warm you from the inside out. Give this recipe a try today, and enjoy the homemade goodness that comes with each bowl.

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