Best Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is the epitome of comfort food. With its creamy, cheesy texture and the healthy crunch of tender broccoli, this soup is perfect for chilly days when you’re craving something hearty, yet wholesome. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or making a big batch for meal prep, this soup offers both convenience and delicious flavors.

This recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Soup is quick and easy to make, requiring only 30 minutes to cook. It’s a great option for anyone who loves rich, cheesy soups without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making this creamy, cheesy delight, along with serving suggestions and nutritional insights.

Why Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Broccoli cheddar soup is beloved for many reasons. Not only is it comforting and filling, but it also strikes a balance between indulgence and nutrition. Here’s why it’s such a great choice:

• Rich in Nutrients: The broccoli adds fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while the cheese provides protein and calcium. This soup offers a good mix of essential nutrients, making it both comforting and healthy.

• Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes of cook time, this soup is perfect for busy days. It’s also a one-pot dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

• Customizable: This soup can be adapted to fit dietary preferences and restrictions. You can easily swap ingredients like using almond milk for a dairy-free option or adding extra veggies to make it heartier.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and can be reheated for a quick and easy lunch or dinner throughout the week. The leftovers are even more flavorful the next day.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To make a creamy and flavorful Broccoli Cheddar Soup, here are the essential ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: The star of the dish. Use fresh broccoli florets, cut into small bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.

• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a savory base for the soup, contributing depth and flavor.

• Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating the roux that thickens the soup.

• Flour: Combined with butter to create a roux, which helps thicken the soup and give it that creamy texture.

• Milk: Whole milk is traditional, but you can substitute with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.

• Vegetable Broth: Adds a savory, rich flavor to the soup. You can use homemade or store-bought vegetable broth.

• Carrot: Adds a bit of sweetness and color to the soup. You can julienne or finely chop it, depending on your texture preference.

• Dijon Mustard: A small amount adds tang and complexity to the soup.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this soup, adding that rich and gooey texture. Grate the cheese yourself for the best melt.

Optional Garnishes:

• Crusty Bread: Serve your soup with some hearty crusty bread or homemade croutons to scoop up every delicious bite.

• Chopped Green Onions: For added freshness and a burst of color.

• Extra Shredded Cheese: Top the soup with more cheese for a super cheesy experience.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Step-by-Step Process

1. Start with a Rich Base
   Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a generous amount of butter to the pot and allow it to melt. Once the butter has melted, toss in finely chopped onion and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté the onions until they become soft and translucent. The key here is to cook them slowly to bring out their natural sweetness.

2. Add Aromatics and Form the Roux
   After the onions soften, introduce minced garlic to the pot. Allow the garlic to cook for a minute, letting its fragrance fill the air. Once the garlic becomes aromatic, it’s time to add a thickening agent. Sprinkle flour into the pot and whisk it in continuously. This step is essential to ensure the flour doesn’t clump together but instead forms a smooth, golden roux. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to develop flavor.

3. Create the Soup Base
   Gradually introduce the liquid. First, pour in milk and whisk constantly to incorporate the roux without forming any lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, add vegetable broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the liquid and roux blend seamlessly. Afterward, add the chopped broccoli and finely chopped or julienned carrots. These vegetables will add texture, flavor, and color to your soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Bring Creaminess and Flavor
   Once the broccoli is tender, reduce the heat. Slowly begin adding cheese, a bit at a time. Stir gently to incorporate the cheese fully into the soup. The cheese should melt smoothly, enriching the soup with its creamy, cheesy texture. Make sure the heat is low to avoid the cheese curdling, as high temperatures can lead to a grainy texture.

5. Final Adjustments
   After all the cheese is incorporated, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. This is the stage where you can add any extra flavorings to suit your preference. Some might choose to add a small amount of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang or experiment with other spices.

6. Serve and Enjoy
   Once everything is combined and the soup reaches your desired thickness, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and consider garnishing with fresh herbs, croutons, or a slice of crusty bread. This step brings not only flavor but texture, creating the perfect balance with the creamy soup.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Tips for Success

To make sure your Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out perfect, here are a few tips:

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from fully melting into the soup, creating an undesirable texture. Grating the cheese yourself ensures that it melts smoothly and evenly into the soup.

• Use Low Heat for Melting Cheese: When adding cheese to the soup, keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating and turning greasy. Stir the cheese in gradually to ensure it melts evenly and blends into the soup for a creamy texture.

• Avoid Lumps: When making the roux with butter and flour, be sure to whisk continuously and slowly add the milk to avoid lumps. A smooth base will make for a creamy soup without any texture issues.

• Customize the Vegetables: If you like, you can add other vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or celery for more flavor and nutrition. Just make sure the vegetables are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing it with delicious sides that complement its creamy texture and cheesy richness. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your meal:

1. Crusty Bread

A slice of crusty sourdough or baguette is a classic pairing. The crispy, chewy texture of the bread complements the creamy soup and makes it a satisfying meal. You can even dip the bread into the soup for an extra cozy touch.

2. Homemade Croutons

Homemade garlic butter croutons add a wonderful crunch to the soup. The buttery flavor of the croutons pairs perfectly with the cheesy soup, creating a delightful contrast in texture.

3. Salads

Serve the soup with a fresh green salad to add a lighter, refreshing balance to the rich and creamy soup. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad is a perfect match.

4. Sautéed Greens

A side of sautéed spinach or kale adds a healthy and flavorful dimension to the meal. These greens are high in nutrients and provide a lovely contrast to the soup’s creaminess.

5. Oven-Roasted Potatoes

If you want a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside some crispy oven-roasted potatoes. The savory, slightly crispy potatoes will complement the soup and make the meal even more filling.

How to Store and Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

One of the best things about Broccoli Cheddar Soup is that it makes excellent leftovers! It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick meal during the week. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Storing

• Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming in the container, which could make the soup watery.

• Airtight Containers: Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• On the Stove: To reheat the soup, pour it into a saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the soup heats evenly. If it has thickened too much, add a little more milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

• In the Microwave: You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. Heat for 30-45 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the soup is heated through.

Freezing

• Can You Freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Yes, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing. The cheese may separate and the soup could become a bit grainy upon reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

• Reheating from Frozen: To reheat frozen soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs on Broccoli Cheddar Soup

What is the secret ingredient in broccoli cheddar soup?

The “secret” ingredient in Broccoli Cheddar Soup is often Dijon mustard. While it may seem like an unusual addition, Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth of flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and the savory vegetables. It enhances the overall taste, making the soup even more delicious without overpowering the other ingredients.

Is broccoli cheddar soup good or bad for you?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be a healthy choice depending on the ingredients and how it’s made. Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. However, the soup can be high in calories and fat due to the cheese and butter. For a healthier version, you can use less cheese, substitute with lower-fat milk, or add more vegetables for extra nutrition while reducing the richness.

What is in Panera broccoli cheddar soup?

Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains a similar base of broccoli, carrots, onions, and cheddar cheese, along with a creamy roux made from butter and flour. It also includes vegetable broth and milk or cream for a smooth and rich texture. The soup is served in a sourdough bread bowl at Panera, which adds to the overall indulgence of the dish.

What is the unhealthiest soup?

The unhealthiest soups tend to be those that are high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories. Cream-based soups like New England Clam Chowder, Cheddar Broccoli Soup, or Potato Soup often fall into this category due to their high-fat content and the use of heavy creams or cheeses. These soups can be packed with calories and unhealthy fats, especially if they are made with excessive amounts of cream, butter, or cheese. Choosing lighter, broth-based soups or making healthy modifications (like using low-fat milk or adding more vegetables) can make soups healthier.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 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 for a dairy-free option)

• 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)

• Homemade croutons, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base:
   Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

2. Add Garlic and Flour:
   Stir in chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden.

3. Add Liquids and Vegetables:
   Slowly pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add vegetable broth, chopped broccoli, and carrots. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.

4. Add Cheese:
   Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring after each addition until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy.

5. Season and Serve:
   Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Serve with homemade croutons or crusty bread for dipping.

Notes:

• Grate your own cheese for the best melt and smooth texture.

• Milk options: You can use almond milk or any other plant-based milk as a dairy-free alternative.

• Vegetable variation: Feel free to add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to the soup.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Method: Stovetop

• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

• Servings: 4 servings

• Calories: 330 kcal (per serving)

• Yield: 4 bowls