Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A Comforting, Cheesy Classic Made Easy at Home!
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup to cozy up your day! This classic comfort dish blends tender broccoli, creamy cheddar, and aromatic garlic and onion into a rich, soul-soothing soup that tastes just like your favorite café version—if not better!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- One-pot recipe for easy cleanup
- Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor
- Customizable with veggie or chicken broth
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
2. Simmer the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is fork-tender.
3. Blend Until Smooth
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup right in the pot until smooth. (Or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.) If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup and stir it back in.
4. Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and velvety.
5. Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty sourdough or a warm baguette
- Serve in a bread bowl for a Panera-style experience
- Garnish with cracked pepper, extra cheese, or a swirl of cream
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, but you can try if needed—just stir well when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This homemade broccoli cheddar soup is thick, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for lunch, this recipe is a winner every time.
Craving more cozy soup recipes? Let me know and I’ll help build your soup collection!
