Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.

I’m excited to share my favorite comfort food recipe with you today! This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is a homemade version of the beloved Panera Bread classic. It’s the perfect easy recipe for chilly days when you need a warm hug in a bowl.

In just 30 minutes, you can make this rich and velvety soup. It’s full of tender veggies and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that serves 4-8 people. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.

Trust me, once you try this homemade soup, you’ll never want the store-bought version again. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe. It’s sure to become your new go-to comfort food!

Table of Contents

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

This broccoli cheese soup is going to be your new favorite! It’s quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal fast.

This soup is not only delicious but also healthy. It’s full of broccoli and carrots, giving you lots of vitamins and fiber. It’s a sneaky way to eat more veggies without losing flavor.

This recipe is super flexible. You can change the milk or cheese to fit your taste or diet. Want it smooth? Blend it. Like it chunky? Keep the veggies whole.

Everyone loves this soup. I’ve made it for family dinners and parties, and it always gets eaten quickly. Even picky eaters enjoy it.

Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)

I love this broccoli cheese soup recipe for its simplicity and versatility. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need and some handy substitutes.

For the base, you’ll need:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion
3 garlic cloves
1/4 cup flour

The star ingredients are:

3 cups broccoli florets
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups milk (whole or unsweetened almond)
1 large carrot

To enhance the flavor, add:

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Sharp cheddar instead of mild
Chicken stock in place of vegetable broth
Half-and-half as a milk alternative

For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some diced celery. These simple swaps and additions can create a whole new flavor profile while keeping the essence of this delicious broccoli cheese soup intact.

Instructions

Let’s make this tasty broccoli cheese soup! I start by melting butter in a big pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, I cook onions until they’re soft and look translucent. The smell is amazing!

Then, I make roux by adding flour to the onions and stirring a lot. This makes the soup thick. I slowly pour in milk and broth, stirring to avoid lumps.

Now, I simmer the veggies. I add chopped broccoli and carrots, and a bit of mustard for flavor. Everything cooks for 15-20 minutes until the veggies are soft.

Next, I add cheese. I mix in the cheese bit by bit, watching it melt into a creamy soup. I taste it to make sure it’s just right.

To make the soup smooth, I blend it with an immersion blender in the pot. If you like it chunky, don’t blend it. Your broccoli cheese soup is ready in 35-40 minutes!

“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”

Tips, Tricks & Storing

I’ve found great ways to make your broccoli cheese soup perfect. First, grate the cheese yourself for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese can have stuff that changes the texture.

To avoid lumps, whisk constantly when adding flour and milk. This makes the soup smooth and creamy. Slow cooking helps mix the cheese well. Keep the heat low and stir gently to prevent the soup from separating.

For storing, put your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you reheat, use the stovetop on medium-low heat. Stir now and then to keep it even. Don’t use the microwave because it can heat unevenly.

Use freshly grated cheese for best results
Adjust consistency with extra broth if needed
Don’t freeze creamy soups – they can separate when thawed

These tips will help you make a delicious, lump-free broccoli cheese soup every time. Remember, slow cooking is key for the perfect consistency!

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

I love serving this broccoli cheese soup in a bread bowl. It makes the meal extra comfy. If you don’t have bread bowls, try dipping crusty ciabatta in the soup. It tastes great!