Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate bowl of creamy, cheesy comfort. Bursting with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a velvety texture, it’s a classic that never fails to warm you up. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy night in, this soup brings all the richness of your favorite café-style version right to your kitchen simple, hearty, and soul-satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer to a blender in batches. For a chunkier texture, skip this step.
- Add cream & cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring over low heat until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve warm, garnished with extra shredded cheddar, croutons, or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melt pre-shredded varieties can clump due to anti-caking agents.
- Avoid Boiling After Adding Cheese: Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from curdling or separating.
- Texture Preference: Blend just part of the soup for a mix of creamy base and tender broccoli chunks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stove-Top Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy broccoli soup, homemade cheese soup, comfort food soup, easy vegetable soup, café-style soup