Appetizer & Dessert

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Delicious Meal Ideas

Name: Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Delicious Meal Ideas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 large carrot, julienned or finely diced; 4 tablespoons unsalted cultured butter; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond beverage; 1/2 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup plain all-purpose flour; 2 cups vegetable stock; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; Homemade herb-infused croutons, for serving

Irene Adkins June 1, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When the crisp air of fall sets in, and the occasional chill creeps into the evenings, it’s time to cozy up with a bowl of homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup.

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a rich, creamy delight that fills your kitchen with warmth and fills your belly with happiness. Imagine spooning into a dish brimming with vibrant green broccoli and a cascade of sharp cheddar cheese melting beautifully with each stir.

Paired with crusty bread or homemade croutons, this soup becomes the ultimate comfort food.

Why This Recipe is Great for You

Making Broccoli Cheese Soup has turned into a comforting ritual in my home. Not only does it satisfy the taste buds, but it also packs a health punch. Broccoli is loaded with vitamins C and K, not to mention fiber and antioxidants.

It’s like bringing a little garden to your dinner table. Plus, the creamy cheese adds a depth that brings everything together beautifully. Can you tell I love this recipe?

The cheesy goodness coats those healthy greens, transforming them into something truly tempting.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

As someone who has spent years blending flavors and tweaking recipes, I find joy in choosing the right ingredients. Each item in this recipe is selected with purpose.

3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 large carrot, julienned or finely diced
4 tablespoons unsalted cultured butter
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond beverage
½ teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
¼ cup plain all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable stock
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Homemade herb-infused croutons, for serving

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

First things first, wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. I find it helpful to have everything prepped before cooking. Finely dice the onion and garlic, and julienne or dice the carrot. This makes stir-frying a breeze!

Step 2: Sauté Time

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once bubbly, add the onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until it’s soft and translucent.

Toss in the garlic and cooked for an additional minute. Your kitchen will start smelling delightful now. Add in the carrots next and mix them well with the onion and garlic; cook for about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed mixture and stir continuously for about 1 minute. This step is crucial. It forms a roux that will help thicken your soup.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquids

Gradually whisk in the vegetable stock and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. It will start to get creamy already; now sprinkle in the smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, and sea salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while frequently stirring.

Step 5: Add the Broccoli

Once bubbling, it’s time to add your broccoli florets. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.

Step 6: Cheese, Please!

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese bit by bit, allowing it to melt thoroughly into the soup.

The warmth of the soup does this beautifully. Add the freshly cracked black pepper and lemon juice, adjusting to taste.

Step 7: Blend to Your Liking

At this stage, you can choose to blend the soup, but I prefer a bit of texture. If you do want it smoother, simply use an immersion blender or transfer some of the soup to a blender. Either way, it will be creamy and delicious.

Step 8: Serve Up

Ladle the Broccoli Cheese Soup into bowls and top with herb-infused croutons. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of additional cheese on top for good measure. Enjoy with friends or keep it all to yourself—no judgments here!

Recipe Notes

Broccoli: Rich in fiber and vitamins, it provides the bulk of the nutrition here.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharpness is key. Aged cheddar can elevate the flavor even further.
Butter: Use cultured for a tangier taste. It adds a lovely richness.
Milk Options: Whole milk gives a rich consistency, while almond milk keeps it lighter.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.
Lemon Juice: A tiny splash can make a surprisingly large difference in flavor.

Recipe Variations

Explore different avenues with this dish:

Spicy Kick: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Protein Punch: Consider adding cooked chicken or white beans to the mix.
Veggie Boost: Sneak in other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to enhance the nutrition even more.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with Gruyere or even a spicy pepper jack for an exciting twist.
Vegan Alternative: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast to preserve that cheesy flavor without dairy.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Each time I make this dish, it brings me back to those chilly evenings where warmth was all I sought. Not only is it simple and satisfying, but it also represents a hearty connection to nutrition and comfort. So, why not try this recipe?

Embrace creativity in your kitchen; you might stumble upon your next signature dish. Here’s hoping your Broccoli Cheese Soup becomes a beloved staple in your home, too!

Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll add this to your collection of favorites. Enjoy each spoonful, and let the warmth spread through you. Happy cooking!

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Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Delicious Meal Ideas

Author: Irene Adkins Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 341 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

cozy up with a bowl of homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup.

This isn't just any soup; it's a rich, creamy delight that fills your kitchen with warmth and fills your belly with happiness. Imagine spooning into a dish brimming with vibrant green broccoli and a cascade of sharp cheddar cheese melting beautifully with each stir.