Print

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

creamy broccoli cheese soup - featured image

A comforting and easy homemade soup featuring sharp and mild cheddar cheeses blended with tender broccoli for a creamy, nostalgic dish perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 300g) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720ml) chicken or vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk (can substitute with dairy-free milk)
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups/300g). Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Shred cheese if not pre-shredded. Prep time about 10 minutes.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Sprinkle 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour over the butter, onion, and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until bubbly and slightly thickened to cook off raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly whisk in 3 cups (720ml) chicken or vegetable broth, followed by 2 cups (480ml) whole milk. Stir well to combine and avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add broccoli florets to the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender but still has some texture.
  6. Using an immersion blender, puree about half the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a regular blender and return to pot.
  7. Lower heat to low and stir in 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar and 1 cup (100g) mild cheddar cheese. Stir gently until cheese melts completely. Avoid boiling to prevent cheese separation.
  8. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Let soup warm through for 2-3 minutes on low heat without boiling. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

If soup is too thick, add more broth or milk to reach desired consistency. Stir often during simmering to prevent milk from scorching. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor. Lower heat before adding cheese to avoid graininess. Can substitute flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch (use half amount). Dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives can be used for vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheddar cheese soup, homemade soup, broccoli soup