Warm, creamy, and loaded with vibrant broccoli, this Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights, cozy dinners, or impressing your family with minimal effort. The rich, velvety cheese combined with nutrient-packed broccoli makes every spoonful irresistible.
This recipe is gluten-free adaptable, vegetarian-friendly, and perfect for picky eaters. Follow my step-by-step instructions for a smooth, creamy, restaurant-quality soup right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Rich & Creamy – Sharp cheddar blends perfectly with heavy cream.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 40–45 minutes.
- Vegetable Packed – Broccoli adds flavor, fiber, and nutrients.
- Versatile – Easily adapt for gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets.
- Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream for dairy-free)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before You Begin
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant—do not brown.
2. Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the mixture. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
3. Add Broth and Broccoli
Slowly whisk in broth to avoid lumps. Add broccoli. Bring to a gentle simmer—not a rapid boil.
4. Simmer Until Tender
Cook 10–15 minutes or until broccoli is fork-tender.
5. Add Cream Safely
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream. Do not boil after adding dairy.
6. Melt Cheese Slowly
Add shredded cheese gradually, stirring until smooth. Keep heat low to prevent curdling.
7. Adjust Texture
For a smoother finish, pulse briefly with an immersion blender. Avoid aggressive blending.
8. Serve
Season to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish.
9. Store Safely
Cool and refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat gently on low heat.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup base (broth + broccoli + roux) for up to 2 months. Add cream and cheese when reheating.
- Reheat: Slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Add directly to simmering broth without thawing. You may need to simmer an extra 2–3 minutes for tenderness.
Q2: How do I prevent cheese from curdling?
Add cheese gradually over very low heat. Avoid boiling. You can briefly remove the pot from heat when adding cheese.
Q3: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk or cream (like oat, almond, or cashew) and dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Q4: Can this soup be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the roux. Ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Q5: What bread pairs best with this soup?
Crusty sourdough, garlic focaccia, or ciabatta are ideal for dipping.
Q6: Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition. Adjust cook time to keep broccoli tender.
Q7: How thick should the soup be?
The soup should coat the back of a spoon. For thinner soup, add more broth or milk. For thicker, blend partially or fully and simmer slightly longer.
Q8: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the base (broth + broccoli + roux) in advance, refrigerate up to 2 days, then add cream and cheese when reheating.
Q9: Can I freeze the fully cooked soup?
It’s best to freeze the base without cream or cheese. Add them fresh when reheating for best texture.
Conclusion
This Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a family-friendly, creamy, and nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With step-by-step instructions, tips for freezing and reheating, and versatile adaptations, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Pair it with crusty bread, and enjoy the ultimate comfort in a bowl!
Ingredients
Method
- Before You Begin
- Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over mixture. Stir 1–2 minutes to form smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in broth. Add broccoli and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer 10–15 minutes or until broccoli is fork-tender.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream and stir gently—do not boil.
- Add shredded cheddar gradually, stirring until smooth.
- Blend partially for thicker texture if desired.
- Season to taste and serve warm with garnishes.
About the Author
Isaac shares easy, family-friendly recipes made with simple ingredients, focusing on clear instructions and reliable results for everyday home cooking.
