Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Name: Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes

I absolutely love making Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Soup during the colder months. There's something so comforting about a hot bowl of this delicious soup, especially when it’s packed with healthy broccoli and the creamy richness of cheese. When I first tried this recipe, I wanted to capture the essence of a classic comforting dish while ensuring it was easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, it quickly became a family favorite, and I often make it when friends come over for dinner. It’s simply irresistible!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T00:37:28.025Z

When I first experimented with this Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Soup, I wanted to create something that not only satisfied the taste buds but also nourished the body. The secret to a velvety consistency lies in blending the broccoli just right. Too little, and you miss that creamy texture; too much, and it turns soupy. I found that blending half and leaving some florets chunky gives that perfect balance.

Using sharp cheddar cheese enhances the flavor profile, making each spoonful a burst of deliciousness. Playing around with seasonings like garlic and a hint of nutmeg really elevate the soup. My family now requests it weekly, and I can't blame them — it’s simply a bowl of warmth and love!

Why You'll Love This Soup
Rich and creamy texture that warms your soul
Packed with nutritious broccoli for a healthy boost
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights

Mastering the Texture

Achieving the ideal creamy texture in your Broccoli and Cheese Soup is all about the blending technique. After simmering the broccoli until tender, aim to blend it until smooth but not completely puréed. If you prefer some texture, leave a few small chunks for a delightful mouthfeel. This not only enhances the soup’s appearance but also adds a satisfying bite to every spoonful. An immersion blender is ideal for this; just be cautious of splatter while blending, keeping the pot slightly covered.

Another tip for achieving a luxurious texture is to introduce the heavy cream slowly. After blending, return the soup to low heat and make sure it is hot but not boiling before you add the cream. This prevents the cream from curdling, which can occur if it’s added to a boiling liquid. Stir continuously until the soup is heated through, ensuring that the cream melds seamlessly with the broccoli mixture.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of cheese plays a critical role in the flavor profile of this soup. Sharp cheddar is recommended not only for its robust flavor but also for its melting properties that contribute to the creamy texture. If you want to experiment, feel free to substitute with Gruyère or even a blend that includes pepper jack for a hint of spice. Be aware that some cheeses melt better than others; avoid pre-shredded cheeses that often contain anti-caking agents as they may not melt as smoothly.

Utilizing fresh broccoli will yield the best results, but frozen florets can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that frozen broccoli can cook faster, so reduce the simmering time to about 10 minutes, checking for tenderness. Additionally, incorporating additional vegetables such as carrots or even a handful of spinach can enhance the nutritional value without overwhelming the dish’s primary flavors.

Storage and Serving Ideas

Storing Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Soup is straightforward. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This soup can be refrigerated for up to three days. If you prefer freezing, make sure to leave out the cream and cheese during the initial cooking process, as these ingredients don’t freeze well. Freeze the base soup, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat it on low, stirring in the cream and cheese until melted and creamy for the best texture and taste.

Serving suggestions for this soup are varied. Pair it with crusty bread for a comforting meal, or serve it alongside a light salad for a balanced lunch. For an added gourmet touch, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese or croutons just before serving. A drizzle of olive oil or a dash of nutmeg can elevate the flavors and presentation beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delectable soup:

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a comforting and delicious soup!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your soup:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Blend and Add Cream

Once the broccoli is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through.

Incorporate Cheese

Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy your hot, creamy soup with some crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating some crispy bacon bits as a topping. It gives a delightful crunch and savory kick to the dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with creamy soups is separation when reheating. If your soup appears split, simply whisk it back together over low heat. If it seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water while stirring until the desired consistency is achieved. Avoid reheating on high heat to prevent curdling the cream and causing the flavors to become muddled.

If you find the soup lacks flavor, consider enhancing it with a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of mustard powder for brightness. Conversely, if it’s too salty, balance it out with a dollop of sour cream served on top or adding a few more broccoli florets that have been quickly cooked and blended.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is quite simple; just keep the ingredient ratios consistent. Each cup of broccoli requires roughly half a cup of vegetable broth and slightly more than a cup of liquid when factoring in the cream. If you're preparing for a large group, doubling the recipe can be done without altering any cooking techniques. Just ensure you have a large enough pot and check for doneness as cooking times may vary slightly with larger volumes.

For smaller servings, the soup can easily be halved. I love using single-serving containers to freeze leftovers for quick lunches. Simply portion out the soup before adding dairy, freeze it, and add the cream and cheese when reheating to maintain its creamy goodness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly fine and saves you prep time!

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’re all set.

→ How can I make this soup lighter?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk for a lighter option.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within 2-3 months.