This delicious soup is made by simmering tender broccoli in a savory base of broth, milk, or cream, and then adding a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. The result is a rich, creamy soup that’s both filling and nutritious, with the slight crunch of broccoli balancing the smooth, cheesy texture.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a crowd-pleaser with its smooth, velvety texture and a perfect balance of creamy cheese and savory vegetables. The combination of flavors is satisfying and indulgent, making it a favorite among many.
Not only is Broccoli Cheddar Soup delicious, but it also offers nutritional benefits. Broccoli is rich in vitamins and fiber, supporting immune health and digestion. Adding cheddar cheese adds protein and calcium, contributing to bone health. Enjoy a bowl that’s both tasty and nourishing!
Ingredients for a Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Butter: Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. The butter serves as the base for your sauce and adds a rich, velvety texture. It’s essential for achieving that creamy, smooth consistency in your soup.
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Onion and Garlic: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance. This step enhances the sauce’s flavour depth, giving it a savory foundation.
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Broccoli: Add your broccoli to the pot after the onion and garlic are sautéed. You can chop the broccoli into small florets to ensure they cook evenly. You can sauté the broccoli briefly before adding the liquids to enhance its flavor and soften it slightly.
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Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Pour in your choice of broth (chicken or vegetable) to help form the soup base. The broth provides flavour and ensures the soup maintains a light consistency, allowing the Alfredo sauce to bind with the vegetables.
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Milk: Once the broth is heated, add milk to the pot. The milk helps thicken the soup and provides the creamy texture characteristic of Alfredo sauce. Use whole milk for a richer consistency or adjust with lower-fat milk based on your preferences.
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Cheese: Cheese is the key ingredient in making your Broccoli Cheddar Soup an Alfredo-style delight. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into the sauce, creating that perfect creamy, cheesy texture. You could also mix in Parmesan cheese for a more traditional Alfredo flavour, but cheddar is the star in this recipe.
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Salt and Pepper: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. This step enhances all the flavors, ensuring the cheese and other ingredients come together beautifully.
How to Cook Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make a rich, creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup whole milk (or cream for a richer version)
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for an added zing)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes, or until fragrant and the onions are soft.
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Prepare the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
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Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat everything. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly add the broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer the Soup: Once the soup simmers, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
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Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend to your desired consistency.
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Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the milk (or cream) and Dijon mustard (if using). Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the soup becomes creamy.
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Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy immediately. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Variations
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Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheddar cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use plant-based milk such as almond or oat, and replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a rich, creamy texture.
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Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Add a bit of heat by incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. This gives the soup a nice contrast with the creamy, cheesy base.
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Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Crispy bacon bits enhance the flavor. You can cook bacon in the pot first, then use the rendered fat to sauté the onions and garlic for added depth of flavor. Top the soup with more bacon bits for a crunchy, smoky finish.
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Potato: To make the soup heartier, add diced potatoes. The potatoes help thicken the soup and provide additional comfort.
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Low-Carb Broccoli Cheddar Soup: For a low-carb version, skip the flour-based roux and use a bit of xanthan gum or arrowroot powder to thicken the soup. You can use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, lower-carb alternative.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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In a Bread Bowl: A classic way to serve broccoli cheddar soup is in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This gives it an extra flavour, as the soup soaks into the bread, and you can enjoy the bowl at the end.
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With a Side of Crusty Bread: Serve the soup alongside a slice of toasted baguette, sourdough, or garlic bread. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup.
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Topped with Additional Cheese: For an extra indulgent treat, top your bowl of soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, then broil it for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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As a Side Dish: This soup can also be served as a side dish alongside a light salad or grilled chicken for a balanced meal.
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With Croutons: Topping your soup with homemade or store-bought croutons adds a bit of crunch. They provide a nice texture that contrasts with the creamy soup.
FAQs About Broccoli Cheddar Soup
What ingredients are in Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
It typically includes broccoli, cheddar cheese, onions, garlic, butter, flour (for thickening), chicken or vegetable broth, milk or cream, and seasonings like salt and pepper.
Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup without cream?
Yes, you can make a lighter version by substituting the cream with milk, a plant-based milk (like almond or oat), or even a vegetable broth. You can also use a thickener like cornstarch or a roux (flour and butter mixture) to give it a creamy texture.
How do I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, like vegan cheddar cheese and non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or soy).
How can I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, use a roux (flour and butter mixture), blend a portion to create a smooth base, or add a thickening agent like cornstarch or potato starch mixed with water.
Can I freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup. The texture of the cheese might change upon reheating, as it can sometimes separate when frozen. To prevent this, try using a good-quality cheese and stirring the soup well when reheating.
