If you’re looking for a bowl of pure cozy comfort, then this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy is about to become your new go-to! Think of velvety smooth cheese mingling with tender broccoli, all swirled together in a creamy, dreamy broth. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug, bursting with color and flavor thanks to fresh veggies and sharp cheddar goodness. Whether you’re battling a chilly day or just need something soul-satisfying, this soup is as easy to love as it is to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy truly shine is how simple, yet completely essential, each ingredient is. From sharp cheddar to fresh broccoli, each element brings depth, creamy texture, and vibrant color that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The rich, creamy base that gives your soup irresistible flavor and silkiness.
- Yellow onion, finely chopped (1 small): Adds subtle sweetness and depth right from the first bite.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For that aromatic backbone that infuses every sip with savory warmth.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): This is your thickening superhero, giving the soup a silky, hearty body.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Brings savory complexity without overpowering the delicate veggies.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Heightens creaminess and gives the soup its luscious, crave-worthy texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers that signature luxurious, super-smooth richness.
- Fresh broccoli florets, chopped (4 cups): The star of the show! These bring vibrant green color and wholesome bite.
- Carrot, peeled and shredded (1 large): Sweetens the soup and adds gorgeous color and texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to enhance and balance all the wonderful flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle, warming kick that ties it all together.
- Ground nutmeg (⅛ teaspoon): A subtle, secret boost that elevates the overall savoriness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 ½ cups): The magical, melty element that transforms this soup into pure comfort food!
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add those finely chopped onions and let them cook for about 3–4 minutes. As they soften and turn translucent, your kitchen will already start to smell amazing! Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds – the goal is to wake up all those flavors, not let the garlic brown.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Now, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step might seem small, but it’s the secret to that perfectly thick and luxurious soup texture. Cooking the flour gets rid of any raw taste and sets the stage for all the creaminess to come!
Step 3: Add Liquids and Build the Base
Slowly pour in your chicken broth, whisking as you go to prevent any lumps. Next, gradually add both the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until you have a smooth, velvety base. This trio creates a foundation that’s both robust and silky, making this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy a standout every time.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Now for the veggies! Toss in your chopped broccoli, shredded carrot, salt, pepper, and just a hint of nutmeg. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it bubble gently for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli is perfectly tender, filling your pot (and home) with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Remove the soup from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, one handful at a time. Watching the cheese melt into the broth is pure magic! Continue mixing until your soup is completely smooth, creamy, and gloriously cheesy.
Step 6: Blend to Your Texture Preference
This is where you can make it your own! For a classic, slightly chunky style, leave the soup as is. Prefer it even smoother? Use an immersion blender to puree some or all of the soup to your preferred texture. Just be careful with the hot liquid—either way, you can’t go wrong!
Step 7: Serve Warm
Ladle up generous portions of your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy into bowls while piping hot, and watch the smiles appear around your table.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! A sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar, a few crisped bacon bits, or even a swirl of cream will really take your soup to the next level. For a fresh pop, add some chopped chives or a grating of black pepper on top. Each garnish adds flavor, color, and a little wow-factor.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing quite like pairing your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy with thick slices of crusty bread for dunking. Garlic toast, fluffy dinner rolls, or even a tangy side salad are all fantastic partners. A light sandwich or baked potato on the side can transform your soup into a complete meal for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—everyone will love breaking off pieces as they eat! You can also use small mugs or ramekins for mini “soup shooters” at parties or casual get-togethers. Get creative by layering soup with extra roasted broccoli or colorful microgreens for an elevated touch that’ll impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more after a night in the fridge, and the soup will thicken slightly (which many people love!). If it becomes too thick, just whisk in a splash of milk when reheating to achieve your ideal consistency.
Freezing
Cream-based soups can be a little tricky to freeze, but it’s definitely doable! Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture might change slightly upon thawing, so a quick blend after reheating helps restore its creamy goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching or separating. If it’s thickened, add a splash of milk or broth as needed. For an even quicker option, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in a pinch—just add it straight to the soup during the vegetable step. You might need to simmer for a couple additional minutes to ensure it’s heated through and tender.
Can I make this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth. The soup will still be perfectly creamy and rich with that same beloved flavor.
How do I prevent my cheese from clumping or becoming grainy?
Be sure to remove the soup from the heat before adding the cheese, and stir it in a handful at a time. This keeps the cheese from overheating and ensures a luxuriously smooth finish every time.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While it’s convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup less smooth. For the best texture in your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy, shred your own from a block if possible—it really makes a difference!
Is this soup gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-free diets. Your soup will still turn out thick, creamy, and delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy is pure comfort in a bowl, the kind of meal that brings people together and keeps everyone coming back for more. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it work its cozy magic in your kitchen!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe from Cooking Classy is a must-try for any soup lover. With a rich cheddar cheese base and hearty broccoli florets, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a special meal.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Add the broccoli, shredded carrot, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time until melted and smooth.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or leave it chunky if preferred.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the cream if preferred.
- Leftovers reheat well and thicken slightly over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
