Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold weather or anytime you crave a rich, cheesy meal. Packed with tender broccoli and a delicious blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this soup is not only a hearty meal but also offers the goodness of vegetables in a flavorful, indulgent package.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 6 Tbsp butter, cut into 1 Tbsp pieces
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 large clove garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 1/4 cups low-fat milk (more to thin if needed)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups (packed) finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
• 10 oz (2 1/2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 oz (1/3 cup) finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until nearly soft (about 4–5 minutes).
2. Add garlic and flour, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
3. While whisking, slowly pour in milk and chicken broth. Stir in broccoli.
4. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.
5. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring often, until broccoli is tender (about 6–8 minutes).
6. Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream, then mix in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with extra cheddar cheese if desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: 541 kcal per serving
• Serving Size: 1 serving (recipe makes 6 servings)
• Total Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 114 mg
• Sodium: 770 mg
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugars: 7 g
• Protein: 25 g

Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Comforting Classic

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a beloved dish that brings comfort to any meal, especially during cold months or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Combining tender broccoli with a rich and creamy base of melted cheese, this soup is the perfect blend of texture, flavor, and nutrition. Though it has an indulgent, creamy consistency, it’s also loaded with the goodness of broccoli, making it both a treat and a nourishing meal in one. This recipe for Broccoli Cheese Soup is a great way to use fresh broccoli, and it’s perfect for families or anyone looking for a cozy, easy-to-make soup. With a balance of healthy vegetables and a cheesy, velvety broth, it hits all the right notes for a fulfilling and wholesome meal. Whether served as an appetizer or the main course, it’s sure to please anyone at the table.

The Allure of Broccoli Cheese Soup

What makes Broccoli Cheese Soup so irresistible? The answer lies in its combination of flavors and textures. The creamy base of the soup is made even richer with the addition of sharp cheddar cheese, creating a luscious, velvety texture. The broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and mild bitterness, which balances the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious, flavorful contrast. The soup is hearty and filling, making it an excellent choice for a quick dinner or even as a light lunch when paired with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. Its simplicity and deliciousness are what make it so universally loved. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned home cooks and beginners.

Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is not just a delicious vegetable; it’s also packed with numerous health benefits, making it the star of this soup. Rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and fiber, broccoli supports immune health, promotes good digestion, and contributes to overall well-being. It’s also a powerful antioxidant, which helps fight inflammation and supports cellular repair. The fiber in broccoli aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, while its high Vitamin C content boosts immunity, keeping colds at bay. Adding broccoli to your diet is a great way to get a serving of vegetables in a way that’s both enjoyable and nutritious.

The Cheesy Indulgence

The cheesy component of Broccoli Cheese Soup is what truly makes it a crowd-pleaser. Sharp cheddar cheese gives the soup its rich, tangy flavor, while Parmesan adds an additional depth of savory, umami goodness. The cheeses are melted into the soup base, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture that coats the broccoli and makes every spoonful a delight. Though the cheese adds richness and flavor, it also provides a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for healthy bones and muscles. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this soup does have a fairly high fat content, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Customizing Your Broccoli Cheese Soup

One of the best things about Broccoli Cheese Soup is its versatility. While the recipe calls for classic ingredients like broccoli, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, you can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ways to customize the soup:

• Add More Veggies: While broccoli is the main star of the soup, you can add other vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients. Carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach would complement the flavor profile and boost the soup’s nutritional content. Adding vegetables like these also enhances the color and texture, making the soup even more vibrant and hearty.
• Spices and Seasonings: The base of the soup is simple, with salt and pepper to taste, but you can add extra seasonings to elevate the flavor. Try a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can also bring a fresh, aromatic quality to the soup.
• Make it Lighter: If you want a lighter version of the soup, you can swap out the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative like milk or even a dairy-free option such as almond milk or coconut milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use reduced-fat cheese varieties to make it less indulgent without compromising too much on flavor.
• Protein Add-ins: To make the soup more filling, consider adding a source of protein such as cooked chicken, turkey, or even beans. Adding protein can make the soup more substantial and turn it into a complete meal.

Broccoli Cheese Soup for All Occasions

This soup is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for your family on a cold evening or serving it at a holiday gathering, Broccoli Cheese Soup is sure to be a hit. It’s comforting and hearty, but also easy to prepare in large batches, making it an ideal option for serving a crowd. Perfect for Cold Weather: The warmth and creaminess of this soup make it a perfect dish for chilly evenings. When the weather is cold and you need something to warm you up from the inside, a bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup provides the ultimate comfort. It’s also a great way to sneak in some healthy vegetables during winter when fresh produce can be more limited.

Pairing Suggestions

While Broccoli Cheese Soup is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great pairings to consider:

• Bread: A crusty baguette, a warm loaf of sourdough, or even buttery garlic bread pairs wonderfully with Broccoli Cheese Soup. The bread can be used to soak up the creamy soup, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Salads: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. The freshness of the salad helps balance the richness of the soup and adds a healthy touch to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a more substantial meal, serve the soup with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. The caramelized flavors of roasted vegetables make for a savory addition to the meal.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Its creamy, cheesy base pairs perfectly with the tender broccoli, creating a hearty and flavorful soup that is both nutritious and indulgent. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless customization, so you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.