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Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

creamy broccoli cheese soup - featured image

A comforting, creamy broccoli cheese soup featuring sharp cheddar and tender broccoli florets, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped (fresh preferred, frozen works)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups whole milk (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, about 4 cups total. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until translucent and softened, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour evenly over the butter and onion mixture. Whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until light golden and raw flour taste is gone.
  5. Slowly pour in 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add chopped broccoli florets and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.
  7. Using an immersion blender, puree about half the soup until smooth and creamy, leaving the other half chunky. If using a regular blender, cool slightly and blend in batches, then return to pot.
  8. Stir in 2 cups whole milk and heat gently over low heat, avoiding boiling.
  9. Slowly add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
  10. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  11. Let soup simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to marry flavors, stirring occasionally.
  12. If soup is too thick, add a splash more milk or broth to loosen.

Notes

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. For dairy-free, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and cheddar with dairy-free cheese. Add cheese slowly over low heat to prevent graininess. If soup thickens too much when reheated, add milk or broth to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheddar cheese soup, homemade soup