Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is not only quick, and easy, it’s sure to hit all the right comfort spots!

This creamy, cheesy delight has become a favorite in many households, offering a delightful way to enjoy your vegetables. Whether you’re looking to recreate that cozy feeling from your favorite restaurant or simply want to try a new recipe at home, this guide will walk you through making a delicious broccoli cheddar soup from scratch.

What Makes This So Great?

Broccoli cheddar soup is a perfect blend of creamy cheese and wholesome vegetables, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and nutritious. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the way it brings together common ingredients to create something special. The combination of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy base results in a soup that’s rich and satisfying without being overly heavy.

This soup is also incredibly versatile. It’s great as a starter, but hearty enough to be a meal on its own, especially when paired with some crusty bread or a fresh salad. Plus, making it at home allows you to adjust the ingredients to your liking, whether you prefer it extra cheesy or loaded with more veggies. It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s helpful to gather all the necessary kitchen tools to ensure a smooth experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking the soup. A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal to prevent sticking.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables like onions, garlic, broccoli, and carrots.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the soup as it cooks.
• Whisk: Useful when adding flour to prevent lumps.
• Cheese Grater: To shred the cheddar cheese.
• Blender or Immersion Blender (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend part or all of it.
• Baking Sheet (For Croutons): If you’re making homemade croutons to top your soup.
• Oven: For baking the croutons.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

To make this delicious broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 Medium White Onion, finely chopped
• 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
• ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Whole Milk
• 2½ cups Vegetable Broth
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 Large Carrot, julienned into small pieces
• 3 cups Broccoli, chopped into small pieces
• 8 oz Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

For Homemade Croutons:

• ½ Italian Loaf, cut into cubes
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

How To Make It

Let’s get started on making this comforting soup. Follow these steps to create a delightful meal that will warm you up on any day.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Chop the Onion and Garlic: Finely chop one medium white onion and mince four garlic cloves.
• Julienne the Carrot: Cut the large carrot into thin, small pieces. This helps it cook faster and blend well into the soup.
• Chop the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into small florets. You can also chop up the stems if you like; they add extra texture and nutrients.

Step 2: Make the Croutons (Optional but Recommended)

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the Bread: Cut half of an Italian loaf into small cubes.
• Season the Croutons: In a mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with ¼ cup of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated.
• Bake: Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Start the Soup Base

• Melt the Butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onions to the melted butter. Cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and soft.
• Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Roux

• Add Flour: Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon to combine, cooking for about 2 minutes. This will eliminate the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup.

Step 5: Add Liquids

• Pour in the Milk: Slowly add 2 cups of whole milk to the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
• Add Vegetable Broth: Pour in 2½ cups of vegetable broth, continuing to stir. The mixture should start to thicken slightly.
• Season: Stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, which adds a subtle tang and depth to the soup.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

• Add Carrots and Broccoli: Stir in the julienned carrots and chopped broccoli pieces.
• Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 7: Blend the Soup (Optional)

• Blend for a Smoother Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, puree it, and then return it to the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
• Leave It Chunky: If you like a chunkier soup with visible pieces of broccoli and carrots, you can skip the blending step.

Step 8: Add the Cheese

• Lower the Heat: Reduce the heat to low to prevent the cheese from separating.
• Add Cheddar Cheese: Gradually stir in 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and integrated into the soup.
• Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.

Step 9: Serve

• Ladle into Bowls: Serve the soup hot in individual bowls.
• Top with Croutons: Sprinkle a handful of homemade croutons over each serving for added crunch.
• Garnish (Optional): You can also top with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe

Broccoli cheddar soup has its roots in European cuisine, where cream-based vegetable soups have been popular for centuries. Broccoli, a member of the cabbage family, has been cultivated since the Roman Empire, but it wasn’t until Italian immigrants brought it to the United States in the 19th century that it became widely consumed.

The combination of broccoli and cheese is a natural pairing, blending the earthiness of the vegetable with the richness of cheese. Cheddar cheese, originating from the English village of Cheddar in Somerset, has been a favorite in cooking due to its sharp taste and excellent melting properties.

The popularization of broccoli cheddar soup in America can be partly attributed to restaurants like Panera Bread, which introduced a creamy version that quickly became a customer favorite. This spurred many home cooks to recreate the comforting soup in their own kitchens, adapting recipes to suit personal tastes.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten Free)?

This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to accommodate various dietary needs.

Vegetarian Option:

• Already Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian as it stands since it doesn’t include any meat products.

Vegan Option:

• Butter Substitute: Use vegan butter or olive oil in place of unsalted butter.
• Milk Substitute: Replace whole milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Choose an unsweetened variety to maintain the soup’s savory profile.
• Cheese Substitute: Use a vegan cheddar cheese alternative that melts well.
• Creaminess: For added creaminess, you can blend soaked cashews into the soup or add coconut milk (though it may alter the taste slightly).

Gluten-Free Option:

• Flour Substitute: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount of cornstarch as it’s a stronger thickener).
• Croutons: Use gluten-free bread to make croutons or omit them altogether.

Lower Carb/Keto Option:

• Skip the Flour: Omit the flour and reduce the amount of milk, or use heavy cream instead for a thicker consistency without the carbs.
• Croutons: Avoid croutons or use a low-carb bread alternative.

Lactose-Free Option:

• Milk Substitute: Use lactose-free milk.
• Cheese Substitute: Use a lactose-free cheese or reduce the amount of cheese and add more vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Making cheddar broccoli soup involves creating a creamy base, adding vegetables, and incorporating cheese. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter, then add flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and vegetable broth, then add broccoli and carrots. Simmer until the vegetables are tender. Blend the soup if desired, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with croutons on top.

What to Eat with Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Sandwiches: Grilled cheese, turkey, or ham sandwiches complement the soup nicely.
• Baked Potatoes: A baked potato topped with a bit of butter or sour cream makes for a hearty meal.
• Crackers: Simple crackers can add a pleasant crunch.

How to Make Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To make a soup similar to Panera’s famous broccoli cheddar soup:

• Use a Creamier Base: Incorporate half-and-half or heavy cream along with the milk for extra richness.
• Blend Smoothly: Blend the soup more thoroughly to achieve a smoother consistency.
• Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of nutmeg, which is a secret ingredient often used in creamy soups.
• Cheese: Use a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced taste.

What Goes with Broccoli Cheddar Soup

In addition to the sides mentioned earlier, consider these options:

• Quiche or Savory Tart: Adds variety to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts complements the soup.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can provide a sweet contrast.
• Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can make the meal more filling.

How Should I Store This?

Proper storage ensures that your broccoli cheddar soup remains fresh and safe to eat.

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. However, soups with dairy may separate upon thawing. To minimize this, consider freezing the soup before adding the cheese and then adding fresh cheese when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to adjust the consistency.
• Croutons: Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Re-crisp them in the oven if needed.