Broccoli Cheddar Soup

4/1/2025

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Description

A hearty, creamy delight that makes an ideal winter dinner - this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a blend of nutrients and rich flavors. Employing traditional, homemade cooking techniques, this soup is balanced, flavorful, and bound to become a favorite!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

• Crumbled bacon: Sprinkle a handful of cooked, crumbled bacon on top for a smoky, savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg enhances the depth of the soup, adding a slightly sweet, nutty note.
• Hot sauce: A few drops can add a unique kick to the soup, contrasting the creamy richness.

Estimated Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are soft and translucent, around 5 minutes.
2. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until a roux forms and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Gradually add in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps.
4. Stir in the broccoli and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.
5. Gradually add in the milk while stirring, allowing the soup to heat back up.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted into the soup.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Adding any optional ingredients here.
8. Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth or desired consistency is reached. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can leave some broccoli pieces whole.
9. Ladle into bowls, top with extra cheese if desired, and serve warm.

Related Recipes

Apple Soup

A sweet and savory soup, this traditional homemade apple soup plays with the delicate balance of natural sweetness and tanginess of apples, tempered by a blend of hearty root vegetables. Perfect to warm up on chilly nights or celebrate the fall season.

Ash Reshteh

Ash Reshteh is a thick, hearty soup that's a staple dish in Iranian cuisine. This recipe celebrates a nourishing mix of herbs, pulses, and Persian noodles. The dish sends your taste buds on an adventure with complex, savory flavors balanced by hints of tangy whey and crispy onions.

Bean Soup

Our traditional Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for cold winter days. It is packed with flavorful beans and vegetables, giving it a thick consistency and a rich, savory taste. The soup benefits from slow simmering, allowing the flavors to meld together in harmony.

Borscht

Borscht is a traditional Eastern European soup known for its distinctive deep red color, coming from its main ingredient: beets. With a complex interplay of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, it's a substantial, comforting dish perfect for cold weather.

Bread Soup

Our Bread Soup is a rustic bowl of hearty goodness. It captures the essence of simple homemade cuisine, utilizing humble ingredients combined in a way that bursts with robust flavors. This traditional recipe is a great method to use up leftover bread and transform it into a comforting and nourishing meal.

Caldo Verde

Caldo Verde is a classic Portuguese soup made primarily with potatoes, collard greens, and chorizo. This hearty soup is often served as a comforting home-cooked meal that warms you from within, perfectly suited for cold winter months.

Cassava Soup

Traditional, homemade Cassava Soup taps the roots right from the earthy richness of the Cassava plant and turns it into a creamy and delectable temptation. It emits the aroma of basic ingredient, with a hint of engaging spiciness involved. Taste the Cassava in its truest essence and discover a recipe that is a hug in a bowl.

Chicken Corn Soup

Soothing and hearty, this chicken corn soup is a beautifully balanced combination of shredded chicken, sweet corn and aromatic seasonings. It's a wholesome meal in a bowl that warms you from the inside out.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This is a hearty and comforting chicken noodle soup, brimming with tender chicken, delicate noodles, and a flavorful broth enriched with a variety of vegetables. It's easy to make using traditional, homemade techniques, and perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly night, or when you're just in need of a little extra comfort.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, comforting bowl of traditional Mexican cuisine. Filled with wholesome ingredients, a flavorful chicken broth, and garnished with crispy tortillas, it's perfect to sate your hunger on a chilly day.

Chowder

A traditional homemade chowder laden with chunks of potato, onions, and clams nestled in a thick, creamy, flavorful broth. A Pinch of thyme and bay leaves give a subtle earthy tone, which balances the richness of the creamy base.

Clam Chowder

A hearty and warming soup that is emblematic of New England cuisine, the Clam Chowder is a blend of tender clams, smooth potatoes, onions, and smoky bacon covered in a creamy, savory broth. The traditional homemade version of this soup emphasizes quality ingredients and slow cooking to enhance the flavors and ensure a delectable and satisfying meal.

Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder is a sumptuous, velvety soup brimming with fresh corn kernels, diced potatoes, and chopped onions. Cooked in a savory broth and finished with a dash of cream, it's comfort food at its best. Every spoonful bursts with the sweetness of corn, the earthy heartiness of potatoes, and the slight crunch of onions.

Crab Soup

A hearty, comforting, and delicately flavored soup, our traditional homemade Crab Soup brings the taste of the coast straight to your table. Packed with succulent crab meat, wholesome vegetables and a savory broth, your tastebuds will surely crave for more!

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Uncover the earthy essence of mushrooms in this traditional Cream of Mushroom Soup. This homemade recipe will help you reinvent this classic staple by showcasing the blend of creamy textures and savory notes of fresh mushrooms. Enjoy the hearty warmth of this soup as an appetizer or a light meal.

Cullen Skink

Cullen Skink. The name might sound peculiar, but this traditional Scottish soup guarantees comfort with every sip. Hailing from the town of Cullen in Moray, Scotland, it brilliantly combines smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions for a hearty dish. Expect a rich, smoky flavor and a texture ripe with chunky satisfaction.

Doenjang Jjigae

A stalwart of Korean kitchens, Doenjang Jjigae is a robust, savory soup that harmoniously fuses the complex flavors of fermented soybean paste (doenjang), tofu, and vegetables. A classic comfort food, this soup is known for its richness, depth of flavor and nutritional content.

Fennel Soup

A fragrant, warming soup with the distinct flavor of fennel balanced with creamy potatoes, all tied together in a rich homemade stock. This is a traditional homemade recipe that offers a burst of light, anise-like flavors as well as the comforting, earthy goodness of fresh vegetables and herbs.

French Onion Soup

A classic from the French culinary repertoire, the French Onion soup is characterized by its intensely rich and savoury broth, studded with soft, caramelized onions. Served bubbling hot with a cap of crunchy golden cheese, this soup effortlessly bridges the gap between simple comfort food and refined gastronomy. Perfect for a cosy evening at home, or to impress your dinner guests with some home cooked gourmet.

Green Pea Soup

This Green Pea Soup is a classic homemade dish. A pared-down recipe showcasing the essence of the pea, heightened with subtle seasoning and creamy texture. This soup offers a comforting warmth, perfect for winter months.

Gumbo

Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful stew that is a staple in Louisiana's Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's packed with vegetables, meats, and seafood, served over a bowl of steaming rice. Highlighted by a deeply roasty, delectably rich roux, this soup's flavor profile improves each day you let it sit, becoming more complex and layered.

Hodge Podge Soup

Hodge Podge Soup is a hearty, deviously simple, yet flavorsome soup that will simultaneously warm you up and fill your tummy. A comprehensive blend of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and soothing broth, this traditional homemade soup radiates comfort, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Kharcho

Kharcho, a Georgian beef and walnut soup, is known for its depth of flavors imparted by the plums, walnuts, aromatic herbs, and spices. Its distinctive robust flavor and a hint of piquancy is comfort in a bowl.

Laksa

Laksa, a comforting, fragrant, and exotic noodle soup hailing from Southeast Asia – specifically, Malaysia. This recipe calls upon traditional methods to deliver an authentic coconut milk and curry-based broth teeming with seafood and served over rice noodles. The interplay of spicy, sweet, sour, and savory elements makes Laksa a testament to the complex flavor profiles signature to Southeast Asian cuisine.

Lohikeitto

Lohikeitto, a traditional Finnish salmon soup packed with harmonious flavors and whispering a Nordic culinary tradition. Gentle titan of the cuisine world, it combines primary elements of salmon, potato and leek, and punctuates them with fresh dill, a veritable melody of comfort food.

Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo Ball Soup is traditional Jewish comfort food at its best. This clear, rich broth is garnished with light, fluffy matzo balls and is a staple dish of Passover holiday meals.

Paya

Paya is a traditional slow-cooked soup from the South Asian region, particularly in India and Pakistan. It's made from the trotters of a cow or goat, making it a rich source of collagen, thickening the broth and providing a silky texture. It's warm, hearty, and nurturing - comfort food at its best.

Peanut Soup

This peanut soup recipe represents traditional, authentic comfort food at its best. The primary ingredient is peanut (also known as groundnut in some cultures), paired with vegetables, for a creamy, hearty, nutritious, and flavorful result.

Pork and Seaweed Soup

A fragrant and hearty soup, Pork and Seaweed Soup combines succulent pork belly, nutritive seaweed, and a rich broth. This traditional homemade soup is a staple in East Asian cuisines, lauded for its comforting taste and beneficial properties.

Potato Leek Soup

Warm your soul with this comforting, savory classic: Potato Leek Soup. The perfect balance of hearty potatoes, sweet leeks, and simple seasoning leads to a fulfilling meal. It's traditional, homemade comfort in a bowl.

Pumpkin Soup

A creamy and warmly-spiced Pumpkin Soup. This hearty soup is built from the earthy notes of pumpkin, brought to life with the depth of homemade vegetable broth, and elevated with a hint of spice.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

A hearty and refreshing soup, the Roasted Red Pepper Soup boasts the smokiness of roasted peppers layered with the subtle tang of cream. It's a crowd-pleaser, sure to woo your tastebuds and fill your kitchen with a rich and cozy aroma.

Saimin

Saimin is a comforting, traditional Hawaiian soup with Japanese, Filipino, and Chinese origins. It has a densely flavored broth, chewy wheat noodles, and a host of savory toppings. This recipe is for a homemade, old-style saimin that stays true to its roots.

Satsivi

Satsivi is a hearty, rich soup originating from Georgia. It's a traditional dish served mainly during the cold months, predominantly among the holidays. Made from walnuts, chicken and aromatic spices, it's as delectable as it is unique, ideal for anyone seeking a cozy, warming dish that bursts with flavor.

Sopa de Lima

Sopa de Lima is a traditional Mexican soup from the Yucatan region. Packed full of chicken, tangy with citrus from limes, and fragrant with exotic spices, it's sure to satisfy both the adventurous and the comfort-seeking palates.

Split Pea Soup

A hearty, savory split pea soup that's rich in flavor. This traditional, homemade recipe brings out the best taste in each pea and hock, perfect for cold evenings.

Sweet Corn Soup

Sweet Corn Soup is a hearty, delectable soup that fuses the sweetness of corn with delightful veggies, creating a symphony of wholesome flavors. This classic soup recipe, rooted in traditional homemade cooking, promises not only warmth and comfort but also a wallop of nutrient goodness.

Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai, traditionally known as Thai coconut soup, is a warm and rich dish featuring a tart, aromatic broth and hearty chunks of chicken. This luxurious soup entices the palate with its blend of creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, and a medley of spices. The final touch of cilantro adds freshness to balance out the richness, making this a balanced, full-bodied, and unforgettable soup.

Tomato Basil Soup

A comforting classic, Tomato Basil Soup draws on the fresh flavors of vine-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil. This traditional recipe is homemade, replete with wholesome ingredients and simple techniques to warm your soul.

Tonkotsu Ramen

Tonkotsu Ramen, a staple in Japanese cuisine, is a rich, complex broth complemented by chewy noodles and a myriad of toppings. True to Momofuku Ando's vision, we're going old school, taking the time to craft the broth from scratch and handpick toppings to deliver the authentic experience.

Turkey Soup

A soothing, hearty bowl of homemade Turkey Soup made with rich broth, tender chunks of leftover turkey, and vibrant, crunchy vegetables. This simple recipe elevates the humble turkey in an aromatic soup that's perfect for cold days or for healing a flu.

Vegetable Beef Soup

A hearty and satisfying Vegetable Beef Soup made using traditional homemade techniques. This soup boasts robust flavors thanks to the slow-simmering pot of prime quality beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for cold winter days and for those who appreciate the simplicity yet rich flavors of traditional homemade cooking.

Vegetable Soup

A heartwarming bowl of traditional, hearty, homemade Vegetable Soup. Tender, succulent vegetables married in a robust and flavorful broth that warms you up from the inside out.

White Bean Soup

White Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting soup that is perfect for a chilly evening. It is packed with flavors of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, with a lovely texture from cannellini beans, making it a filling and nutritious dish.

Wonton Soup

A quintessential component of Chinese cuisine, Wonton Soup is a flavorful, comforting soup featuring small, delicate dumplings filled with a savory pork mixture, steeped in a clean, aromatic chicken and pork broth.

Yukgaejang

Yukgaejang is a hearty, spicy Korean soup known for its healing and comforting properties. It's full of tenderly braised beef shreds and a colorful medley of vegetables, all melded together in a rich chili-tainted beef broth. The vibrant heat and deep flavors make it a perfect winter dish.

Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana, a traditional Italian soup from Tuscany, hits every note of comfort and robust flavor. The basic version showcases Italian sausage, robust potatoes, and hearty kale swirled together in a creamy flavorful broth.

Zurek

Zurek is a robust traditional Polish soup served predominantly at Easter but enjoyable all year round. It features a sour base made from rye flour and water, flavored with garlic and marjoram, then completed with hearty sausage, boiled potatoes, and often garnished with a hard-boiled egg. Prepare yourself for an exciting ride of flavors and fillings with roots steeped in history.