The Ultimate Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Better Than Panera!
Broccoli Cheese Soup – A super comforting and easy soup that you can get on the table in minutes. Great for those chilly nights!
As the leaves begin to fall and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of soup. Soup season isn’t just a time of year; it’s a feeling, a tradition, and an excuse to whip up hearty, soul-satisfying dishes. While we enjoy a variety of delightful soups throughout the colder months, from a rich Corn Chowder to a vibrant tomato bisque, there’s one classic that consistently rises to the top: Broccoli Cheese Soup.
This isn’t just any broccoli cheese soup; it’s a homemade rendition designed to rival, if not surpass, your favorite restaurant versions, like the iconic Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. We’ve all fallen in love with the creamy, cheesy goodness of that bowl, much like we adore a good Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese. Now, imagine bringing that same level of comfort and deliciousness right to your own kitchen, with fresh ingredients and the satisfaction of a meal made from scratch.
And what’s a fantastic bowl of soup without the perfect accompaniment? Bread, of course! Whether it’s these fluffy Easy Biscuits, ideal for soaking up every last drop of cheesy broth, or a crusty baguette picked up from your local bakery, bread is truly the ultimate companion. For me, soup is less a meal and more an elaborate, delicious reason to eat copious amounts of warm, fresh bread. It’s an indulgence that makes those chilly evenings even more enjoyable.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup
This broccoli cheese soup recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- **Effortlessly Quick:** Forget long hours in the kitchen! This soup comes together on the stovetop in approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and delicious but are short on time. It’s truly a testament to how simple yet incredibly satisfying homemade cooking can be.
- **Crock Pot Convenience:** If you’re a fan of set-it-and-forget-it meals, this recipe easily adapts to your slow cooker. Simply toss most of the ingredients in the crock pot in the morning and let it simmer on low all day, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Before serving, you’ll just need to quickly prepare a butter and flour roux on the stovetop to thicken it to perfection, then stir in the cheese until wonderfully melted. This method is perfect for meal prepping or when you want a warm dinner waiting for you after a long day.
- **Customizable Creaminess:** One of the best features of this soup is its versatility when it comes to texture. You can enjoy it as is, with delightful chunks of tender broccoli, or you can blend part or all of it for a smoother, creamier consistency. Personally, I find blending about half the soup achieves the perfect balance – it thickens the soup beautifully and creates an extra luxurious, velvety texture while still offering some pleasant bits of broccoli. This small step truly elevates the soup to a gourmet level.
- **Picky-Eater Approved:** Have little ones who aren’t keen on eating their greens? Blending the soup is a brilliant trick! It subtly disguises the broccoli, making it much more appealing for picky eaters. Pair it with some warm, fluffy dinner rolls or crusty bread, and watch them happily devour a bowl packed with vegetables and flavor!
- **Wholesome & Comforting:** Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is packed with the goodness of fresh vegetables and dairy, offering a nutritious yet incredibly comforting meal. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for cold weather or simply when you need a little culinary hug.
- **Budget-Friendly Ingredients:** Made with common, affordable ingredients, this soup is kind to your wallet without compromising on flavor or quality. It’s a smart choice for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.
Essential Ingredients for Your Broccoli Cheese Soup
Crafting this delicious soup requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips for each:
- **Butter:** The base of our roux and the key to sautéing. Unsalted is often preferred for more control over saltiness, but salted works fine too.
- **Onion:** Finely chopped to melt seamlessly into the soup, providing a sweet aromatic foundation. Yellow or white onions are great.
- **Carrots:** Shredded carrots add natural sweetness and a lovely color. Using pre-shredded carrots from the store is a fantastic time-saver!
- **Garlic:** Minced garlic brings a pungent depth of flavor that complements the cheese and broccoli beautifully. Fresh is always best!
- **Flour:** All-purpose flour is used to create a roux, which thickens the soup to that desirable creamy consistency.
- **Chicken Broth:** Provides the primary liquid base and a savory depth. Low-sodium chicken broth is a great choice if you prefer to control the salt content. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian version.
- **Half and Half:** I specifically call for half and half to achieve a rich, creamy texture that isn’t overly heavy. It strikes a perfect balance. However, you have options:
- **Whole Milk:** For a slightly lighter but still creamy soup.
- **Heavy Cream:** If you desire an ultra-rich, decadent soup.
- **Non-Dairy Milk (Unsweetened):** Almond, soy, or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
- **Broccoli:** Fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces, are crucial. You can use fresh or frozen; just ensure frozen broccoli is thawed and drained before adding.
- **Salt & Pepper:** Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the soup. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- **Nutmeg:** A small pinch of nutmeg is my secret ingredient! It subtly enhances the cheese flavor and adds a warm, almost earthy undertone without being overpowering. Don’t skip it!
- **Cheddar Cheese:** The star of the show! Sharp cheddar is highly recommended for its robust flavor that stands up well in the soup. Grating your own cheese from a block is always preferred over pre-shredded varieties, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt less smoothly.
Using quality ingredients will truly make a difference in the final taste of your broccoli cheese soup. Don’t hesitate to customize the dairy choice to suit your preference for richness!
Mastering Your Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredibly flavorful and comforting broccoli cheese soup is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:
- **Start with Your Aromatics:** In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. The goal here is to get the onions nice and soft, translucent, and fragrant, without letting them brown. This gentle sautéing technique brings out their natural sweetness, building a delicious base for your soup.
- **Infuse with Flavor:** Next, toss in the shredded carrots and minced garlic. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. The garlic should become incredibly fragrant, and the carrots will start to soften slightly. If you’re looking for a quick shortcut, pre-shredded carrots from the grocery store are a fantastic option – just dump them in!
- **Build the Roux:** Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine, creating a paste (your roux). Continue to cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial as it cooks out the raw flour taste, preventing your soup from having a pasty texture. You’ll notice it takes on a slightly golden hue and a nutty aroma.
- **Achieve Creamy Smoothness:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and then the half and half. Pour slowly while continuously whisking to ensure there are no flour clumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. The key here is patience; a smooth liquid base is essential for a velvety soup.
- **Simmer to Perfection:** Add the chopped broccoli florets, salt, pepper, and that magical pinch of nutmeg. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want the broccoli cooked but not mushy, maintaining a bit of texture.
- **Optional Blending for Ultimate Creaminess:** This step is entirely up to you and your preference for texture. Carefully remove about half of the soup from the pot and blend it until completely smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender (be very cautious when blending hot liquids – do it in batches and never fill the blender more than halfway, venting the lid). Pour the blended portion back into the pot and stir until fully combined. This technique adds an incredible thickness and creaminess to the soup without making it entirely smooth, preserving some of those satisfying broccoli chunks.
- **Melt the Cheese and Serve:** Finally, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and beautifully incorporated, creating that luscious, cheesy texture we all crave. Serve your homemade broccoli cheese soup immediately, garnished with extra cheese or a dash of fresh black pepper if desired.
With these detailed steps, you’ll create a rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured broccoli cheese soup that everyone will rave about!
Storage and Meal Prep Tips for Broccoli Cheese Soup
This broccoli cheese soup is not only incredibly delicious but also makes for an excellent meal prep option. It stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors for days or even weeks.
- **Refrigeration:** Leftover soup will last wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
- **Freezing:** This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for preparing larger batches. You can freeze it in individual portions for convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners, or store a large portion for family meals. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- **Thawing and Reheating Frozen Soup:** When ready to use, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup appears too thick or separates slightly after thawing (which can sometimes happen with dairy-based soups), simply whisk in a little extra milk or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Unlike some noodle-based soups, like my Spaghetti and Meatball Soup, which absorb all the broth, this soup maintains its texture remarkably well after freezing and thawing.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup
Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides. Here are some of our favorite accompaniments to complete your comforting meal:
- **French Bread Rolls**: Warm, crusty French bread rolls are practically mandatory! Their soft interior is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy, cheesy broth, while the crust adds a delightful texture contrast.
- **Olive Garden Breadsticks**: If you’re a fan of those garlicky, buttery breadsticks, making a copycat version to serve alongside this soup is an excellent idea. The flavors meld together perfectly.
- **Simple Tossed Salad**: For a lighter, fresher contrast, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a wonderful choice. The tanginess of the dressing cuts through the richness of the soup beautifully.
- **Air Fryer Baked Potato**: A fluffy baked potato, especially one made crispy in an air fryer, can be a great side. You can even scoop some soup over the potato for a delicious twist!
- **Grilled Cheese Sandwich**: For the ultimate comfort food pairing, a classic grilled cheese sandwich is a match made in heaven with broccoli cheese soup. The double dose of cheese is pure indulgence!
- **Crusty Sourdough Bread**: The slight tang of sourdough complements the richness of the soup exceptionally well.
These pairings ensure a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal that will leave everyone feeling cozy and content.
Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes
If you’ve loved this broccoli cheese soup, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of soup recipes is brimming with options to keep you warm and well-fed throughout the year. Don’t miss these other fan favorites:
- Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Lasagna Soup
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Hot & Sour Soup
- Clam Chowder Soup
- Indian Lentil Soup
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
6
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
Pot and Pan Set
-
Whisks
-
Blender
Ingredients
-
4 Tablespoons butter -
1 cup onion, finely chopped -
1 cup shredded carrots -
3 cloves garlic, minced -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour -
2 cups chicken stock -
2 cups half and half -
4 cups broccoli florets, chopped -
1 teaspoon salt -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper -
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg -
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar
Instructions
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Melt butter in large stock pot over medium heat. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes until onions are soft.
-
Add carrots and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Mix in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Whisk in broth and half and half until smooth.
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Add broccoli, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until broccoli is tender.
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Carefully remove about 1/2 of the soup and blend until smooth. Pour back into the pot and stir until blended. This step is optional.
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Stir in cheese and stir until it is melted. Serve immediately
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1
g
|
Calories:
511
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
26
g
|
Protein:
22
g
|
Fat:
37
g
|
Saturated Fat:
22
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
12
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
107
mg
|
Sodium:
1034
mg
|
Fiber:
5
g
|
Sugar:
9
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
6
511
broccoli cheese soup
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
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