Description
This creamy broccoli and cheese soup is a classic comfort food that is rich, velvety, and perfect for warming up on chilly nights or for quick and satisfying lunches. Made with tender broccoli florets, sautéed onions, a savory broth base, and melted cheddar cheese, it delivers a hearty yet smooth texture that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, diced
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add Broccoli and Broth: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend Soup (Optional): For a creamier texture, carefully use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup directly in the pot until you reach your preferred consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer some soup to a blender, then return it to the pot.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk or cream followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and paprika as desired. Serve the soup warm, garnished if you like with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken or turkey to increase protein content and turn the soup into a full meal.
- Using an immersion blender makes blending easier and less messy.
- For a richer soup, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as the broth used does not contain gluten.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
