Bear Creek Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm soup, especially when it’s packed with cheesy goodness and the savory flavors of broccoli. Among the many delicious soup recipes out there, Bear Creek Cheddar Broccoli Soup stands as a fan favorite, offering a rich, creamy texture that’s both satisfying and nourishing. This soup, often associated with the Bear Creek brand, is known for its ease of preparation, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or chilly days when you need something hearty.

Whether you’re a busy home cook or just in the mood for a cozy bowl of comfort, this recipe will hit all the right notes with its blend of sharp cheddar, tender broccoli, and the perfect balance of seasonings. Not only is it super delicious, but it’s also a breeze to whip up. Let’s dive into the details, break it down, and explore everything you need to know about making your very own Bear Creek Cheddar Broccoli Soup from scratch.

Bear Creek Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe

Here’s a simple, but incredibly satisfying recipe that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, a light lunch, or a satisfying starter for a larger meal. The creamy base pairs perfectly with fresh broccoli, and the sharp cheddar brings an irresistible richness. Follow these steps and you’ll be enjoying your own bowl of cheesy goodness in no time!

Ingredients Needed

• Broccoli Florets: 4 cups (fresh or frozen)
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (for that extra bite!)
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (for that rich, creamy texture)
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (you can adjust this depending on how thick you like your soup)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (adds flavor and richness)
• All-purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (helps to thicken the soup)
• Milk: 2 cups (you can use whole milk for a richer result, or low-fat for a lighter version)
• Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (again, optional, but highly recommended for flavor)
• Salt & Pepper: to taste (don’t skimp on these, they bring all the flavors together)
• Mustard Powder: ½ teaspoon (this small addition gives the soup a slight tang and depth)
• Paprika: ¼ teaspoon (for a subtle smoky touch)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep The Broccoli

   • If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut the florets into small bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen, just make sure they’re thawed out and well-drained. Set the broccoli aside.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally, cooking them until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Create The Roux

   • Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the soup and give it that creamy texture. Cook the flour for about 1 minute to get rid of any raw taste.

4. Add Broth And Milk

   • Gradually pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

5. Incorporate Broccoli

   • Add the broccoli florets into the pot. Let them cook in the simmering broth for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.

6. Add The Cheese

   • Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time. Keep stirring until it’s completely melted and the soup is creamy.

7. Season

   • Stir in the mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can also add a little more cream if you want it extra creamy.

8. Serve

   • Once everything is well-combined and heated through, ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional: Top with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of paprika, or some crispy croutons for crunch.

Ingredient Insights

• Broccoli: A powerhouse vegetable, broccoli is not just a nutritious addition to this soup, but it also adds a slightly earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese. High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and various antioxidants, broccoli makes this soup as healthy as it is delicious.
• Cheddar Cheese: Opting for sharp cheddar adds a bold, tangy flavor that really enhances the depth of the soup. While milder cheddars can work, the sharp version is key to that signature cheddar punch that so many people love in this recipe.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: The combination of heavy cream and milk gives the soup a luxurious, velvety texture. The cream is what helps transform this soup from good to “I can’t stop eating this” territory.
• Mustard Powder & Paprika: These two ingredients are subtle but crucial. Mustard powder introduces a slight tang that contrasts the richness of the cheese, while paprika gives the soup a nice smoky depth, making every bite an experience.

Expert Tips

• Balance the Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to purée the soup. This will give it a silky-smooth texture. If you like more texture, leave it as is with the whole broccoli florets.
• Make It Vegan: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheddar with a plant-based cheese and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream and regular milk. Ensure your broth is vegetable-based as well.
• Add Protein: To make the soup a bit heartier, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon. These proteins pair wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy base.
• Perfect the Seasoning: The key to a truly flavorful soup lies in balancing the seasoning. Be sure to taste as you go, adding salt, pepper, or extra mustard powder until you get the flavor you’re after.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Cheddar Broccoli Soup: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat. The spicy kick balances the richness of the cheese nicely.
• Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Soup: Fry up some bacon until crispy, crumble it, and stir it into the soup for added texture and a savory, smoky flavor.
• Cauliflower & Broccoli Soup: If you want to lighten things up a bit, substitute half of the broccoli with cauliflower. It will still provide a similar flavor and texture but with fewer calories.
• Cheddar & Potato Broccoli Soup: Toss in some diced potatoes for an even heartier soup. They’ll absorb the cheese and broth, creating an even more satisfying meal.

Final Words

The beauty of Bear Creek Cheddar Broccoli Soup lies in its simplicity, yet it’s packed with layers of flavor that make every spoonful feel like a warm hug. It’s the kind of recipe you can adapt to your preferences, and whether you’re sticking with the traditional ingredients or trying out variations, this soup is sure to be a hit.