Broccoli Cheddar Soup Frozen Broccoli Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup-it’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that can warm you up on a cold winter day, satisfy your cravings for something hearty, and still be nutritious at the same time. And the best part? You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant or spend hours making it from scratch. If you have some frozen broccoli in the freezer, you’re halfway there. This simple yet delicious Frozen Broccoli Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe will save you time while delivering that comforting, indulgent flavor we all love.

The secret to making this soup taste as good as it looks lies in the combination of creamy textures, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings. Plus, using frozen broccoli means you don’t have to worry about the vegetable wilting before you get around to cooking it, making this an incredibly practical choice for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without too much hassle. Let’s dive into the recipe and break down every step so you can easily whip it up in your own kitchen!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Frozen Broccoli Recipe

Frozen broccoli is the perfect base for this soup. It cooks faster, stores longer, and, in many cases, is just as nutritious as fresh broccoli. By the time you add the creamy cheese base, you won’t even realize that you’re using frozen veggies. It’s an excellent way to cut down on prep time without compromising on taste. Now, let’s walk through the recipe step by step.

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, it’s essential to have all your ingredients lined up and ready. This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require too many special ingredients, so it’s perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

• Frozen Broccoli (4 Cups)

  You’ll need about 4 cups of frozen broccoli for this soup. The frozen variety is perfect since it’s already pre-cut and blanched, saving you time on chopping and washing.

• Butter (3 Tbsp)

  Butter adds richness to the soup, creating that luxurious, creamy texture that makes it feel indulgent.

• Flour (3 Tbsp)

  Flour is your thickening agent, so don’t skip this! It will give your soup that velvety consistency we all associate with a good broccoli cheddar soup.

• Milk (3 Cups)

  Whole milk is your best bet for achieving that creamy, comforting feel. If you want to reduce the richness a bit, you can use 2% milk, but avoid skim-it will make the soup a little thin.

• Chicken Or Vegetable Broth (2 Cups)

  This is what infuses the soup with flavor. It creates the perfect base to blend with the broccoli and cheese.

• Cheddar Cheese (2 Cups, Shredded)

  Of course, the star of the show! Sharp cheddar will melt beautifully into the soup, adding depth and a tangy bite.

• Salt And Pepper (to Taste)

  Season generously! Don’t forget to taste test along the way to balance the flavors.

• Garlic Powder (1 Tsp)

  For that aromatic, savory boost that complements the broccoli so well.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered everything, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’ll make you feel like a pro.

1. Sauté The Broccoli

   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in the frozen broccoli. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, just to warm it up a little and get it starting to soften.

2. Create The Roux

   Add the flour to the broccoli and butter mixture. Stir constantly to ensure it doesn’t clump together. This step helps thicken the soup base. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly golden, which will give the soup a lovely richness.

3. Add Broth & Milk

   Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the milk. Stir to combine. The mixture should start to come together into a soup-like consistency. Bring the soup to a simmer, but don’t let it boil too rapidly, as that could affect the creaminess.

4. Simmer & Blend

   Allow the soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This lets the flavors meld together. At this point, the broccoli should be tender and easy to mash with a spoon. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree it to your desired texture, or you can leave it chunky for more texture.

5. Add The Cheese

   Lower the heat, and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it in gently until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. The soup should now be creamy, rich, and cheesy.

6. Season

   Taste your soup and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your liking. You can also adjust the thickness by adding a little more milk or broth if needed.

7. Serve & Enjoy

   Ladle the soup into bowls, and you’re ready to go. This is delicious on its own or served with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup serves a specific purpose in creating a balanced flavor profile:

• Frozen Broccoli: Nutritionally, frozen broccoli is just as healthy as fresh, and it’s packed with vitamins like vitamin C, K, and folate. Plus, it’s a great source of fiber and antioxidants.
• Butter & Flour (Roux): The butter and flour work together to create a roux, the base for thickening sauces and soups. This combination gives the soup a silky texture and depth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Not only does it contribute to the flavor, but the sharp cheddar also melts perfectly to create a creamy, gooey texture that’s a hallmark of a great cheddar soup.
• Milk & Broth: These liquids are the backbone of the soup, offering creaminess from the milk and flavor from the broth.

Expert Tips

• Adjust the Thickness: If your soup turns out too thick, add extra milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce.
• Sauté the Broccoli: Sautéing the broccoli before adding liquids brings out its natural flavors, making the soup taste more robust.
• Shred Your Cheese: Shredding your cheese rather than using pre-shredded versions is crucial. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s smoothness.
• Go Low & Slow: Be patient when adding the cheese. Stir it in slowly, and keep the heat low to avoid any curdling.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ways to get creative with this basic recipe:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, almond or oat milk, and vegan cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
• Additional Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, cauliflower, or even potatoes for more flavor and texture.
• Croutons: Top your soup with crunchy homemade or store-bought croutons to add texture.

Final Words

Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup with frozen broccoli is not only a timesaver, but it also results in a soup that’s just as satisfying and delicious as one made with fresh ingredients. The creamy texture, the sharp cheddar, and the earthy, tender broccoli come together beautifully. Whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or as a starter, it’s sure to be a hit.