Broccoli Cheddar Soup With Vegetable Broth Recipe

Who doesn’t love a warm, creamy bowl of soup on a chilly day? And if that soup happens to be packed with flavor and vegetables, it’s even better. Enter Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Vegetable Broth-a deliciously comforting dish that’s both hearty and healthy. This soup is perfect for anyone looking to indulge without feeling guilty. By using vegetable broth instead of the usual chicken or beef broth, we add a bit of a twist and ensure that it’s entirely vegetarian. The star ingredient here, of course, is broccoli-nutritious, vibrant, and packed with vitamins. Paired with smooth, rich cheddar cheese and a flavorful base, it’s a combination that’s hard to resist.

The creamy texture and the subtle hint of cheese make this soup a perfect meal for any time of year, but especially during colder months when you’re craving something to warm you up from the inside out. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, too, which is always a win in my book. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this broccoli cheddar soup with vegetable broth hits the mark.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup With Vegetable Broth Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to get started. It’s a pretty simple list of ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen. But each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and richness.

• Broccoli (fresh or frozen) – About 4 cups of broccoli florets. Fresh broccoli gives a nice texture, but frozen works just as well when you’re in a pinch.
• Vegetable Broth – 4 cups. This is the base of your soup and gives it a rich, savory depth. The vegetable broth adds an earthy flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese (shredded) – 2 cups. Sharp cheddar is ideal for this recipe because it melts beautifully and provides that bold, cheesy kick.
• Milk (or cream for extra richness) – 1 ½ cups. Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can substitute with a plant-based milk if you prefer. For an ultra-rich soup, cream is always a good choice.
• Butter – 3 tablespoons. Butter helps create a smooth, velvety texture and adds a lovely richness to the soup.
• Onion (medium, finely chopped) – 1. Onions provide a savory base, adding a depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the broccoli.
• Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves. Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile and gives the soup a fragrant aroma.
• Flour – ¼ cup. This helps thicken the soup, creating that smooth, creamy texture you’re looking for.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste. These are your basic seasonings to balance all the flavors.
• Optional Add-ins – Red pepper flakes, nutmeg, or a dash of hot sauce for some extra kick.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is straightforward and doesn’t take much time at all. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that perfect bowl of comforting broccoli cheddar goodness:

1. Prepare The Broccoli

   • If you’re using fresh broccoli, chop it into small florets. If using frozen, you can skip this step and just add it straight into the soup.
   • Lightly steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes or until it’s tender but still bright green. This helps soften the broccoli while retaining its vibrant color and nutrients.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

3. Make The Roux

   • Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken your soup.

4. Add The Broth And Milk

   • Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking as you go to prevent any lumps from forming.
   • Stir in the milk (or cream if using) and continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.

5. Add The Broccoli

   • Gently add the steamed broccoli into the pot. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and the broccoli is tender.

6. Blend The Soup (Optional)

   • If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup right in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer about half of the soup into a regular blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
   • For a chunkier soup, skip this step and leave the broccoli florets intact.

7. Add The Cheese

   • Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the soup.
   • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This is the moment to adjust the flavor and make it perfect for you.

8. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with additional shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of black pepper, or a drizzle of cream if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy the velvety goodness!

Ingredient Insights

• Broccoli: Besides being packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli is a great source of folate and calcium. This makes it an incredibly nutritious addition to your soup. Plus, its slight bitterness pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese and buttery broth.
• Vegetable Broth: Choosing vegetable broth over chicken or beef broth gives this soup a lighter yet still savory base. The flavor profile is slightly earthier and more neutral, which allows the cheese and broccoli to shine without overwhelming them.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese offers a bolder, tangier flavor compared to mild cheddar. It’s the perfect choice for this soup, creating a gooey, cheesy texture that melds with the creamy base.
• Butter and Flour: The butter adds richness and the flour creates a silky, velvety texture that helps thicken the soup without making it too heavy.

Expert Tips

• Consistency: If your soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more vegetable broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Cheese Variations: If you want to experiment, you can try adding different types of cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Freshness: Using fresh broccoli is ideal for the best texture, but if you’re in a hurry, frozen broccoli works just as well and can save you some prep time.
• Texture Preference: For a smoother soup, blend it until completely smooth. For something with a little more bite, leave it chunkier.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cheese to make this soup vegan-friendly. The flavor will still be creamy and comforting, and the broccoli will still be the star.
• Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick. It adds a great contrast to the creamy cheddar.
• Add More Veggies: Try adding carrots, celery, or cauliflower for a more complex flavor and texture. You can also toss in some spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
• Protein Boost: Stir in some cooked quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas to make the soup more filling and add extra protein.

Final Words

Broccoli cheddar soup with vegetable broth is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes. It’s quick, simple, and customizable, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. The combination of creamy cheese, savory broth, and fresh broccoli creates a hearty and comforting meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. Plus, it’s so easy to make-you’ll likely find yourself making it again and again. Whether you’re following the basic recipe or experimenting with variations, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone.