Cheese Broccoli Soup With Fresh Broccoli Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good, hearty soup that’s both comforting and nutritious? Cheese Broccoli Soup is a classic that checks all the boxes – creamy, rich, and packed with vibrant flavor. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, this soup offers that perfect balance of warmth and satisfaction. What makes this version even more special is that it’s made with fresh broccoli, giving the dish a freshness and flavor that frozen or pre-chopped veggies just can’t match.

As we dive into the recipe, you’ll see how simple it is to prepare, and by the end, you’ll have a rich, velvety bowl of goodness that’ll leave everyone asking for more.

Cheese Broccoli Soup With Fresh Broccoli Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy soup that is easy to make and full of flavor, then this Cheese Broccoli Soup is your go-to recipe. Let’s break down everything you need to know, from the ingredients to cooking tips, to ensure your soup turns out just right every time.

Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious Cheese Broccoli Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fresh Broccoli (3-4 cups, chopped) – This is the star of the show. Fresh broccoli provides a crisp texture and a fresh, slightly bitter flavor that balances beautifully with the richness of the cheese.
• Butter (3 tablespoons) – A little butter adds richness and depth to the soup. It’s the base for sautéing the veggies and gives the soup that buttery, smooth finish.
• Onion (1 medium, diced) – Onions bring a mild sweetness and savory depth to the dish. They’ll caramelize slightly, adding complexity to the flavor profile.
• Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced) – A must-have for any savory dish. Garlic enhances the soup’s aromatic quality and brings a mild heat that complements the broccoli.
• Flour (1/4 cup) – This acts as the thickening agent, helping the soup achieve that creamy consistency.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups) – The liquid base for the soup. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version.
• Whole Milk (2 cups) – Whole milk adds a rich creaminess that’s key to the soup’s texture. You can substitute with heavy cream for an extra indulgent version.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups) – This is the heart of the soup’s cheesy goodness. Cheddar is sharp and flavorful, melting perfectly into the broth and creating that creamy, gooey texture.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste) – These seasonings help balance and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Optional: Crumbled Bacon or a drizzle of sour cream – For an extra layer of flavor and texture, some people love to add crispy bacon or a dollop of sour cream on top.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the step-by-step process for making this Cheese Broccoli Soup.

1. Prepare The Broccoli

   • Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets, making sure they’re bite-sized. Set them aside.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You don’t want the garlic to burn, so keep an eye on it.

3. Make The Roux

   • Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup later on and give it that silky texture.

4. Add The Broth And Milk

   • Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the whole milk and continue stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Cook The Broccoli

   • Once the soup base is simmering, add in the chopped broccoli. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.

6. Add The Cheese

   • Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to add the cheese in batches, allowing each addition to melt smoothly into the soup before adding more. This prevents clumping and ensures a silky, cheesy texture.

7. Season

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. This is also the time to add any optional ingredients, like crumbled bacon or a swirl of sour cream.

8. Blend (Optional)

   • If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree some of the broccoli. You can blend just half of the soup for a chunky, creamy texture or blend it all for a completely smooth version.

9. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together in this soup:

• Fresh Broccoli: Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, full of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Its slight bitterness balances out the richness of the cheese, making the soup taste fresher and less overwhelming.
• Cheddar Cheese: The sharp, nutty flavor of cheddar is perfect for a creamy soup. It melts beautifully and adds that satisfying, gooey texture that makes cheese soup so irresistible.
• Butter and Flour (Roux): The combination of butter and flour is the foundation of many creamy soups and sauces. It thickens the liquid, creating that luxurious, velvety consistency we all love.
• Milk and Broth: The milk gives the soup its rich creaminess, while the chicken broth adds depth and savory flavor. Together, they form a balanced, comforting base for the soup.

Expert Tips

• Broccoli Texture: If you prefer a bit of bite to your broccoli, don’t overcook it. Keep it slightly crisp for that fresh, vegetable flavor. If you like it super soft, let it simmer a bit longer.
• Cheese Quality: Use good-quality cheese! A sharp cheddar will add more flavor to the soup than a mild variety, and it’ll melt better too.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup turns out too thick, simply add a bit more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer to thicken up.
• Garnish: Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh herbs, crumbled bacon, or a dollop of sour cream take this soup to the next level.

Recipe Variations

This classic Cheese Broccoli Soup is versatile, and you can easily modify it to suit your tastes:

• Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the bacon topping to keep it fully plant-based.
• Low-Fat Version: Swap whole milk for 2% or skim milk, and use a reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
• Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, throw in some carrots, cauliflower, or even a handful of spinach for extra texture and color.

Final Words

Cheese Broccoli Soup is one of those dishes that makes you feel cozy and cared for. It’s simple to make, yet it delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Fresh broccoli shines through in every bite, complemented perfectly by the creamy, cheesy base. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a special occasion, it’s a surefire way to impress.