Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup Recipe

The Best Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup Recipe for Cozy Days

Broccoli cheddar delight soup brings comfort and warmth to chilly evenings with its creamy, rich embrace.

Imagine a bowl that hugs your senses and whispers promises of pure satisfaction.

Rich dairy notes intertwine seamlessly with robust green vegetable undertones, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Smooth textures and complex flavors dance across your palate, challenging traditional soup expectations.

Nutritious ingredients unite in a symphony of taste that feels simultaneously indulgent and wholesome.

This recipe balances hearty elements with delicate seasoning, promising a soul-satisfying meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

You can want to dive into every spoonful, savoring each delightful moment of culinary bliss.

What’s Great About Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup

  • This soup delivers ultimate comfort with its rich, velvety texture and warm, cheesy goodness that hugs your taste buds like a cozy blanket.
  • Whip up this delightful soup in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a nutritious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Packed with broccoli's powerful nutrients and protein-rich cheese, this soup transforms a simple vegetable into a delectable dish that even picky eaters will love.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by adding protein like chicken, experimenting with different cheese varieties, or topping with crispy croutons for extra crunch and personal flair.

What You Need for Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup

Main Ingredients:

Soup Base:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables.
  • Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base to the soup.
  • Flour: Creates a smooth, thickening roux for the soup's texture.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli Florets: Main vegetable that gives the soup its signature green color and nutritional value. Fresh, crisp broccoli works best.
Dairy:
  • Milk, Cheddar Cheese: Provide creamy, rich texture and sharp cheese flavor. Sharp cheddar recommended for more intense taste.
Liquid:
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and adds subtle vegetable flavor. Low-sodium broth gives more control over salt levels.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the soup. Freshly ground black pepper recommended for better taste.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Foundation

  • Grab a large pot
  • Melt butter over medium heat
  • Add chopped onions
  • Sauté until soft and translucent

Step 2: Create Silky Soup Base

  • Sprinkle flour into the pot
  • Stir continuously
  • Cook for 1 minute
  • Ensure smooth consistency develops

Step 3: Build Liquid Layers

  • Slowly whisk in vegetable broth
  • Eliminate any potential lumps
  • Bring mixture to gentle simmer
  • Allow flavors to meld together

Step 4: Cook Broccoli Florets

  • Add fresh broccoli
  • Submerge in broth
  • Cook until tender
  • Approximately 10 minutes needed

Step 5: Develop Creamy Texture

  • Lower heat to gentle setting
  • Pour in milk
  • Add shredded cheddar cheese
  • Stir until cheese completely melts
  • Ensure smooth, velvety consistency

Step 6: Final Seasoning

  • Taste soup carefully
  • Sprinkle salt
  • Add ground black pepper
  • Adjust seasonings as desired

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  • Ladle into warm bowls
  • Serve immediately
  • Garnish with extra cheese if preferred

Handy Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup

  • Sauté Onions Precisely: Ensure onions are soft and translucent without browning to maintain a delicate, sweet flavor base for the soup.
  • Whisk Roux Smoothly: Stir flour carefully for exactly one minute to prevent burning and create a perfect thickening foundation without lumps.
  • Control Cheese Melting: Add cheese off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation, maintaining a silky smooth texture.
  • Chop Broccoli Uniformly: Cut florets into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually, remembering that cheddar cheese already contributes saltiness to the dish.

Storage Instructions for Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency if the soup has thickened.
  • Freeze Option: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Pairing Suggestions for Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup

  • Pair with Crusty Rustic Bread: Grab a warm, golden-brown sourdough or french baguette to dip into the creamy broccoli cheddar soup, providing a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the rich, cheesy soup, cutting through its creaminess with bright, refreshing acidity.
  • Serve with Herb-Roasted Chicken Salad: Create a light protein-packed side dish featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, and fresh herbs that balances the soup's hearty nature.
  • Complement with Apple-Walnut Salad: Toss together crisp apple slices, toasted walnuts, and mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the soup's creamy profile.

Ways to Customize Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup

  • Southwestern Spice Splash: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a zesty kick. Garnish with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
  • Bacon and Herb Boost: Crisp up some bacon bits and sprinkle them on top. Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary during cooking to enhance the savory profile.
  • Roasted Vegetable Remix: Roast broccoli and onions before adding to the soup for a deeper, caramelized flavor. Consider adding roasted red peppers or carrots for additional complexity.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Stir in cooked chicken or white beans to make the soup more substantial. Top with Greek yogurt and chopped green onions for a protein-packed meal.

FAQs for Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly! Just thaw and drain it before adding to the soup. The texture and flavor will be very similar to fresh broccoli.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or cauliflower to boost nutrition. Consider using whole wheat flour for the roux.

  • How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?

The soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency.

  • Can I freeze this broccoli cheddar soup?

Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, but you can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and whisk well when reheating to restore creamy texture.

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Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy broccoli cheddar delight soup brings comfort and warmth to winter dining tables. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich, cheesy experience that satisfies hunger and warms souls.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Thickening Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 grams) butter
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (75 grams) chopped onion
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, gently melting butter until it shimmers with a golden hue.
  2. Introduce finely diced onions to the buttery landscape, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their delicate sweetness.
  3. Sprinkle flour across the surface, stirring diligently to create a smooth, pale roux that will act as the soup’s velvety foundation.
  4. Gradually pour vegetable broth into the mixture, whisking continuously to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky-smooth liquid base.
  5. Bring the liquid to a gentle bubbling state, then carefully add vibrant broccoli florets, letting them simmer until they reach a tender, yet crisp consistency.
  6. Lower the heat, welcoming creamy milk into the pot, then gradually fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and transforms the soup into a luxurious, creamy embrace.
  7. Balance the flavors with a delicate touch of salt and freshly ground pepper, tasting and adjusting to personal preference.
  8. Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, ready to comfort and delight with its rich, cheesy warmth.

Notes

  • Creamy comfort in a bowl that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a quick pick-me-up.
  • Packed with nutrient-rich broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, delivering a delightful balance of vegetables and indulgent flavor.
  • Quick and easy one-pot meal that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Smooth, velvety texture achieved by carefully creating a roux, which helps thicken the soup without lumps.
  • Versatile recipe that can be customized with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, croutons, or extra cheese sprinkle.
  • Stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy leftovers that reheat wonderfully without losing quality.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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