This Broccoli cheddar soup recipe is so rich and creamy and fabulous – it\u2019s warm, hearty, velvety, cozy, and comforting. This tasty broccoli cheddar soup packed with carrots, broccoli, garlic, and cheese and a delicious homemade version of the famous Panera\u2019s broccoli cheddar soup and can be made in no time – and we all know homemade is always better!<\/p>\n
![\"Broccoli](\"https:\/\/www.oliveandmango.com\/images\/uploads\/2023_01_06_broccoli_cheddar_soup_7.jpg\")
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Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n- Onion & Garlic<\/strong> – The two create a savory flavourful base<\/li>\n
- Butter<\/strong> – adds luscious flavour and it\u2019s combined with the flour to create a bit of a roux\/bechamel to thicken the soup\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Flour<\/strong> – flour works as a thickener (use a gluten free all purpose flour for a gluten free version) we use the flour to make a roux\/bechamel essentially and help thicken the soup – some recipes call for potatoes to do this but not his version\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Broth\/Stock<\/strong> – I use chicken broth \/ chicken stock or vegetable broth\/ vegetable stock\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Half-and-Half<\/strong> – it adds all the creaminess and richess to this soup. You can also use whole milk or evaporated milk for a lighter soup, or heavy whipping cream for an extra rich version.<\/li>\n
- Shredded Carrots<\/strong> – they add\u00a0a nice colour and grating them adds more texture to the soup. The slight sweetness balances out the flavours as well\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Broccoli florets<\/strong> – this vegetable adds heartiness, and texture to the soup.\u00a0I don\u2019t usually add the stems but if you wish to make sure to chop them fine and add them to the pot to cook with the onions as they will need to cook longer to get nice and tender<\/li>\n
- Spices<\/strong> – I like to add some paprika, cayenne pepper or chili flakes and some mustard powder or you can even add some dijon mustard – add as much or as little of the spices as you prefer\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese<\/strong> – use white cheddar or yellow cheddar – I prefer grating my own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese which I find doesn\u2019t melt as well because of the additives. Stir the cheese in batches. This ensures that it melts evenly without clumping together.<\/li>\n
- Salt and Black Pepper<\/strong> \u2013 season as you go along for flavor but remember that the cheese will add saltiness too so taste and season to taste\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Optional add ins<\/strong> – feel free to add some protein to this soup by stirring in some cooked shredded chicken after you stir in the cheese or fry up some bacon or pancetta with half or less of the butter at the outset until golden and crispy to flavour the soup and either cook the soup with the bacon in it or remove it with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate to crumble over the soup when serving\u00a0\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Broccoli](\"https:\/\/www.oliveandmango.com\/images\/uploads\/2023_01_06_broccoli_cheddar_soup_2.jpg\")
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How to Make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup<\/h2>\n\n- Start by saut\u00e9ing butter with onion then the garlic in a large dutch oven<\/li>\n
- Add the flour to help thicken the soup then add the broth and cream and whisk until smooth\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Add broccoli, carrots, spices and seasoning and simmer until veggies are tender\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Lower heat and stir in cheese one handful at a time\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Serve hot with extra cheddar cheese and crusty bread\u00a0\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Broccoli](\"https:\/\/www.oliveandmango.com\/images\/uploads\/2023_01_06_broccoli_cheddar_soup_3.jpg\")
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Can I blend this soup?<\/h2>\n
Absolutely you can blend this soup. For a smoother soup feel free to use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup before adding the cheese. Blend to your desired consistency then stir in the cheese. Just be careful while blending it as its hot and if using standard blender blend in batches\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Broccoli](\"https:\/\/www.oliveandmango.com\/images\/uploads\/2023_01_06_broccoli_cheddar_soup_4.jpg\")
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Tips For Making This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup<\/h2>\n\n- Try to cut the broccoli florets into small pieces and similar sizes for even quick cooking\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Keep the soup at a simmer not a boil so the dairy (cream) in the soup doesn\u2019t scald and change the texture of the soup\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Add the cheese into the soup a little at a time on low heat or off the heat so it doesn\u2019t separate and doesn\u2019t clump up – melts nicely and soup is nice and creamy not grainy\u00a0<\/li>\n
- I recommend grating your own cheese instead of using pre shredded as the flavour and texture is always better with less additives and it melts better too\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Broccoli](\"https:\/\/www.oliveandmango.com\/images\/uploads\/2023_01_06_broccoli_cheddar_soup_6.jpg\")
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Storage & Freezing<\/h2>\n\n- STORAGE<\/strong> – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. reheat on low heat stovetop or in the microwave\u00a0<\/li>\n
- FREEZING<\/strong> – Cooled soup can be stored in the freezer in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge over night and reheat gently over low heat stove top or the microwave\u00a0\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
More Cozy and Great Soups You Will Love:<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n
How to Make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup<\/h2>\n\n- Start by saut\u00e9ing butter with onion then the garlic in a large dutch oven<\/li>\n
- Add the flour to help thicken the soup then add the broth and cream and whisk until smooth\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Add broccoli, carrots, spices and seasoning and simmer until veggies are tender\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Lower heat and stir in cheese one handful at a time\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Serve hot with extra cheddar cheese and crusty bread\u00a0\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Can I blend this soup?<\/h2>\n
Absolutely you can blend this soup. For a smoother soup feel free to use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup before adding the cheese. Blend to your desired consistency then stir in the cheese. Just be careful while blending it as its hot and if using standard blender blend in batches\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tips For Making This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup<\/h2>\n\n- Try to cut the broccoli florets into small pieces and similar sizes for even quick cooking\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Keep the soup at a simmer not a boil so the dairy (cream) in the soup doesn\u2019t scald and change the texture of the soup\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Add the cheese into the soup a little at a time on low heat or off the heat so it doesn\u2019t separate and doesn\u2019t clump up – melts nicely and soup is nice and creamy not grainy\u00a0<\/li>\n
- I recommend grating your own cheese instead of using pre shredded as the flavour and texture is always better with less additives and it melts better too\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Storage & Freezing<\/h2>\n\n- STORAGE<\/strong> – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. reheat on low heat stovetop or in the microwave\u00a0<\/li>\n
- FREEZING<\/strong> – Cooled soup can be stored in the freezer in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge over night and reheat gently over low heat stove top or the microwave\u00a0\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
More Cozy and Great Soups You Will Love:<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Can I blend this soup?<\/h2>\n
Absolutely you can blend this soup. For a smoother soup feel free to use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup before adding the cheese. Blend to your desired consistency then stir in the cheese. Just be careful while blending it as its hot and if using standard blender blend in batches\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tips For Making This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup<\/h2>\n\n- Try to cut the broccoli florets into small pieces and similar sizes for even quick cooking\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Keep the soup at a simmer not a boil so the dairy (cream) in the soup doesn\u2019t scald and change the texture of the soup\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Add the cheese into the soup a little at a time on low heat or off the heat so it doesn\u2019t separate and doesn\u2019t clump up – melts nicely and soup is nice and creamy not grainy\u00a0<\/li>\n
- I recommend grating your own cheese instead of using pre shredded as the flavour and texture is always better with less additives and it melts better too\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Storage & Freezing<\/h2>\n\n- STORAGE<\/strong> – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. reheat on low heat stovetop or in the microwave\u00a0<\/li>\n
- FREEZING<\/strong> – Cooled soup can be stored in the freezer in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge over night and reheat gently over low heat stove top or the microwave\u00a0\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
More Cozy and Great Soups You Will Love:<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Storage & Freezing<\/h2>\n\n- STORAGE<\/strong> – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. reheat on low heat stovetop or in the microwave\u00a0<\/li>\n
- FREEZING<\/strong> – Cooled soup can be stored in the freezer in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge over night and reheat gently over low heat stove top or the microwave\u00a0\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
More Cozy and Great Soups You Will Love:<\/h2>\n
\n
More Cozy and Great Soups You Will Love:<\/h2>\n
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