Discover our Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe for the ultimate comfort food: a single, creamy and cheesy bowl with tender broccoli. Easy to make with minimal ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes!
Heat the oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until the onions soften. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the flour to the pot and cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute.
Pour in the broth and stir until smooth.
Stir in the milk and cream.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, and then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
Add the cheese, cumin, chili powder, and salt and stir until smooth.
Add the broccoli and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.Pro Tip: Be sure to chop your broccoli into fine, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly.
Taste the soup and add additinal salt if necessary. Pour into a bowl and enjoy hot.
Video
Notes
Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your Broccoli Cheese Soup turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
Choose Quality Broccoli: Opt for broccoli with a consistent green hue, avoiding any with significant yellow or brown spots. The stems should be firm and the crowns tight; floppy florets indicate age. Keep your broccoli in the fridge's crisper drawer and aim to use it within a week. Check out our suggestions below for using leftover broccoli.
Cutting Broccoli into Florets: To break down a broccoli crown, make a clean cut close to where the stem meets the florets. This will yield several large pieces. Further slice these into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
Opt for Vegetarian: Swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth to make a flavorful vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Gluten-Free Adaptations: For a gluten-free option, skip the flour. Create a cornstarch slurry by combining 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of broth. Stir this into the soup or use a gluten-free flour like King Arthur Gluten Free Measure For Measure Flour.
Cook on Low Heat: Maintain a low cooking temperature to prevent the soup from becoming grainy or curdled.
Say No to Pre-Shredded Cheese: Freshly grated cheese promises a smoother, more uniform melt compared to its pre-shredded counterparts.