Description
A creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup made with just 5 simple ingredients. This easy recipe features tender broccoli florets, savory garlic, reduced-sodium chicken broth, rich heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese for a deliciously cheesy and satisfying soup perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 cups broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese
- 3 cups pre-shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, lightly sauté minced garlic for one minute until fragrant. Add a little oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Add Liquids and Broccoli: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the broccoli florets. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Broccoli: Let the soup simmer gently for 10 to 20 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Option 1 – Cheese Incorporation: Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese in half-cup increments, stirring constantly over a very low simmer until each addition is melted before adding more. Remove from heat as soon as all cheese is melted to prevent seizing.
- Option 2 – Puree and Add Cheese (Recommended): Use a slotted spoon to remove about one-third of the broccoli florets and set them aside if you want some pieces in the final soup.
- Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the remaining soup until smooth.
- Incorporate Cheese: Return the soup to low heat, add shredded cheddar cheese gradually in 1/2 cup portions, stirring constantly until fully melted to keep the soup smooth and prevent seizing.
- Final Puree and Serve: Once all cheese is incorporated and the soup is smooth, remove from heat and gently stir the reserved broccoli pieces back into the soup for added texture. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-shredded cheddar cheese to save time and ensure easy melting.
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy or seizing.
- For a smoother soup, puree all the broccoli without reserving florets.
- Add a drizzle of oil if the garlic starts to stick while sautéing.
- This soup can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, easy broccoli soup, creamy broccoli soup, cheddar cheese soup, 5 ingredient soup
