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Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

4.7 from 64 reviews

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting, creamy, and vibrant green soup featuring fresh broccoli, kale, and mature cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines sautéed onions, hot vegetable or chicken stock, and a blend of flavorful spices. The soup is pureed to a smooth consistency, enriched with cream, and served with a swirl of cream or olive oil and freshly ground black pepper. A wedge of fresh bread makes the perfect accompaniment.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 large onion (peeled and chopped)
  • 2 medium heads of broccoli (approx 450g or 1lb) (chopped into small florets and any stalk chopped finely)
  • 100 g (1 1/2 cups) chopped kale (optional)

Liquids and Stock

  • 720 ml (3 cups) hot vegetable or chicken stock (either homemade or use 2 stock cubes with water; use bouillon for gluten free)
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) double (heavy) cream

Cheese and Seasonings

  • 200 g (2 cups) mature cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 tsp salt

To Serve

  • A swirl of cream or olive oil
  • A hunk of fresh bread

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add the oil. Allow it to warm up enough for sautéing.
  2. Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook gently for 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and tender, developing a mild sweetness which forms a flavor base for the soup.
  3. Add broccoli and seasoning: Stir in the chopped broccoli, hot stock, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Push the broccoli down into the liquid to submerge it. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  4. Wilt the kale: Add the chopped kale to the pot and cook for an additional minute, just enough to wilt it while retaining its vibrant green color and nutrients.
  5. Blend until smooth: Remove the pot from heat. Use a hand blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy, ensuring no large chunks remain.
  6. Add cheese and cream: Return the soup to low heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and double cream. Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts and the soup is rich and silky.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each serving with a swirl of cream or olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve with a fresh wedge of bread for dipping.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free stock or bouillon cubes.
  • Adding kale is optional but enhances the soup’s color and nutritional content.
  • Use mature cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
  • The soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock and ensuring the cheese is suitable.

Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, creamy broccoli soup, vegetarian soup, cheddar cheese soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe