Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and exceptionally creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup. Featuring tender broccoli florets swimming in a rich, velvety cheese broth, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen, it’s prepared in just a few simple steps and delivers a taste that rivals even your favorite restaurant versions.
Discovering the Magic of Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup
For many years, my routine at Panera Bread was non-negotiable: the “pick two” combo, always featuring their renowned Broccoli Cheddar Soup paired with a refreshing Greek Salad. It was a cherished treat, and as my children grew, their love for that creamy, cheesy soup mirrored my own. This shared appreciation eventually sparked an idea: why not recreate that beloved flavor right in our own kitchen? The desire for a homemade version that could be enjoyed anytime, without leaving the house, led to the development of this fantastic recipe.
What started as a simple home experiment quickly transformed into a culinary tradition. This easy-to-follow recipe became a staple, particularly around Halloween, when a warm bowl of soup was the perfect fuel before heading out for trick-or-treating adventures. And of course, there was always another bowl waiting to warm us up upon our return, making those chilly evenings even cozier. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; it cooks beautifully on the stovetop for a quicker meal or simmers to perfection in your slow cooker, allowing flavors to meld beautifully throughout the day.
Today, this recipe isn’t just a family secret; it’s a widely acclaimed dish among friends and extended family. Many who have tried it confidently declare it superior to the chain restaurant’s offering, choosing to make it at home instead. The rich, authentic cheese flavor combined with perfectly cooked broccoli and a creamy texture makes it an irresistible choice. And for the ultimate dining experience, don’t forget to serve it alongside some crusty bread, perfect for dipping, or elevate your meal by serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl!
Why This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe Stands Out
There’s an undeniable allure to the classic combination of broccoli and cheese. This recipe takes that beloved pairing to new heights, creating a soup that, according to my family, genuinely surpasses even the most popular restaurant versions. The secret lies in a thoughtfully curated blend of ingredients that deliver unparalleled creaminess and deep, satisfying cheesy notes. While many recipes opt for shredded cheddar, our unique approach incorporates creamy elements like cream of potato soup, cream of celery soup, and the surprisingly effective Cheez Whiz. This combination creates a velvety texture and a distinct, smooth cheesy flavor that is simply irresistible.
Crafting a batch of this luscious homemade broccoli cheese soup requires minimal effort and just a few pantry staples. By utilizing convenient ingredients such as frozen broccoli, canned cream soups, and Cheez Whiz, you can effortlessly ensure all necessary components are on hand. This simplicity means less time grocery shopping and more time enjoying a comforting, wholesome meal. Simply gather your ingredients, toss them into a pot, and allow them to simmer, transforming into a symphony of flavors and textures.
If the rich and creamy goodness of this broccoli and cheese soup captivates your palate, you’ll be thrilled to discover other beloved recipes that offer similar comfort and flavor. Explore our Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup for a hearty Italian-inspired meal, the unique and tangy Cream of Reuben Soup, or the ultimate potato delight, this Cheesy Potato Soup. Each offers a distinct yet equally comforting experience.
Your Go-To Broccoli Cheddar Soup for Any Occasion
This broccoli cheddar soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, embodying the very essence of comfort food. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a brisk winter day or a cozy retreat during a rainy autumn afternoon, this soup delivers pure satisfaction. Its universal appeal makes it a fantastic choice for a variety of gatherings—from casual potlucks to intimate family dinners. Whenever the craving for a rich, hearty, and incredibly flavorful soup strikes, this recipe will be your trusty companion.
Beyond its standalone deliciousness, this soup pairs beautifully with an array of accompaniments. A side of crusty bread is a must for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. For a more balanced meal, consider serving it with extra steamed vegetables or a crisp, light salad. The versatility of this soup allows it to complement almost any side, making it an ideal centerpiece for a truly perfect meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup
Crafting this phenomenal broccoli cheese soup requires a handful of carefully selected ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its signature creamy texture and robust flavor. For the full list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Potatoes: I prefer using white potatoes, peeled and cubed, as they provide a wonderfully starchy base that naturally thickens the soup, contributing to its luscious mouthfeel without the need for additional flour. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices.
- Celery: Finely chopped celery adds a subtle, earthy depth and aromatic complexity to the soup. It’s a humble ingredient that lends a fresh, savory note, a staple in many of my favorite soup recipes.
- Onion: A small chopped white or yellow onion is essential for building a robust flavor foundation. Sautéing the onion until translucent releases its sweet, pungent notes, which are critical for the soup’s overall taste profile.
- Butter: Used to gently sauté the vegetables, butter infuses the initial stages of the soup with a rich, decadent flavor. Feel free to use salted or unsalted butter, or substitute with olive oil if you prefer, though butter truly enhances the creaminess.
- Chicken Stock: The backbone of our soup’s liquid base, chicken stock (or chicken broth) provides savory depth. Opt for unsalted varieties to maintain control over the soup’s sodium content, allowing you to season to taste. Vegetable broth is also a suitable alternative for a vegetarian option, or even beef broth for a darker, richer flavor.
- Broccoli: While fresh broccoli florets can certainly be used, frozen chopped broccoli is a fantastic convenience item for this recipe. It’s pre-cut and cooks quickly, making weeknight meal prep a breeze. If using fresh, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Don’t discard the tender stems; they can be peeled and finely chopped to add even more broccoli goodness and reduce food waste!
- Cheese Whiz: This is our secret weapon for achieving an incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth cheesy texture and distinct flavor. Cheez Whiz blends seamlessly into the soup, providing a consistent, tangy cheese experience that is hard to replicate with just shredded cheese alone.
- Canned Soup: A combination of cream of potato soup and cream of celery soup contributes immense creaminess and flavor without needing to create a roux from scratch. These canned additions significantly streamline the cooking process while ensuring a rich, satisfying base.
- Sour Cream: Added at the end, sour cream imparts a silky smoothness and a delightful tang that balances the richness of the cheese. You can use regular or low-fat sour cream, or for an extra decadent soup, substitute it with heavy cream.
Continue reading for invaluable tips, creative substitutions, and answers to frequently asked questions about this exceptional broccoli cheese soup recipe, ensuring your culinary success!
Crafting Your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this simple yet sensational broccoli cheese soup couldn’t be easier. With a few straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying a bowl of homemade comfort in no time. Follow these instructions for a perfect stovetop rendition:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and celery, and sauté them gently until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of your soup.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot along with the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the potatoes are completely soft and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your potato cubes.
- Add the Broccoli: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the frozen (or fresh, chopped) broccoli. Continue to simmer for about 15 minutes more, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and vibrant green.
- Mash and Finish: Using a potato masher, gently mash a portion of the vegetables directly in the pot. You can mash them lightly for a chunkier soup or more thoroughly for a smoother consistency. This step helps to naturally thicken the soup and integrate the flavors. Then, stir in the Cheez Whiz, cream of potato soup, cream of celery soup, and sour cream. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and the cheese has melted into the broth. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Warm and Serve: Heat the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly warmed through. Avoid boiling after adding the dairy, as it can cause separation. Serve immediately and savor every creamy, cheesy spoonful!
Storage & Reheating: Allow any leftover soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently over the stovetop on low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup appears too thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Effortless Cooking: Broccoli Cheese Soup in Your Crock Pot
For those days when you need a delicious meal with minimal hands-on effort, this broccoli cheese soup adapts wonderfully to a slow cooker. The crock pot allows the flavors to meld and deepen over several hours, resulting in an even richer and more satisfying soup experience, perfect for a busy schedule.
- Morning Prep: In the morning, combine the chopped onion, celery, cubed potatoes, and chicken stock in your slow cooker. You can add a tablespoon of butter to the pot as well for added richness, or sauté the aromatics briefly beforehand for extra depth of flavor, though this step is optional for pure convenience.
- Slow Cook: Cook the vegetables on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and other vegetables are incredibly soft and easily mashable.
- Finishing Touch: Approximately 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve dinner, use a potato masher to mash the cooked vegetables directly in the slow cooker until you reach your desired consistency. Then, stir in the Cheez Whiz, cream of potato soup, cream of celery soup, and sour cream. Stir until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve this effortless, deeply flavorful soup!
Don’t Miss Out! Save This Recipe for Later
If you’re already envisioning a warm, comforting bowl of this best broccoli cheese soup, make sure you don’t lose track of this incredible recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find it whenever the craving strikes or you’re planning your next cozy meal. Share the love and let others discover this homemade gem!
Customize Your Soup: Smart Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of cooking at home is the freedom to customize. This broccoli cheese soup recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your personal tastes and dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it truly your own!
- Cheese Alternatives: While Cheez Whiz provides a unique, smooth texture, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. For a more traditional broccoli cheddar soup, use sharp cheddar cheese, extra sharp cheddar, or a mild cheddar. Shredded cheese melts more easily, so opt for pre-shredded or grate your own for the best results. A blend of cheddar and Gruyere or even a touch of smoked gouda could add intriguing layers of flavor.
- Broccoli Choices: Fresh broccoli florets or whole broccoli, cut into small pieces, can be used instead of frozen. Simply add them to the pot when the recipe calls for it, and cook until tender-crisp. As mentioned, the broccoli stems are edible and delicious; chop them finely and add them to the soup alongside the florets for extra fiber and flavor.
- Dairy Variations: For a lighter soup, you can substitute whole milk or even a plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond or oat milk) for some of the canned soups or sour cream, though you may need to adjust thickness with a cornstarch slurry. For a richer soup, heavy cream or half-and-half can replace sour cream for an even more luxurious texture.
- Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Easily transform this into a vegetarian soup by swapping chicken stock for vegetable broth. To make it vegan, use plant-based milk or cream, a vegan cheese sauce alternative, and ensure your canned soups are dairy-free.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or even sautéed chickpeas can be stirred in at the end.
- Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while simmering the soup, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Remember, cooking should be an enjoyable and personal experience. Feel empowered to adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs, pantry availability, and flavor preferences. This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity!
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheese Soup
Here are answers to some common questions that arise when making and enjoying this comforting broccoli cheese soup:
- What is the best cheese to melt in soup? The “best” cheese is subjective and depends on your desired flavor profile and texture. For ultimate creaminess and flavor, sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but Gruyere offers a nutty depth, Parmesan adds a salty umami, and Gouda provides a mild, buttery richness. Mozzarella can make it extra stringy. For this recipe, Cheez Whiz ensures a consistent, smooth melt without clumping.
- What is broccoli cheese soup made of? At its core, broccoli cheese soup typically features a savory broth base, tender broccoli florets, and a generous amount of cheese. Many recipes include aromatics like onion and celery, and some form of thickener (like a roux or potatoes), along with dairy like milk, cream, or sour cream for richness. This recipe specifically uses potatoes for thickening, chicken stock, various creamed soups, and Cheez Whiz for its unique profile.
- How to thicken broccoli cheese soup? This recipe naturally thickens with the starch from the potatoes, which are mashed directly into the soup, and the creaminess from the canned soups and sour cream. If you prefer an even thicker soup, you can create a slurry of cornstarch and water, or flour and butter (a roux), and whisk it into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Pureeing a larger portion of the vegetables also adds thickness.
- What are the ingredients in Panera broccoli cheddar soup? While proprietary recipes vary, Panera’s popular Broccoli Cheddar Soup typically includes finely chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and a blend of select seasonings in a creamy, cheesy broth. Our homemade version aims for a similar, if not superior, flavor profile with readily available ingredients.
- Is broccoli cheese soup healthy? Broccoli cheese soup can certainly be part of a balanced diet. Broccoli itself is packed with vitamins and fiber. While the cheese and cream components add calories and fat, moderation is key. You can make it healthier by using low-fat dairy, vegetable broth, and reducing the amount of cheese, or by increasing the proportion of vegetables.
- Can I add other vegetables to broccoli cheese soup? Absolutely! Finely diced carrots are a popular addition, often found in commercial versions. You could also try adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even a handful of peas for extra nutrients and color.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup
Achieve an even more outstanding bowl of broccoli cheese soup with these expert tips and clever tricks:
- For a Smoother Texture: If you desire a silkier, restaurant-style consistency, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender) to puree the soup after the vegetables have cooked and been mashed. Blend until it reaches your preferred level of smoothness.
- To Make a Thicker Soup: If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can easily remedy this. Whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with an equal amount of softened butter or cold water to create a smooth paste (a slurry). Gradually whisk this into the simmering soup and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
- If You Prefer a Lighter Soup: For a less indulgent version, consider using whole milk or even a combination of milk and half-and-half instead of sour cream. This will still provide creaminess but with fewer calories and fat. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Make it Vegetarian: As mentioned, substituting chicken broth with high-quality vegetable broth is an effortless way to make this soup suitable for vegetarians without sacrificing flavor.
- Add a Touch of Spice: For those who appreciate a little kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the soup during the simmering stage. It adds a subtle warmth that complements the cheesy richness beautifully.
- Garnish for Impact: Elevate your soup with delightful garnishes! Consider a sprinkle of freshly grated cheddar, a swirl of extra sour cream, crispy bacon bits, homemade croutons, or a scattering of fresh chives or parsley.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning throughout the cooking process. A pinch of nutmeg can subtly enhance the cheesy flavor, and a dash of garlic powder or white pepper can add complexity.
Explore More Easy & Delicious Soup Recipes to Love
If you’re eager to expand your soup repertoire, we have a diverse collection of recipes to tantalize your taste buds. For superb meatless options, next time try our vibrant Fire Roasted Tomato Soup, this incredibly Easy Black Bean Soup, or the flavorful Southwestern Pinto Bean Soup. If you’re in the mood for a more substantial, meat-based soup, our Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup, the comforting Stuffed Pepper Soup, or the delicious Cabbage Roll Soup (pictured above) are all excellent choices that promise to satisfy.
Truly, there’s no need to wait for a specific “soup season” to whip up this amazing broccoli cheese soup recipe. Its rich, cheesy, and utterly comforting flavors are delightful at any time of year, whether you’re battling a winter chill or simply craving a taste of home. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of this incredible homemade goodness!
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Print Recipe
Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup (Better than Panera!)
Ingredients
- 3-4 potatoes peeled and cubed
- 6 stalks celery chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 Tablespoon butter
- 1 32 ounce chicken stock
- 2 16 ounce packages of frozen chopped broccoli
- 1 16 ounce jar cheese whiz
- 1 can cream of potato soup
- 2 cans cream of celery soup
- 1 8 ounce container sour cream
Instructions
- Saute your onion and celery in butter until soft. Add potatoes and chicken stock and simmer covered until potatoes are soft. (20-30 minutes)
- Add broccoli, simmer about 15 minutes more.
- With a potato masher, mash vegetables until they are small. Add to this the rest of the ingredients, stir and warm until ready to eat.
In the Crock Pot:
- This recipe is also easy in the crock pot. When I make it in the crock pot I cook the veggies until they are soft and mash-able in the chicken stock. (on low all day)
- About 30 minutes before dinner, mash, and add cream based ingredients, warm and serve.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on November 10, 2011. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on May 30, 2024.
