The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Broccoli cheddar soup represents the ultimate comfort food for vegetable and cheese lovers seeking a warm, satisfying meal.

Hearty green florets mingle with sharp, melted dairy to create a smooth and luxurious experience that enhances simple ingredients into something magical.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of nutrition and rich flavor that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Sophisticated home cooks appreciate how this soup elevates everyday vegetables into a gourmet-style dish without complicated techniques.

Nutritious broccoli provides a robust green foundation that complements the tangy, creamy cheese base, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Cold days call for something substantial and soul-warming, making this soup an ideal choice for anyone craving culinary comfort.

Grab your favorite bowl and prepare for a delightful meal that promises to satisfy every craving.

Why Broccoli Cheddar Soup Is Always a Crowd-Pleaser

• Burst with Creamy Comfort: This hearty soup delivers rich, velvety texture that wraps you in warmth, blending sharp cheddar with tender broccoli for a soothing dining experience.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Requiring minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Packed with Flavor: Broccoli provides essential vitamins and minerals while cheddar cheese adds protein and calcium, creating a balanced dish that doesn’t compromise on taste or health benefits.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for lunch, dinner, or a comforting side, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it an excellent option for family meals or casual gatherings.

What Goes Into This Creamy Comfort Bowl

• Zucchini: Large, firm zucchinis work best for creating sturdy boats that hold the rice mixture perfectly.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice provides a fluffy and light base for the stuffing.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and a vibrant green color to the rice mixture.

• Half & Half: Creamy liquid that enriches the rice mixture and adds smoothness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides depth of flavor and a crispy topping.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a rich, savory foundation for the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring moisture and a slight tanginess to the rice mixture.
• Butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing and adds depth to the initial cooking process.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat butter in a sturdy saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic with salt and pepper until fragrant and releasing delicious aromas.

Step 2: Cook Flavorful Rice

• Rice
• Fresh spinach
• Water
• Coarse salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until rice is perfectly tender.

Step 3: Enhance Rice Mixture

• Half & half
• Diced tomatoes
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the mixture seems too thick, add more half & half to create a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Prepare Zucchini Vessels

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice zucchinis lengthwise and remove seeds to create hollow boats ready for filling.

Step 5: Stuff and Bake Zucchini

Fill the zucchini boats with the prepared rice mixture. Arrange them in a roasting pan or on baking sheets. Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchinis become tender and slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top of the zucchini boats. Serve hot and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Soup-Making Tips for Creamier Cheddar Goodness

• Master Garlic Sautéing: Gently cook minced garlic until fragrant to release its rich, nutty flavor without burning, creating a robust base for your soup.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Add half & half gradually to achieve your desired soup thickness, ensuring a creamy texture without becoming too runny.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate Parmesan cheese fresh and stir slowly into the warm soup to prevent clumping and create smooth, even distribution.
• Spinach Selection Tip: Choose fresh, crisp spinach leaves that will wilt perfectly and add vibrant color and nutritional boost to your broccoli cheddar soup.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally during cooking to build layers of flavor that complement the soup’s creamy profile.

Storing & Reheating Tips for a Soup That Tastes Like Day One

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover stuffed zucchini boats to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the dish’s quality.
• Reheating: Warm the zucchini boats in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and ensure even heating. Alternatively, use the microwave for a quick 1-2 minute reheat, though the texture might become slightly softer.
• Freezing: Wrap individual zucchini boats in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

What Complements a Bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Like Magic

• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Pair this hearty zucchini dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy rice and cut through the richness of Parmesan cheese.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to contrast the warm, cheesy zucchini boats and add refreshing brightness.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Offer a slice of rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender zucchini boats.
• Pair with Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Prepare a quick cucumber-mint sparkling water to cleanse the palate and complement the Mediterranean-inspired flavors of the stuffed zucchini.

New Mix-Ins to Change Up the Classic Soup Game

• Quinoa Veggie Blast: Replace rice with protein-packed quinoa, add roasted bell peppers and swap Parmesan for feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Boats: Incorporate black beans, corn, jalapeños, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Protein Power Zucchini: Mix in ground turkey or chicken, use Greek yogurt instead of half & half, and add extra herbs like oregano and thyme for a protein-rich alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Boats: Use bulgur wheat instead of rice, add chopped kalamata olives, fresh mint, and crumbled goat cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers creamy comfort straight from farmhouse kitchens, blending rich Wisconsin cheddar with fresh garden broccoli. Hearty spoonfuls promise warmth and satisfaction that will transport you to a cozy culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 6 cups broccoli florets (from 1 large head)
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups grated sharp white/yellow cheddar cheese (plus more for garnish)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (light or regular)
• 1 ¼ cups half-and-half
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter

Liquid, Seasonings, and Thickeners:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Coarse salt
• Freshly ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Gather a robust saucepan and melt butter over medium heat, introducing minced garlic, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Sauté until aromatic and flavors blend harmoniously.
2. Incorporate uncooked rice, fresh spinach leaves, water, precisely of coarse salt, and ground black pepper. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and allow mixture to gently simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes.
3. Use a fork to delicately fluff and separate rice grains. Fold in half-and-half cream, diced tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. If mixture appears overly dense, introduce extra half-and-half to achieve desired consistency.
4. Activate oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice zucchinis lengthwise and meticulously remove inner seeds, creating elegant hollow vessels.
5. Generously fill zucchini boats with prepared rice mixture. Position carefully in roasting pan or baking sheet, ensuring even spacing. Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchinis transform into tender, golden-edged vehicles of deliciousness.
6. Conclude by sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese atop each zucchini boat. Serve immediately and savor the culinary creation.

Notes

• Prepare all ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
• Choose fresh, vibrant broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor development.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Adjust consistency by adding more broth if soup becomes too thick during simmering.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days for quick reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 55mg