🥦 4-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Soup – Creamy & Simple
A velvety comfort classic made in one pot with fresh broccoli, creamy cheddar, and a touch of cream.
This 4-ingredient broccoli cheese soup is a modern masterpiece of simplicity. With just broccoli, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream, it delivers restaurant-quality creaminess in under 25 minutes. The vibrant green color and rich cheese flavor make it perfect for cozy lunches or dinner table comfort. Best of all? No special equipment needed - just a stock pot, blender, and your favorite cheddar. Whether you're a busy parent or a soup novice, this recipe will become your new go-to for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets (cut into 1" pieces, fresh or frozen)
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium or homemade for best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp recommended)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Step 1: Sauté Broccoli
In a large pot, bring broccoli and chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes until broccoli is tender.
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Step 2: Puree the Mixture
Carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender (let stand 5 minutes first - you don't want hot liquids in a blender). Blend until completely smooth, then return to the pot.
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Step 3: Stir in Cheese & Cream
Over low heat, gradually stir in shredded cheese and cream until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Step 4: Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately. For extra flavor, float some shredded cheese on top.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Time Efficiency
With just 4 ingredients and no need for prep work, this soup comes together in 25 minutes - perfect for weeknight meals or last-minute dinner ideas.
💰 Affordable Ingredients
Broccoli, broth, and cheese are all pantry staples that rarely go to waste. You can often find them on sale or in stores' discount sections.
👥 Universal Appeal
Kids and adults both love this creamy soup. The mild broccoli flavor and cheese combination makes it a safe bet for picky eaters.
🌟 Restaurant Quality
The homemade version with fresh broccoli and cream far surpasses store-bought versions in both taste and texture.
Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup
4-Ingredient Comfort at Its Finest
🛒 Ingredients
- - 4 cups broccoli florets
- - 6 cups chicken broth
- - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- - 1/3 cup heavy cream
👨🍳 Instructions
Simmer Broccoli: Boil broccoli and broth for 10 minutes
💡 Use stove-top not microwave for best texture
Blend: Puree until smooth (let stand 3-5 mins first)
💡 Always blend on low heat first or allow to cool slightly
Finish Soup: Stir in cheese and cream
💡 Don't let it boil after adding cheese to prevent separation
Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish
💡 For a rustic touch, add some extra broccoli florets
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Broccoli
Fresh broccoli provides the best texture and brightest color. For frozen, reduce cooking time by 3 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Substitutions: Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Chicken Broth
Use homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for richest flavor. Vegetarian broth works too.
Substitutions: Water + bouillon cubes, mushroom broth
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar gives the best tang, but any semi-hard cheese works well. Gouda or colby-jack are also good choices.
Substitutions: Swiss, Gruyere, Mozzarella
Heavy Cream
Creates ultra-creamy texture. Can substitute 1/3 cup milk plus 1/2 tsp cornstarch for dairy-free option.
Substitutions: Coconut milk, oat milk, half-and-half
Pro Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup
🔥 Broiling Option
Broil broccoli for 2 minutes before cooking to add caramelized depth.
🧂 Secret Seasoning
Add 1/4 tsp garlic powder to broth for extra richness.
🥄 Make Ahead Tip
Add cream in last moments when reheating to maintain smooth texture.
📷 Serving Suggestions
Pair with grilled cheese and tomato soup for classic combo.
Variations & Customizations
Garlic Boost
Add 1 minced garlic clove after broccoli is tender.
Protein Power
Stir in 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken or diced turkey.
Spicy Version
Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to broth.
Vegan Option
Use vegan broth, cashew cream, and vegan cheese.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Garlic bread: Slices toasted with butter and garlic
- Grilled cheese sandwich: Complements the cheese flavor
- Green salad: Adds freshness to the rich soup
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Chardonnay, a buttery white wine that matches the creamy texture, or a mild red like Pinot Noir.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Store in refrigerator. Add cream and cheese just before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in airtight container for 4-5 days. Separation may occur - just reheat and stir.
Freezer Storage
Freeze in quart containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Heat over medium-low on stove while stirring constantly. Do not boil after adding cheese.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Too Lumpy After Blending?
A: Add 1-2 tablespoons water and blend again. Strain through sieve if needed.
Q: Want More Creaminess?
A: Add 2-3 tablespoons more heavy cream or a splash of sour cream.
Q: Soup Too Thin?
A: Simmer until it thickens. Or add 1 tsp cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water).
Q: Can I Double This Recipe?
A: Yes! Just be careful with proportions when scaling up.
Final Thoughts
This 4-ingredient broccoli cheese soup is proof that simplicity can create culinary magic. With just broccoli, broth, cheese, and cream, you get a soup that's comforting, creamy, and completely satisfying. It's the perfect vehicle for your favorite bread, cheese, or sandwich pairing.
For best Pinterest visibility, pin this recipe as part of our 'Complete Meal Series' with complementary dishes: serve with our homemade garlic bread recipe, then a simple salad, finished with our classic fruit tart recipe. This combination creates a beautiful meal story on your feed.
