The Ultimate Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup: Your Go-To Comfort Food for Chilly Days

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup to chase away the chill of a cold day, and this homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup is simply unbeatable. It’s the kind of comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, making even the most blustery winter evening feel cozy and inviting. This recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful soup that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for those busy days when you need a delicious pick-me-up.

For me, the arrival of cooler weather is always a mixed bag. On one hand, I absolutely adore it when the seasons finally start to change! The vibrant hues of autumn leaves transform into a rustic palette before gracefully falling, signaling the transition. It’s the time of year when you get to pull all your favorite sweaters out of the closet, dust off your boots, and welcome a whole new selection of warm, stylish shoes into your daily wardrobe. And my absolute favorite seasonal indulgence? Fuzzy socks!

You see that beautiful tiled floor in the image below? That’s my kitchen and dining room. And in the winter? Oh, it gets ice cold! We’re talking North Pole temperatures, but sadly, without the charming elves or majestic polar bears. Since we prefer to allocate our budget to essentials like, say, buying food in the winter, we typically keep our home’s thermostat set around a modest 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit. This means staying warm often requires a bit of personal initiative and, for me, a serious commitment to cozy attire.

Over the years, I’ve transformed fuzzy socks from a simple comfort item into a bona fide fashion statement. And let’s be honest, once you’ve gracefully sailed past the age of 30, your perception of “fashion” tends to evolve. For many of us, particularly those juggling the demands of motherhood, life becomes a whirlwind of activity. You’re constantly running around after the kids, managing mountains of laundry, cooking meals, keeping the house tidy, handling carpool duties – you all know the routine. It’s a beautiful chaos, but it doesn’t always lend itself to high heels and elaborate outfits.

But when you slip on some wild, colorful fuzzy socks, you get to make a statement. It might be a quiet, understated statement, but you know it’s there, adding a little spark to your day. Plus, on a sleek tile or wooden floor, those fuzzy socks can even transport you back to your inner Tom Cruise, ready to slide into “Risky Business” mode. You know exactly what I’m talking about – fuzzy socks just make you want to dance!

I have fuzzy socks for all occasions – festive ones for holidays, patterned ones for a touch of whimsy, and plain, super-plush ones for ultimate relaxation. They are my secret weapon against the cold. So, with my warm and fuzzy, perfectly toasty feet, I will happily stand in the kitchen and cook up delicious meals again this winter, undeterred by the chilly floors.

And since the cold has officially arrived, in addition to my beloved fuzzy socks, it’s also undeniably soup season! And what better way to embrace the season than with a comforting bowl of homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup? This recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into making this creamy delight that promises to be a staple in your winter meal rotation.

This creamy broccoli cheese soup recipe is designed to be both delicious and straightforward. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find the steps easy to follow, leading to a truly rewarding result. The combination of tender broccoli, savory beef stock, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

1 large onion, diced
2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1-2 tbsp dried)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
7-8 cups beef stock (using bouillon cubes is a convenient option)
1 bag (approx. 10-12 oz) frozen broccoli florets (or 3-4 cups fresh, chopped)
16 oz Velveeta cheese (or a similar processed cheese spread like Cheeze Whiz for ultra-creamy results)
1 1/2 cups milk
7 Tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, croutons, a dollop of sour cream

Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create a rich and satisfying broccoli cheese soup that everyone will love. The key is building layers of flavor and achieving that perfectly smooth, creamy texture.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it begins to soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the foundational flavors of your soup.
Add Garlic and Parsley: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Introduce Stock and Broccoli: Pour in about 6 cups of your beef stock and add the frozen broccoli florets. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Allow it to simmer until the broccoli is tender, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes for frozen broccoli. If using fresh, cook until fork-tender.
Prepare the Roux and Cheese Sauce: While the broccoli simmers, prepare your cheese sauce. In a separate 2-quart saucepan, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a smooth roux (a paste). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
Incorporate Milk and Cheese: Gradually add about 1/2 cup of milk to the roux, whisking continuously until smooth. This helps thin the roux slightly, making it easier to incorporate the cheese. Now, add your Velveeta cheese, a few slices at a time, allowing each batch to mostly melt before adding more. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
Achieve Smoothness: Once all the cheese has been added and mostly melted, pour in the remaining milk and continue to stir until the cheese mixture is completely combined and perfectly smooth. This creates the luxurious, velvety base for your soup.
Combine with Stock: Gradually add the remaining 1-2 cups of beef stock to the cheese mixture, a little at a time, stirring each addition thoroughly to maintain a smooth sauce. This tempers the cheese sauce and integrates the flavors beautifully.
Final Blend: Once all your remaining broth is combined into the cheese sauce, it’s time for the grand finale! Carefully pour this rich, creamy cheese sauce into your main soup pot with the simmering broccoli and stock. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients until everything is perfectly integrated.
Simmer and Season: Continue to simmer the combined soup on low heat for at least an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. After about 15 minutes of simmering, taste the soup and add freshly ground black pepper as needed. The flavors will deepen and develop over the simmering time, resulting in a truly delicious soup.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls. Garnish with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese, some fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor, or crunchy croutons for added texture. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of heavy cream can also add another layer of richness. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth!

This recipe makes a generous batch, yielding about 11-12 cups of soup. Last night, four adults devoured most of it, leaving just enough for a delightful lunch today! It’s truly a crowd-pleaser and perfect for feeding a family or having delicious leftovers for a few days.

This comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup is a fantastic way to make cold days feel a little more manageable and a lot more delicious. Its creamy texture and rich flavor profile make it an instant classic, perfect for a casual family dinner or a cozy meal by the fireplace. Enjoy the process of creating this heartwarming dish and savor every spoonful!

This recipe was proudly shared at Soup and Stews Recipe Party and Finding Joy in my Kitchen.

More Warming Recipes for Cold Days

If you’re looking for other delicious ways to stay warm and satisfied on chilly days, explore these fantastic soup and bread recipes. They pair wonderfully with our Broccoli Cheese Soup or stand alone as comforting meals.

Mexican Chicken Soup

Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Potato Bread

Light and Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Easy Cheese Biscuits

And don’t forget dessert!