Name: Broccoli Cauliflower Soup Recipe: Shockingly Easy 40-Minute Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz bag of fresh chopped broccoli and cauliflower (or 3.5-4 cups chopped); 1 small yellow onion (1 ¼ cup diced); 2 large carrots (1 cup grated); 2-3 cloves garlic; 2 ½ TBSP unsalted butter (divided); 3 TBSP flour; 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth if preferred; ½ tsp sea salt; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; 6 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup heavy cream or half cream + half milk; extra grated cheddar cheese; crumbled cooked turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits; chopped green onion; broccoli sprouts

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something so comforting about a big bowl of creamy soup on a chilly day, isn’t there? And let me tell you, this Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe? It’s a total winner. I whipped it up last week when it was pouring rain, and honestly, it just hit the spot. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I’ve been making this particular broccoli cauliflower cheddar cheese soup recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it was *just* right. My family begs for it!

What I love most is how simple it is to throw together. You probably have most of the ingredients already! Plus, it’s packed with veggies, so you can feel good about eating it. Trust me, even picky eaters will gobble this one up. I’m so excited to share my go-to broccoli cauliflower cheddar cheese soup recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed with this soup! Here’s why:

Quick and Easy

I’m talking from fridge to table in under 40 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, you know?

Creamy and Flavorful

Oh. My. Goodness. The cheddar cheese melts into the broccoli and cauliflower… it’s just heaven. So rich and comforting!

Packed with Vegetables

You’re basically eating a salad… in soup form! All those veggies, all that goodness. Feel good about every spoonful!

Vegetarian-Friendly

Yup, totally meat-free! Makes it a great option for everyone, and you can always add bacon bits if you *really* want to, haha!

Ingredients for Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff!

Grab a 12 oz bag of fresh chopped broccoli and cauliflower (or about 3.5-4 cups if you’re chopping your own – totally fine!).
One small yellow onion (that’s about 1 ¼ cup diced, just so you know!)
Two large carrots (grated, should give you around 1 cup)
2-3 cloves of garlic (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
2 ½ TBSP unsalted butter (and yeah, we’re dividing it later!)
3 TBSP flour (all-purpose is perfect)
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer that little extra somethin’ somethin’!)
½ tsp sea salt (or regular salt, whatever you have!)
½ tsp garlic powder (garlic *everywhere*!)
¼ tsp black pepper
And the star of the show: 6 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Seriously, freshly grated makes a HUGE difference!
½ cup heavy cream (or you can do half cream and half milk if you want to lighten it up a tad)
Extra grated cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits, chopped green onion, and broccoli sprouts for topping! (These are optional, but trust me, they make it *amazing*).

How to Prepare This Delicious Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

Okay, let’s get cooking! This Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe is easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of creamy goodness in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it!

Preparing the Vegetables

First things first, veggie prep! Peel that onion, those carrots, and the garlic. Dice the onion – not too big, not too small. Mince the garlic (or use a garlic press, I won’t judge!). Grate the carrots. You can use pre-shredded if you’re in a hurry, but freshly grated is always better, you know?

Now, for the broccoli and cauliflower. Chop them into smaller pieces. Dice the stems too, don’t waste ’em! Just make sure everything’s roughly the same size so it cooks evenly. I usually aim for bite-sized pieces.

Making the Soup Base

Alright, soup time! Grab a large pot or Dutch oven (I love my Dutch oven for this!). Melt 1 TBSP of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, toss in the onion and carrots. Cook ’em until they’re nice and tender, usually about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining garlic and butter, and sauté until fragrant. Careful not to burn the garlic – nobody likes burnt garlic!

Now, sprinkle in the flour and mix it *really* well. Keep stirring! This is important: you wanna cook off that raw flour taste. Stir constantly for about 20-30 seconds. It’ll kinda form a paste, that’s totally normal!

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe - detail 1

Simmering the Soup

Add the broccoli, cauliflower, and broth. Stir, stir, stir! You’ll want to keep stirring as the soup starts to bubble and thicken. This helps prevent sticking and burning, plus it distributes all those yummy flavors. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli and cauliflower are tender. You want them soft, but not mushy, ya know?

Finishing the Soup

Take the pot off the heat. Now, gently stir in the heavy cream. It’ll make the soup super creamy! Working in batches (about ⅓ of the cheese at a time), stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it’s all melted and smooth. Make sure the cheese is fully melted before adding more. This helps it melt evenly and prevents clumping. Bagged cheese doesn’t melt as well, so really try to use freshly grated. It makes ALL the difference!

Serving Your Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup

Ladle your beautiful Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup into bowls and top with your favorite goodies! Extra grated cheddar, crumbled bacon bits (or veggie bacon!), chopped green onion, broccoli sprouts… go wild! Enjoy every single bite!

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe - detail 2

Tips for the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

Want to take your Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve!

Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Seriously, this is a MUST. Bagged, pre-shredded cheese has cellulose in it, which stops it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese melts like a dream into the broth, giving you that super creamy texture we all crave. Trust me on this one!

Chop Vegetables Small

Smaller pieces = better texture! Big chunks of broccoli and cauliflower can be a bit much. When you chop ’em small, they cook evenly and create a smoother, more cohesive soup. Plus, it just *feels* better in your mouth, you know?

Don’t Overcook the Vegetables

Mushy veggies? No thanks! You want your broccoli and cauliflower to be tender, but still have a little bite. Overcooked veggies lose their flavor and get kinda… sad. Keep an eye on ’em while they’re simmering! You want them soft, but not dissolving!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two, or maybe you just wanna switch things up a bit! No worries, this Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe is super flexible. Here are some easy swaps you can make:

Broth Substitutions

Vegetable broth is my go-to, keeps it vegetarian and all. But honestly? Chicken broth works great too! It adds a slightly richer flavor, which is kinda yummy. Just make sure it’s low-sodium, so you can control the saltiness, ya know?

Cheese Substitutions

Cheddar is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! A mix of sharp and mild cheddar is fun. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try some Gruyere or even a little bit of pepper jack for a kick! Just make sure it melts well, that’s the key!

Cream Substitutions

Heavy cream makes it super decadent, I know. If you want something a little lighter, you can totally use half-and-half or even whole milk. It won’t be *quite* as creamy, but it’ll still be delicious! You could even try a little sour cream or Greek yogurt stirred in at the end for a tangy twist!

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe. Hopefully, this helps!

Can I Freeze This Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe?

Okay, so freezing this soup is a *little* tricky. The cheese can get a bit grainy when it thaws, which isn’t ideal. But, if you *really* wanna freeze it, I recommend letting the soup cool completely, then portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When you thaw it, do it slowly in the fridge and be prepared for a slight texture change. It’ll still taste good, just might not be as perfectly creamy as it was before. Maybe add a *tiny* bit more fresh cheese after reheating to help!

How Long Does This Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe Last in the Fridge?

If you’re not freezing it, this soup will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container. When you reheat it, bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Don’t let it boil, or the cheese might separate. Also, leftovers make a *fantastic* lunch!

Can I Make This Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe Vegan?

Absolutely! It takes a few swaps, but it’s totally doable. Use a plant-based butter substitute, vegetable broth (duh!), and a good quality vegan cheddar cheese. You can find some *amazing* vegan cheeses these days! For the creaminess, try using full-fat coconut milk (the kind from the can!) or a cashew cream. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. It’s surprisingly decadent! And hey, you’ve got a totally delicious *and* vegan broccoli cauliflower soup!

Serving Suggestions for Your Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

This Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right sides! Here are a few of my favorite things to serve with it. Trust me, you’ll love these pairings!

Bread Options

Oh, you *need* some good bread with this soup! A crusty baguette for dipping is always a winner. Or, how about a grilled cheese sandwich? Seriously, dipping a grilled cheese into this soup is pure heaven! So good!

Salad Pairings

If you want something a little lighter, a simple salad is perfect. A basic green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup. Plus, it adds a nice little crunch!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer for Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

Okay, just a heads up! The nutrition info can vary, depends on the brands and ingredients you use. So, take it as a general guide, not gospel, okay?

Enjoyed This Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe? Leave a Comment!

If you loved this Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe as much as I do, please leave a comment below! Rate the recipe, share it with your friends… you know the drill! I’d love to hear from you!