Description
Craving the ultimate cozy meal? This Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything you want on a chilly day—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Made with tender broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety broth, this comforting soup is perfect for quick dinners, easy lunch prep, or cold-weather gatherings. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor, this is it. It also ranks high among weeknight dinner ideas and food ideas for a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Add butter to the pot, then stir in diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes.
6. Add broccoli florets and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender.
7. Stir in heavy cream and milk, warming the soup without bringing it to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time until melted and smooth.
9. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
10. Ladle into bowls, top with crispy bacon, extra cheese, and chopped parsley if using. Serve hot.
Notes
Always add cheese on low heat to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth texture.
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 95mg