This Costco Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a cheesy and creamy recipe, which is made with sharp Cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.
Jump to RecipeCostco Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ onion, chopped
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
How To Make Costco Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Sauté Onion: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Set the cooked onion aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, whisk together the 1/4 cup of melted butter and the flour over medium-low heat. Cook this mixture, whisking constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This paste is called a roux and will thicken the soup.
- Create the Soup Base: While still whisking, gradually pour in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Then, stir in the chicken stock. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the chopped broccoli, carrots, celery, and the previously sautéed onion. Let the soup simmer until all the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 more minutes.
- Melt in Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth. Be careful not to let the soup boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the creamiest soup: For the smoothest, most velvety texture, grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy when melted.
- Why is my soup grainy? This usually happens for two reasons: the heat was too high when the cheese was added, or you used pre-shredded cheese. Always add the cheese over low heat and stir gently until it melts.
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can. For best results, thaw the frozen broccoli first and pat it dry before adding it to the soup to avoid watering down the base.
- How to make the soup thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can either let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce, or you can start with a slightly larger amount of butter and flour for your roux (e.g., 5 tablespoons of each).
What To Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it’s even better when served:
- In a crusty bread bowl
- With a side of soft pretzels or crackers for dipping
- Alongside a simple green salad with a light dressing
How To Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently. Do not boil.
- Freeze: Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen. If you plan to freeze it, you can do so in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and whisk well while reheating gently to improve the texture.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 441 kcal
- Fat: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 22g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, simply substitute the chicken stock with an equal amount of vegetable stock to make a delicious vegetarian version.
For a deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of Dijon mustard when you add the chicken stock. A little bit of smoked paprika also adds a nice touch.
If you prefer a completely smooth soup without chunks of vegetables, you can use an immersion blender to purée it just before adding the cheese. For a partially smooth soup, just pulse it a few times.
Try More Recipes:
- Costco French Onion Soup Recipe
- Costco Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Costco Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Costco Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes30
minutes441
kcalA rich and velvety broccoli cheddar soup, loaded with tender vegetables and sharp cheddar cheese, just like the beloved Costco version.
Ingredients
1 tbsp butter
½ onion, chopped
¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups chicken stock
1 ½ cups chopped broccoli florets
1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
2 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Sauté chopped onion in 1 tbsp of butter until tender; set aside.
- In a large pot, whisk ¼ cup melted butter and flour over medium-low heat for 3-4 mins.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then stir in chicken stock. Simmer for 15-20 mins until thick.
- Add broccoli, carrots, celery, and cooked onion. Simmer for 10-15 mins until vegetables are tender.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Notes
- Grate your own sharp cheddar cheese from a block to prevent a grainy texture.
- Do not allow the soup to boil after adding the cheese, as it can cause the dairy to separate.
- For a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock.
- For an even richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce.
