Introduction:
sweet spot. It’s creamy, warming, and satisfying, with tender vegetables and a rich cheese finish that makes every spoonful taste
like cozy winter comfort. This is the kind of soup that can turn a simple weeknight dinner into something everyone looks forward to—
especially when served with crusty bread for dunking.
What makes this soup so lovable is its balance: broccoli brings that classic earthy-green flavor, cauliflower adds a mellow sweetness
and helps create a naturally silky texture, and the cheese ties everything together with a savory, comforting depth. The base can be as
light or as rich as you want. You can blend it completely for a smooth soup, blend only part for a chunky-creamy texture, or leave it
mostly chunky for a more rustic bowl.
Unlike some cheese soups that rely on heavy cream and lots of flour, this version uses smart technique: aromatics for flavor,
a simple roux for stability, broth for savoriness, and gradual cheese melting for that glossy, velvety finish. You’ll also find tips for
preventing grainy cheese, storage strategies to keep leftovers creamy, and variations—like adding chicken, bacon, or a spicy kick.
If you’re looking for a dependable, family-friendly soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, this one belongs in your rotation.
Let’s make it.
Ingredients:
Vegetables & Aromatics
- Broccoli florets – 4 cups (fresh or frozen)
- Cauliflower florets – 4 cups (fresh or frozen)
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic – 3–4 cloves, minced
- Carrot – 1 medium, grated or finely diced (optional, adds sweetness and color)
- Celery – 1 stalk, diced (optional)
Soup Base
- Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons (56 g)
- All-purpose flour – 1/4 cup (30 g)
- Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups (950 ml)
- Milk – 2 cups (480 ml) (whole milk is best)
- Half-and-half – 1 cup (optional for extra richness)
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Dry mustard powder – 1/2 teaspoon (optional, boosts “cheese” flavor)
- Smoked paprika – 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Cheese
- Sharp cheddar cheese – 2 1/2 cups, freshly grated
- Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup grated (optional, adds umami)
- Cream cheese – 2 oz (optional for extra silky texture)
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheddar
- Croutons
- Chopped bacon
- Chopped chives
- Hot sauce
