Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Soup: Creamy Comfort Food Recipe

Soup is undeniably good, but Broccoli Cheese Soup? It’s simply great! For those who love a hearty, comforting bowl, especially when the weather turns chilly, broccoli cheese soup is a classic for a reason. And if you’re a fan of cozy, family-friendly cooking, you might be searching for a broccoli cheese soup recipe with that Pioneer Woman touch. This recipe brings that warm, homemade goodness right to your kitchen.

Bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup with visible broccoli florets and melted cheese

Just like Ree Drummond’s recipes, this broccoli cheese soup is all about simple ingredients and big flavors. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with a delicious aroma and warms you from the inside out. Imagine coming home on a cold day to a steaming bowl of creamy, cheesy soup, packed with tender broccoli. It’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Overhead view of bread bowls filled with broccoli cheese soup, showcasing the edible bowl concept

Speaking of bowls, have you ever thought about serving your soup in a bread bowl? It’s a fun and satisfying way to enjoy broccoli cheese soup, making the meal even more substantial and enjoyable, especially for kids (and adults who are kids at heart!). Serving soup in a bread bowl elevates the experience and turns a simple meal into something a little bit special.

Square thumbnail image of broccoli cheese soup, inviting and appetizing

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

This recipe is inspired by the comforting and straightforward style you might find in Pioneer Woman’s cooking, focusing on creating a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Course: Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Author: Catherine McCord (Inspired by Pioneer Woman)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 small onion, diced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup half and half
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Bread loaves for bowls (optional, for serving in bread bowls)

Instructions

Sauté the Onion: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Create a Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions. Use a whisk to combine the flour and butter, creating a roux. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for a smooth and creamy soup.
Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the whole milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth sauce. Continue whisking until the mixture is well combined and starts to slightly thicken.
Season and Simmer: Stir in salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Add the broccoli florets to the pot.
Cook the Broccoli: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
Adjust Consistency: Stir in the chicken broth. Check the soup’s consistency; if it’s still too thick, add a splash more broth to reach the perfect creamy texture.
Melt in the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated into the soup, making it wonderfully cheesy and gooey.
Serve: Serve hot. For an extra special touch, serve this delicious Pioneer Woman inspired broccoli cheese soup in bread bowls!

Notes for the Perfect Soup

For a Smoother Soup: If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup before adding the cheddar cheese. This will create a velvety smooth broccoli cheese soup.
Cheese Variety: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for a richer flavor profile.
Bread Bowl Tip: If using bread bowls, make sure to hollow them out carefully and consider toasting them lightly before filling with soup to prevent them from getting soggy too quickly.

Nutrition Information

Did you make this recipe? Share your creation and tag @Weelicious or use #weelicious! Enjoy your comforting bowl of Pioneer Woman inspired broccoli cheese soup!