Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

There’s something about a rich, creamy bowl of broccoli cheese soup.

This recipe from the Pioneer Woman is not only delicious but also super simple to prepare.

You’ll need fresh broccoli, milk, half-and-half, cheese, butter, onion, flour, nutmeg, and chicken broth to create this hearty dish.

A key trick to getting that perfect creamy texture is to blend three-quarters of the soup, leaving some chunks of broccoli for added bite.

Serving it with hunks of warm, crusty bread makes it even better…of course!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Butter
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups Half-and-half
• 4 cups Broccoli Florets
• 1 dash Nutmeg
• Salt to taste
• Black Pepper to taste
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (grated)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion.

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is softened.

Step 2:

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the onions.

Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3:

Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of half-and-half.

Stir constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 4:

Add a dash of nutmeg, the broccoli florets, salt, and plenty of black pepper.

Cook for 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5:

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, leaving some texture.

Add 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.

Stir until melted.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese will give you the best flavor.

Adjust the Thickness

If the soup becomes too thick, you can thin it with some chicken broth.

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

Cooking the broccoli for 20 minutes ensures tenderness without losing all its texture.

Stir Often

To avoid lumps when adding flour to the butter, make sure to stir constantly.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Soup

Crusty Bread

Pairing a warm, crusty bread with your broccoli cheese soup is always a classic choice.

You can use a simple French baguette, sourdough, or even rustic rye to dip into the creamy soup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich takes this meal to a whole new comfort level.

Using sourdough or whole grain bread adds a delightful crunch to the gooey cheese filling.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad’s crisp romaine lettuce complements the rich and creamy soup perfectly.

The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a wonderful textural contrast.

Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Roasted garlic potatoes are flavorful and hearty enough to accompany your soup.

The crispy outer layer and soft inside go great with the savory cheese and broccoli.

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

A tomato and mozzarella salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.

Drizzling it with balsamic vinegar and olive oil brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Variations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Options

To make the broccoli cheese soup dairy-free, swap out the regular cheese for a non-dairy alternative.

Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk and cream.

Ensure they are unsweetened to keep the flavor consistent.

Protein Boost

Add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon to your soup if you want extra protein.

These additions make the soup heartier and add a different flavor dimension.

Simply mix in the cooked protein towards the end of the cooking process.

Spice It Up

For those who like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

These ingredients will give the soup a bit of a kick, perfect for those who enjoy spicy food.

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to your soup.

These can be added along with the broccoli to make the soup even more nutritious.

Just chop them finely and cook them with the other veggies.

Thickeners

If you prefer a thicker soup, try adding some mashed potatoes or a flour-based roux.

This will help achieve a velvety texture.

Simply whisk in your chosen thickener and simmer until the soup reaches your desired consistency.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Soup

Cool It Down Quickly

Before storing, let the soup cool completely.

To speed up the process, you can place the pot in an ice bath while stirring occasionally.

Use Airtight Containers

Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers.

This helps to prevent spills and keeps the soup fresh.

Proper Refrigeration and Freezing

Refrigerate the soup within 2 hours of cooking. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space for expansion.

Label and Date

Always label the containers with the date of storage.

This helps you keep track of how long the soup has been stored.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Cooking the Flour Long Enough

When adding flour to create the roux, you need to cook it for at least one minute.

This step is crucial to remove the raw flour taste that can ruin your soup.

Make sure to stir constantly, so it doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pot.

Overcooking the Vegetables

Vegetables can easily become mushy if overcooked, especially in a slow cooker.

Keep an eye on your broccoli and carrots to maintain some texture and flavor.

If you’re using a slow cooker, check the veggies around the four-hour mark.

Adding Cheese Too Quickly

Adding cheese to the hot soup all at once can cause it to clump.

Gradually add small cubes of Velveeta and grated cheddar to the soup.

Stir well between additions to make sure it melts smoothly.