There is nothing like a warm, cheesy cup of soup to soothe the soul, and this BJ’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup is cozy comfort food at its finest. A hearty base, tender vegetables, and plenty of sharp cheddar make it a soup that can’t fail. If you ever want to bring restaurant-style goodness to table at home, this is your ticket recipe.
These kinds of soups take you back to the timeless goodness of hot bowls, like with the rich flavors of a piggy-soup or the comforting warm food of a cocky-leeky-soup. Every and all spoonful has just the perfect measure of creamy cheese and vibrant broccoli to make you full and jubilant at once.
The best part? It’s extremely simple to make. With minimal chopping, simmering, and pantry ingredients, you’ll have restaurant-quality soup at your table in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love Bj’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup
There are just so many things to love about this broccoli cheddar soup. To start with, it is incredibly creamy but never heavy thanks to a genius union of sharp cheddar and half-and-half.
Second, it’s customizable and versatile. Though broccoli and cheddar are the centerpiece, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of extra oomph. Your soup, your way.
Finally, it’s its definition as comfort food. Serve with crust bread, a side salad, or you can simply enjoy a steaming bowl by itself. It’s hearty enough to work as a dinner but simple enough to throw together during a weeknight meal.
Ingredients Required for Bj’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Bj’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 large head broccoli, florets and chopped stalks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp flour
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Garlic press (optional)
- Cheese grater
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
How To Make Bj’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Just follow these easy steps to make your ownBj’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home
Step 1: Prep the veggies
Chop onion, peel and chop carrots, and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince garlic or press through a garlic press. Grate cheese and reserve it all.
Step 2: Start the base
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots and onions with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
Step 3: Build flavor
Add garlic and stir for 2 minutes. Add flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to get rid of raw flavor.
Step 4: Add liquid
Whisk in chicken broth at a slow pace until it is smooth and add the half-and-half. Simmer and stir only (don’t boil).
Step 5: Add broccoli and spices
Add broccoli, paprika, mustard powder, and remaining salt. Cover and simmer 15 minutes on low until broccoli is tender.
Step 6: Cheesification
Reduce heat to low and stir shredded cheddar by handful until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve with extra cheese and crusty bread for sopping.
How to Store Bj’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup Properly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Avoid freezing, as the dairy base may curdle.
What to Pair and Serve with Bj’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1. With a slice of crusty French bread – Honestly, we always dunk a warm slice right into the soup. The bread soaks up all that cheesy goodness, making every bite heavenly.
2. Topped with crispy bacon bits – Adding a little crunch and smoky flavor takes this soup from cozy to next-level indulgent. We sprinkle them on just before serving for maximum texture.
3. In a bread bowl – One of our favorite treats! Hollow out a sourdough boule and ladle the soup inside. It’s fun, filling, and basically a meal in itself.
4. With a side salad – We like to balance the richness with a fresh, crisp salad. Something simple, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, pairs beautifully.
5. Sprinkled with extra cheese – You can never have too much cheese, right? We often top ours with an extra handful of sharp cheddar or even a mix of cheeses for a melty finish.
6. With garlic croutons – Homemade or store-bought, garlic croutons give that little crunch we can’t get enough of. Stir them in and enjoy the textural contrast.
7. Over baked potatoes – This is comfort food heaven. We scoop the soup over a warm baked potato for a cozy, filling twist on both dishes.
8. With roasted vegetables on the side – Roasted carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini complement the soup’s creamy texture. We love the earthy flavors against the cheesy broth.
9. Drizzled with a touch of hot sauce – For a little kick, we sometimes add a tiny swirl of hot sauce on top. It wakes up the flavors without overpowering the soup.
10. As a cozy lunch with a sandwich – Our go-to pairing is a simple turkey or grilled cheese sandwich. Dip, savor, repeat-every bite feels indulgent and perfectly balanced.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I made this BJ’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup last night, and wow! It was creamy, cheesy, and warm. Every bite had soft broccoli and tasty cheese. My family loved it so much, we went back for seconds. It felt like a big cozy hug in a bowl!
Tips for This Recipe
1. Chop broccoli into small pieces so it cooks evenly.
2. Don’t boil the soup-keep it just simmering.
3. Use fresh shredded cheese for the creamiest texture.
4. Stir the flour in well so the soup isn’t lumpy.
5. Taste and add a little more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Serve with bread for dipping-it’s extra yummy!
FAQs on Bj’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Bj’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
1. What is the secret ingredient in broccoli cheddar soup?
From our experience, the secret to a rich and creamy BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is the combination of half-and-half and sharp cheddar cheese. The half-and-half keeps it silky without being too heavy, while freshly shredded sharp cheddar adds that bold, cheesy flavor you crave.
2. Is BJ’s broccoli cheddar soup good?
Absolutely! Having made this at home several times, we can confidently say that BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is just as comforting and flavorful as the restaurant version. The blend of tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and gentle seasonings makes it a family favorite every time.
3. What are the ingredients in broccoli cheddar soup?
Based on our recipe, you’ll need: onions, carrots, broccoli, garlic, butter, flour, chicken or vegetable broth, half-and-half, cheddar cheese, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients come together to create the classic, creamy BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe.
4. Can I make BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The flavor remains rich and satisfying, and it’s still creamy and cheesy just like the original.
5. Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this soup?
You can, but in our experience, freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts better and gives a silkier texture. Pre-shredded cheese sometimes contains anti-caking agents, which can slightly affect the creaminess.
6. How long does it take to make BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe?
From prep to simmer, this soup takes about 45 minutes. Most of that time is hands-off simmering, so it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
7. Can I make this soup in advance?
Definitely! We’ve found it stores well in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.
8. Can I freeze BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe?
We don’t recommend it. Freezing can cause the dairy base to separate, resulting in a curdled texture. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
9. Can I add other cheeses to this recipe?
Yes! In our experience, adding Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack alongside cheddar gives a fun twist. Just avoid super hard cheeses that won’t melt well.
10. How can I make the soup thicker or creamier?
If you want a thicker consistency, gently simmer a bit longer after adding broccoli, or increase the amount of cheddar slightly. For extra creaminess, use more half-and-half or even a touch of cream-our go-to trick for restaurant-style richness.
And there you have it-BJ’s Brewhouse Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe made right in your own kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender vegetables, it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special.
So grab that pot, shred some cheese, and whip up a batch tonight. Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping-you’ll thank yourself later. Happy cooking!
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