Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

The Pioneer Woman’s broccoli cheese soup is rich, creamy, and packed with hearty ingredients that make it more than just a side dish!

A good sharp cheddar is essential you guys—mild cheese won’t bring enough depth to the soup.

I sauté the onions and garlic in butter before adding the broth, which builds a stronger base.

Blending only half of the soup keeps some texture, so you get both velvety smoothness and tender broccoli in every spoonful.

A dash of smoked paprika takes the flavor up a notch without overpowering the cheese. Yum!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Flour
• 3 cups Chicken Broth
• 4 cups Broccoli Florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups Half-and-Half
• 3 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, then add the onion.

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

Step 2:

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and stir to combine.

Cook the mixture for another minute to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.

Step 3:

Pour in the chicken broth and stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly.

Bring to a simmer.

Step 4:

Add the broccoli florets and cook until they are tender, about 15 minutes.

Use an immersion blender to achieve a smoother texture if desired.

Step 5:

Stir in the half-and-half, shredded cheese, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely.

Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Broccoli When Possible

While frozen broccoli works perfectly fine, using fresh broccoli can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the soup.

Customize the Cheese Blend

Feel free to experiment with a mix of different cheeses, like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, to bring out varied flavors.

Control the Spice Level

Adjust the amount of cayenne and black pepper based on your spice preference to personalize the soup’s heat.

Consider a Thicker Soup

If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply add a touch more flour in the earlier steps and ensure it is well cooked.

Freeze for Later Enjoyment

Leftovers are great too! Freeze them in individual portions, so you can have some delicious soup ready any time.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Soup

Classic Crusty Bread

You can’t go wrong with serving a warm loaf of crusty bread alongside broccoli cheese soup.

The crispy crust and soft interior make for a delicious texture combination.

Tear off a piece and dip it into the creamy soup for an irresistible pairing.

Fresh Arugula Salad

A fresh arugula salad is a great choice to balance out the richness of the soup with some lightness and acidity.

Toss in some sliced radishes and cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor.

A light vinaigrette dressing complements the salad perfectly.

Garlic Herb Rolls

Try adding some garlic herb rolls to your table for a classic side dish.

The aromatic combination of garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen with an enticing aroma.

These rolls are wonderful for mopping up every last bit of soup.

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

For a twist, consider serving spicy roasted chickpeas as a crunchy side.

They also make a great topping sprinkled right on the soup.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are another unexpected but tasty pairing.

The natural sweetness of the fries contrasts beautifully with the savory soup.

Variations and Substitutions

Dairy Options

You can switch out the regular milk for 2% milk or half & half to adjust creaminess in the soup.

Reducing the butter by 50% is another good tweak if you’re watching your intake.

Vegetable Alternatives

For anyone looking to mix up the vegetables, give frozen chopped spinach or frozen cauliflower a shot instead of broccoli.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time a bit to suit the texture you’re looking for.

Flavor Boosters

Feel free to add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for an extra garlicky kick.

A hint of cayenne pepper can really punch up the heat for anyone who likes it spicy!

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Soup

Refrigerating Your Soup

You’ll want to store your leftover broccoli cheese soup in an airtight container to keep it fresh as long as possible.

You can place it in the refrigerator, where it should stay good for up to four days.

Make sure the soup has cooled to room temperature before sealing the container to avoid moisture build-up.

Freezing Considerations

Although freezing can be a great option for many soups, it’s not recommended for this broccoli cheese soup.

The texture may change due to the dairy content when you thaw and reheat it.

If you do decide to try freezing, do a small test batch to see how it turns out.

Portioning for Storage

Consider dividing the soup into smaller portions before storing it.

This way, you can grab just what you need without having to thaw or heat the entire batch.

Portioning also makes it easier to store in your refrigerator or freezer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Improper Cheese Choice

Choosing the right cheese is crucial for this soup’s texture and flavor.

Avoid pre-shredded cheese because it contains anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting.

Always opt for freshly grated cheese for a smoother finish.

Overcooking the Broccoli

You don’t want mushy broccoli in your soup!

A common error is overcooking the broccoli, which can take away its natural brightness and texture.

Cook it just until tender to maintain a vibrant taste.

Skipping the Flour

It’s tempting to skip the flour, but it’s essential for thickening the soup.

Skipping it can lead to a thin, watery consistency that doesn’t hold flavors well.

Make sure to cook the flour with onions to get rid of its raw taste.