Do your kids love broccoli? No? Then this week’s recipe is for you because this will convert most kids especially if you omit the word broccoli and call it “Cheesy Vegetable Soup”.
Today’s recipe is not particularly pretty but it’s a weeknight favourite in our house and it’s something I feel good about feeding my kids. This soup is a much healthier version than most restaurant soups, it’s “creamy” but without the cream unless you choose to garnish the soup with a little at the end. In fact this soup is made almost entirely of vegetables and of course the cheese at the end making it FULL of vitamins and fiber, perfect for Meatless Monday. How does it get a creamy texture? One russet potato, a ton of broccoli and finished with a cup of cheddar. My kids go nuts for this stuff and it’s easily done in a half hour making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. (See below- my daughter trying to eat it while I was trying to take pictures)
My kids love it served with some homemade no knead bread so I often make that too if time permits or else pick up a fresh whole wheat baguette at the store. This recipe is very straightforward, the only thing to be aware of is that you add the cheese at the end of cooking. Don’t let the soup come to a boil after adding cheese or it can become grainy as the cheese separates.
Kid Friendly Broccoli Cheese Soup 
Healthy Vegetarian Broccoli Cheese Soup 
Cheesy Delicious Gluten Free Broccoli Soup
Broccoli Soup-Easy, Healthy and Gluten-Free
A quick and easy soup that is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight. This kid-friendly soup recipe is chock full of vegetables, fiber and protein.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 c Onion, Chopped About 1 medium sized onion
- 1/2 c Carrot, Chopped 1/4″ About 1 small-medium carrot
- 4 c Vegetable Stock
- 1 1/2 c Russet Potato, Peeled And Chopped 1/4″ About 1 med-large potato
- 4 c Broccoli, Stems And Florets Chopped About 1 head of broccoli
- 1 c Cheddar, Shredded Or Cut Small 4 oz
- Salt And Pepper To Taste I used 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 5-10 drops Hot Sauce To Taste I use Tobasco and 5 drops if making for my 5 year old gives it a very subtle spice level
Instructions
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In a 4 quart or similar pot, heat oil on medium until hot but not smoking. Add onion and carrot and saute, stirring occasionally until onion is translucent, then add vegetable stock and potato and simmer until carrot and potato is soft, about 10 minutes. Add broccoli, top with lid and simmer 5 more minutes or until soft but still bright green then turn heat to low.
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Using an immersion/stick blender or in a regular blender (be careful if pouring hot soup in blender and make sure lid is on firmly before blending) puree soup until smooth or desired consistency.
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Add shredded cheese, hot sauce, Worcestershire, salt and pepper and stir gently until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
(Take care not to let soup come to a boil after adding cheese or it will separate and although it will still taste good, it will have a grainy texture.)
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Garnish as desired with a swirl of cream, extra shredded cheese, fresh herbs or broccoli florets.
Mmmm looks delicious! And the model is soooo cute !
Thank you! She was a pretty willing model lol.
Mm! I will have to try this recipe! I always look to hide broccoli in cooking. I wonder if I can adapt it to cook in a Vitamix on soup cycle.
Thanks Cynthia, I think you could adapt it for a vitamix. If you are pureeing everything right away, it will all cook at the same rate, I would just add the cheese at the end after it’s all cooked and mixed. If you try it, let me know how it works! (A Vitamix is on my wish list 😉)
Great recipe for kids!
Thanks Joss, it’s definitely a family favourite in our house, I hope your family loves it as much as we do!
I love using potatoes to make creamy soup! Great idea. I’ll have to try this.
Sabrina, this is such a perfect recipe for the whole family – I mean who doesn’t love a cheesy broccoli soup.
We love any kind of soup – so I’m definitely saving this one. Thanks for sharing!
I have never tried broccoli soup- it sounds so healthy and delicious!
Really?!?! I highly recommend it. Broccoli cheese is such a yummy combo and this version is healthy to boot. 🥦