Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Soup

This broccoli cheddar orzo soup is a fun twist on the classic! Broccoli cheese soup is cooked with tender orzo making it ridiculously satisfying and so delicious. It’s like a giant hug in a bowl!

I may have your new favorite soup right here.

This broccoli cheddar orzo soup is just like the classic, filling with tender orzo and tons of flavor. It is ridiculously satisfying, easy to make and tastes incredible. 

Plus, cheese! How could it not be good? 

There is something about broccoli cheese soup that just screams COMFORT. It is such a cozy, warming dish that it almost can only happen in the fall and winter. 

And I’m pretty sure that broccoli cheddar soup was the gateway to broccoli for me. It’s now my favorite vegetables and my kids’ favorite too. I didn’t like it when I was younger but that’s just because I’m convinced that it wasn’t smothered in cheese enough for me to get on board.

As soon as I started eating broccoli cheese soup, I was sold. 

Sidebar: actually a broccoli cheddar baked potato may have been first, but same thing. Lots of broccoli and cheese! 

Since broccoli cheddar soup is already on the cozier side, it might sound crazy to add some orzo to it. But it is so perfect. I liken it to adding rice to the soup. It adds even just a little more satiety and an incredible texture too.

In fact, it’s as if you combined melty cheddar soup with risotto. That is EXACTLY what it’s like. In the best way possible. 

There are a few keys to making this excellent and I’m going to share them.

First, you need a little more liquid than you would think with this soup since the orzo has to cook. 

Next, add the cheese in small handfuls and stir until it just melts before adding more. If you do it this way, the cheese melts seamlessly and it won’t clump up! 

Another trick I like to use, especially since I’m feeding young kids, is to use small broccoli florets. I will take larger florets and cut them down into smaller pieces. It makes it easier to eat and it all fits on one spoon! It’s so much more enjoyable this week.

Grated carrots are another must. While you can grate them yourself, it’s just as easy to buy a bag of shredded carrots and use those. Making this even simpler than you’d think. 

Finally, I like to serve this with some little garlicky toasts. It’s like a giant crouton in the soup and it is SO delicious. Broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl is on another level, right? This is like that; the crostini soaks up the soak in the best way and it is just another vehicle to get it into your mouth. 

I.love.it.

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 35 minutes mins

This broccoli cheddar orzo soup is a fun twist on the classic! Broccoli cheese soup is cooked with tender orzo making it ridiculously satisfying and so delicious. It’s like a giant hug in a bowl!

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• kosher salt and pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 4 to 5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1 cup dry uncooked orzo
• 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• buttery garlic toasts, for serving

• Heat the butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions soften, about 5 minutes.

• Stir in the flour. Cook, stirring for 3 to 5 minutes, until the flour is fragrant. Slowly stream in the milk while stirring, then stream in the stock. Bring the mixture to a boil..

• Reduce it to a simmer and add the broccoli, carrots and the orzo. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.

• Slowly stir in the cheese 1 handful at a time until it melts completely. Repeat with remaining cheese.

• Taste and season more as needed. Serve immediately with extra cheese on top!

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Author: How Sweet Eats

Heaven!