Bring the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine to your table with this rich, creamy Cajun Broccoli Cheese Soup.
The Cajun broccoli cheese soup recipe from Mangoes and Palm Trees combines the comforting cheesy goodness of broccoli soup with the spicy, smoky kick of Cajun seasoning. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress with its vibrant Louisiana-inspired flavors!
Why Make Cajun Broccoli Cheese Soup?
This spicy broccoli cheese soup elevates traditional broccoli soup with bold Cajun spices, blending creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and a smoky kick. Inspired by Louisiana’s Cajun cuisine, it’s a comforting yet vibrant dish that’s quick to prepare and versatile for dietary needs. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal or hosting a gathering, this soup delivers flavor and flair, with a tropical coconut milk option for a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* twist.
Love bold soups? Explore our soup collection or try the vibrant Mexican Soup Recipes!
Cajun Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6
Base Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 3 cups | Broccoli | Chopped, fresh or thawed frozen |
| 3 tbsp | Butter | - |
| 1 medium | Onion | Diced |
| 3 cloves | Garlic | Minced |
Broth Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 4 cups | Chicken or vegetable stock | Low-sodium |
| 1 cup | Heavy cream | - |
| 1/2 cup | Coconut milk | Optional, tropical variation |
Cajun Flavor Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Cajun seasoning | Adjust for heat |
| 1 tsp | Smoked paprika | - |
Cheese Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups | Sharp cheddar cheese | Shredded |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese | Grated |
Optional Toppings
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | Crumbled bacon | Cooked |
| 2 tbsp | Green onions | Chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Extra cheddar cheese | Shredded |
Instructions
- Prep Broccoli: Chop 3 cups broccoli into small florets; thaw if frozen.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, cook 3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli and 4 cups stock. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 10-15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Blend Base: Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or leave some chunks for texture). Stir in 1 cup heavy cream (or 1/2 cup coconut milk for a tropical twist) and 1 tsp smoked paprika; simmer gently.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat, gradually stir in 2 cups cheddar and 1/2 cup Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with bacon, green onions, or extra cheddar, and serve with crusty bread or a salad.
Why Cajun Broccoli Cheese Soup is a Crowd-Pleaser
This creamy broccoli soup combines the comforting familiarity of broccoli cheese soup with the bold, smoky heat of Cajun spices, making it a hit for all palates. Its versatility—offering vegetarian, keto, and seafood variations—ensures everyone can enjoy it, as noted in our healthy meal plans. The tropical coconut milk option adds a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* flair, perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings. Pair with a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s both indulgent and nutritious.
Making Your Own Cajun Seasoning
Create a custom Cajun seasoning blend to control heat and flavor, as inspired by Serious Eats. Mix 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp thyme, and 1 tsp oregano. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Adjust cayenne for milder or spicier soup, perfect for tailoring this Cajun soup recipe to your taste. Try it in our seafood recipes for more Cajun flair!
Tips for Perfect Cajun Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Fresh Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli for vibrant flavor; frozen works if thawed.
- Smooth Cheese: Add cheese off heat to prevent curdling, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Spice Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning for milder or spicier flavor; add cayenne for extra heat.
Variations of Cajun Broccoli Cheese Soup
Vegetarian Option
Use vegetable stock and skip bacon; add mushrooms for depth, as in our vegetarian recipes.
Keto-Friendly
Increase heavy cream or coconut milk for a low-carb version, perfect for our low-carb meal plans.
Seafood Twist
Add 1/2 lb shrimp or crawfish in the last 5 minutes for a Louisiana-inspired upgrade, inspired by our seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
| Pairing | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Crusty Bread | Soaks up creamy soup; try our Reka Bread Recipe. | Reka Bread |
| Green Salad | Adds freshness; pair with our Crispy Chicken Salad. | Crispy Chicken Salad |
| Crackers | Crunchy complement; explore our recipes. | Recipes |
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal | Energy for daily activities |
| Protein | 15g | Supports muscle repair |
| Fat | 25g | Provides healthy fats (from cheese, cream) |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | Fuels energy needs |
| Vitamin C | High (from broccoli) | Boosts immunity |
Learn more about broccoli’s benefits at Healthline.
Health Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting immunity, bone health, and digestion. Its low-calorie profile makes this healthy Cajun soup a guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious eaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes, use gluten-free Cajun seasoning and low-sodium stock; thicken with cream or cornstarch if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Freeze without cream to avoid separation; add cream when reheating, up to 3 months.
What Can I Serve with Cajun Broccoli Cheese Soup?
Crusty bread, crackers, or a green salad pair perfectly.
Is It Spicy?
Cajun seasoning adds mild heat; adjust quantity or add cayenne for desired spice level.
Conclusion
The Cajun broccoli cheese soup recipe blends bold Cajun spices with creamy, cheesy comfort, perfect for cozy nights or entertaining. With a tropical coconut milk option, it’s a versatile dish that brings Louisiana flair to your kitchen. Tried our soup? Share your spin in the comments or on X! Explore more soup recipes or our Mexican Soup Recipes. Happy cooking!
