Jason’s Deli Broccoli Cheese Soup is the kind of comfort food that tastes far more indulgent than the ingredient list suggests. The signature is the texture: a smooth, velvety cheese base with tender broccoli in every spoonful. This copycat version keeps the method simple and dependable, using pantry-friendly seasonings, creamy half-and-half, and deli-style American cheese for that classic, ultra-smooth melt.
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What makes Jason’s Deli Broccoli Cheese Soup so remarkable?
A warm bowl of soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when it is as rich and cheesy as this Jason’s Deli Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe. It’s a classic soup that offers up big flavors with simple, everyday ingredients. Start with broccoli simmered in a spiced chicken broth, add in the creamy half-and-half, and finish with plenty of American cheese for a smooth, velvety consistency that feels luxurious and tastes divine.
Broccoli Cheese Soup ingredients and their roles in the recipe
For this copycat Jason’s Deli Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe, you’ll need:
- Broccoli, frozen- is the namesake for this soup and provides both color and flavor. Using frozen broccoli makes this soup super convenient to cook during the winter. If you want to use fresh broccoli, blanch it first.
- Water – serves as the cooking medium and as the base for soup stock.
- Salt – enhances the flavor of the other ingredients in this recipe.
- Half-and-half – adds just the right amount of richness to the soup.
- Chicken bouillon – turns the water into a savory chicken broth. Â
- Turmeric – adds herbal flavor and an appetizing color to the soup.
- Onion powder – lends a touch of onion flavor without the sharpness of fresh onions.
- Black pepper, freshly ground – supplies a bit of warmth without overpowering the taste of the broccoli, while the bite still manages to balance the creaminess.
- Cornstarch – thickens the soup.
- American deli-style cheese, not Velveeta – melts smoothly and has a milk taste that is both classic and complements the other ingredients in the recipe perfectly.
How to make Broccoli Cheese Soup like Jason’s Deli
To cook the broccoli:
- Add the frozen broccoli, one cup of water, and salt to a stockpot, then place it over medium heat.
- Cover the pot and cook the broccoli until it turns bright green, about ten minutes.
- Drain the broccoli and chop any large florets into bite-sized pieces.
To cook the soup:
- In the same stockpot over medium-high heat, add 1.5 cups of water, half-and-half, a chicken bouillon cube, turmeric, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Stir the cornstarch into a cup of water until it dissolves. Add it to the pot.
- Bring the soup broth to a boil and stir continuously until it thickens. Reduce to a simmer.
- Break the American cheese up or grate it into the pot.
- Stir often until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth.
- Add the cooked broccoli to the pot and stir to combine.
- Simmer for 10 to 15 more minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust the temperature to keep the soup at a low simmer.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve hot.
What to serve with this soup
In the middle of winter, a bowl of steaming Broccoli Cheese Soup is a welcome lunch. But you can add a few sides to turn this splendid soup into a marvelous meal. Try one, or all, of the three tasty options below.
Jason Deli’s Garlic Toast – Quick and easy to prepare, but bursting with garlicky flavor, these toasts are great for dunking in a savory soup. This no-butter recipe makes these garlic toasts a lighter version of traditional garlic bread.
Starkist Tuna Creations Sandwich – Do you love tuna melts, but want something a little less humdrum? This version uses Starkist Tuna Creations’ Sweet and Spicy flavor for an extra kick. Add in the optional sliced hard-boiled egg, and you have a familiar comfort food that’s just a little different enough to get your taste buds going.
Cheesy Pull Apart Bread – Half an hour and a few standard ingredients transform a store-bought sourdough loaf into something amazingly delicious and incredibly easy. You don’t need to be a baker or even a decent cook to do this recipe justice. All you need is savory, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and dry ranch mix.
Storing and reheating instructions for Jason Deli’s Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Refrigerator Storage – Cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Method – Reheat gently to avoid separating the dairy and cheese. For a single serving, microwave at 50% power in 45-second bursts, stirring after each burst and covering with a paper towel. For multiple servings, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a few spoonfuls of water as needed to loosen the soup.
- Freezing – Not recommended because dairy-based cheese soups can separate and turn grainy after thawing.
More Jason’s Deli copycat recipes
Check out more of my easy recipes for soup and the best copycat fast food recipes right here on CopyKat!
Jason’s Deli Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen broccoli
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups water divided use
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 12 ounces American cheese (use American cheese from the deli, not Velveeta)
Instructions
- Place the frozen broccoli, salt, and 1 cup of water in a large pot over medium heat. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender and bright green. If the broccoli is large, use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Drain in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot over medium-high heat, combine the half-and-half, chicken bouillon, turmeric, onion powder, ground black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of water. Mix well.
- Combine the cornstarch with 1 cup of water and whisk until fully blended. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the soup and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the cheese, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted. Then add the broccoli and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if desired.
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