Let me tell you about my obsession. It started with one spoonful of Jason’s Deli broccoli cheese soup on a terrible Tuesday, and suddenly my whole world shifted.

You know that moment when food gets you? When it wraps around your soul like the coziest blanket? That’s what happened.

I became a regular, chasing that perfect bowl of creamy, cheesy comfort. But here’s the thing about restaurant obsessions: they’re expensive, and sometimes you’re in your pajamas at 8 PM craving that exact taste.

So I did what any reasonable person would do: I became a soup detective. After months of kitchen experiments and excessive cheese consumption, I finally cracked the code.

Now I’m sharing this liquid gold recipe with you, because everyone deserves to have their own perfect bowl of comfort waiting in their kitchen.

Recipe Notes

Jason’s Deli Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup Instructions

The creamy, dreamy bowl of comfort that’ll make you forget you ever needed to leave the house. One spoonful and you’ll be questioning why you ever paid restaurant prices for this liquid gold.

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Heat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt completely. Once melted and slightly foaming, add the diced onion and celery.

Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the celery softens.

You’ll know they’re ready when the onion loses its sharp bite and both vegetables release their aromatic flavors into the butter.

Tip: Don’t rush this step – properly softened aromatics are the flavor foundation that makes restaurant-quality soup.

Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables

Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, followed by the chopped broccoli florets. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to medium-low for a steady simmer.

Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is fork-tender but still holds its shape. The broccoli should be bright green and easily pierced with a fork, but not mushy or falling apart.

Tip: Test broccoli with a fork – it should pierce easily but not fall apart. Overcooked broccoli turns mushy and loses its vibrant color.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, whisk together the cold milk and cornstarch until completely smooth with no visible lumps. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering soup while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk.

Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes as the soup begins to thicken noticeably. The soup should coat the back of your spoon when it’s properly thickened.

Tip: Make sure the cornstarch mixture is completely smooth before adding – any lumps will create an unpleasant texture in your finished soup.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Add your seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well to distribute evenly throughout the soup.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. Reduce the heat to low to prepare for adding the cheese.

Tip: Taste as you go and trust your palate – every brand of broth and cheese has different salt levels, so adjust accordingly.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese Magic

With the heat on low, add the cubed Velveeta first, stirring constantly until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the soup. The Velveeta will give you that signature smooth, creamy base.

Next, gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted before adding more. The soup should be silky smooth and rich golden in color.

Tip: Keep the heat low and add cheese gradually – high heat or adding too much at once can cause the cheese to become stringy or separate.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls immediately while it’s at its creamiest consistency. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese and serve with your favorite crusty bread or crackers.

The soup is best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the cheese is at its most velvety texture.

Tip: If storing leftovers, the soup will thicken in the fridge – simply reheat gently and add a splash of milk to restore the perfect consistency.

Nutritional Facts table for Jason’s Deli Broccoli Cheese Soup

This section provides an overview of the key nutrients in each serving of Jason’s Deli Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Note: These are approximate values based on standard ingredients. The incredible taste and nutritional value make every bite absolutely worth it!

Storage & Serving Notes

Keep that creamy comfort perfection fresh and ready to warm your soul whenever the craving strikes!

• Storage: Refrigerate covered for up to 3-4 days
• Reheating Magic: Add a splash of milk and reheat gently – never boil!
• Cheese Substitute: Sharp white cheddar works if you can’t find Velveeta
• Texture Hack: Use an immersion blender for restaurant-smooth consistency
• Make-Ahead: Prep vegetables the night before for quicker cooking
• Leftover Tip: Soup thickens when cold – totally normal and delicious

Switch It Up With Creative Twists!

Here are some popular variations and modifications you can make to Jason’s Deli Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup that will excite your family and kids.

Veggie Variations

• Cauliflower Combo: Replace half the broccoli with cauliflower for a milder flavor
• Loaded Garden: Add diced carrots, corn, and peas for a hearty vegetable medley
• Spinach Boost: Stir in fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes for added nutrition

Cheese Modifications

• Three-Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese for gourmet flavor
• Smoky Twist: Add smoked gouda or smoked cheddar for depth
• Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños

Perfect Pairings for Jason’s Deli Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup

I’ve tested every conceivable combination, and these pairings will upgrade your soup into a truly comforting food experience.

1. Bread & Carb Companions

The ultimate comfort food pairing starts with a classic grilled cheese sandwich – that crispy, buttery perfection is made for dipping into creamy broccoli cheese soup.

For an impressive presentation, try serving the soup in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl, creating an edible vessel that guests can tear apart and enjoy.

2. Salad & Veggie Sides

A crisp Caesar salad with tangy dressing provides the perfect contrast to cut through the soup’s richness. An apple walnut salad with mixed greens, fresh apples, and candied walnuts adds wonderful texture and flavor variety.

Roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized and crispy, contribute additional veggie goodness while maintaining that comfort food vibe.

3. Sandwich Partners

Turkey club sandwiches echo Jason’s Deli vibes perfectly, making them an ideal companion that feels authentic to the restaurant experience.

Ham and Swiss paninis, pressed golden and crispy, are absolutely perfect for dunking into that creamy soup. A classic BLT brings crispy bacon that adds the perfect salty crunch contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.

4. Beverage Pairings

Classic Southern sweet tea or unsweetened iced tea with lemon provides the traditional comfort food drink experience. Sparkling water cleanses the palate beautifully between spoonfuls, keeping your taste buds refreshed.

For evening dining, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy cheese flavors without overwhelming them.

The Perfect Bowl Awaits

And there you have it – my hard-won secret to recreating that perfect bowl of Jason’s Deli magic right in your own kitchen.

After countless experiments and numerous trips to the grocery store cheese aisle, I can confidently say that this recipe captures every bit of that creamy, soul-warming goodness that had me hooked from day one.

The best part? You’ll never again have to choose between staying in your pajamas and satisfying that broccoli cheese soup craving.

So grab your ladle, gather your loved ones, and get ready to become the hero of dinner time. Trust me, once you serve this liquid gold, everyone will be asking for seconds… and the recipe. Just remember where you learned it!

Happy soup-making! May your kitchen always smell like melted cheese and pure comfort.