Here is a Ruby Tuesday–style Broccoli Cheese Soup—rich, creamy, and full of tender broccoli with a smooth cheddar finish. This recipe recreates the comforting, slightly thick, restaurant-style flavor Ruby Tuesday is known for.
If you want it longer, thicker, chunkier, creamier, or lower-carb, just let me know!
Ruby Tuesday’s Broccoli-Cheese Soup (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Vegetables & Base
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4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads), finely chopped
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large carrot, shredded (optional but adds color and sweetness)
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4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Cream & Cheese
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3 cups half-and-half OR whole milk
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional for extra depth)
Roux (thickener)
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4 tbsp butter
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4 tbsp all-purpose flour
Seasoning
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/4 tsp paprika
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp onion powder
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional but enhances cream soups)
Instructions
1. Cook the broccoli and aromatics
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In a large pot, add chopped broccoli, diced onion, garlic, carrot, and chicken broth.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft but not mushy.
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Remove 1–2 cups of the broccoli pieces with a spoon and set aside (for chunkier texture).
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Use an immersion blender to lightly puree the remaining broth + vegetables.
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Leave some texture—Ruby Tuesday’s soup is creamy but not fully smooth.
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2. Make the roux
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In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (blonde roux).
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Slowly pour in the half-and-half while whisking to prevent lumps.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Combine and finish
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Pour the cream mixture into the broccoli pot.
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Add back the reserved broccoli chunks.
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Reduce heat to low (do not boil).
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Add the shredded cheddar, one handful at a time, stirring until melted.
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Using freshly shredded cheese prevents graininess.
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Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes until creamy and thick.
Serving Suggestions
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Top with extra shredded cheddar
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Add croutons
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Serve in a bread bowl
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Pair with garlic toast
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Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for a deluxe version
Tips for Perfect Texture
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Freshly shred your cheese (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that cause clumping)
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Do not boil the soup after adding cheese
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Add more flour in the roux for a thicker soup
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Add extra broth to make it thinner / soupier
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Use an immersion blender sparingly—you want creaminess but visible broccoli
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine
- 1/2 cup onions, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 20 ounces broccoli, fine cut
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 lemon peel, finely grated
- 4 1/2 ounces chicken broth
- 2 pounds pasteurized processed cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 16 ounces whipping cream
- 1 gallon water
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook margarine and flour in a suitable pan over medium high heat, stirring constantly with a wire whip for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
Combine water, chicken broth, onion, celery and carrot in a suitable pot and bring to a boil.
While heating, cut the processed cheese into 1-inch chunks. Once soup comes to a boil, stir in the cooked flour and margarine and continue cooking for 3 minutes, stirring continuously. Reduce
heat and stir in cheese until completely melted. ( Do not allow it to scorch.) Stir in the Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cream, lemon peel and chopped broccoli. Return to a simmer then
remove from heat. The Ruby Tuesday recipe of broccoli cheese is ready to serve !
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