Nothing soothes the soul quite like a bowl of Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Imagine tender broccoli florets, sweet carrots, and a luxuriously cheesy broth brought together in a hug of rich comfort — it’s one of those soups you crave on a chilly afternoon or whenever you need something cozy and full of flavor. Whether you serve it in a crusty bread bowl or with a stack of warm rolls, there’s just something magical about dipping and swirling, letting that melty cheddar goodness mingle with every bite. Simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough to share, this recipe will make you fall in love all over again with a classic favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home is that every ingredient matters, transforming humble staples into something truly extraordinary. Each component of this recipe has a job to do — from the buttery base to the sharp cheddar that truly steals the show.

Butter: Adds rich flavor and forms the foundation for the roux, giving the soup its silky body.
Onion: Diced finely, onion brings natural sweetness and depth that rounds out the sharpness of the cheese.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves infuse the soup with warmth and aromatic complexity.
All-purpose flour: This is what thickens the soup and gives it that luxurious, creamy texture we crave.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Balances richness with savory notes, while letting the flavors of broccoli and cheese shine.
Whole milk: Essential for a creamy base, it adds both richness and a beautiful, smooth finish.
Heavy cream: Puts the “creamy” in Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a truly decadent texture.
Broccoli florets: Chop them small so they become perfectly tender and blend easily into the soup.
Shredded carrots: For a pop of color and subtle sweetness, carrots are a must-have addition.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Use the good stuff and shred it yourself for the smoothest, meltiest results.
Salt and black pepper: With just a touch, these essentials bring out the soup’s best flavors.
Ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a little something special; just a pinch can enhance the cheese and cream notes wonderfully.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by melting the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it gently sauté for 4 to 5 minutes — you want it soft and translucent, not browned. Once the onion looks just right, toss in the minced garlic. Give it a quick stir and cook for just 30 seconds, until your kitchen is swimming in that delicious garlicky aroma. This is the foundation that will set the tone for the whole pot of creamy goodness!

Step 2: Make the Roux

Now it’s time to sprinkle the flour over your buttery onion mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This forms a roux, which is chef-speak for the thickening magical paste that will hold your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup together. The flour should lose its raw scent and merge beautifully into the butter, making a soft, pale paste.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Simmer

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth — slow and steady wins the race, here! You want to avoid lumps and make sure everything is smooth. Once the broth is fully incorporated, pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir everything together gently, then add your broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil), and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. The veggies should turn perfectly tender, creating the heart of your homemade soup.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Reduce your heat to low before grabbing the star ingredient: shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add it in handfuls, stirring after each addition to ensure it melts smoothly and elegantly into the soup. This is what turns your base into a true Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, with that signature thickness and undeniably cheesy comfort. Stir in salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like — they’ll make all the other flavors sing.

Step 5: Serve it Up

Ladle your finished Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup into bowls while it’s still piping hot. For a rustic touch, serve it with hunks of crusty bread or, if you’re feeling playful, inside a hollowed-out bread bowl. Every spoonful is rich, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor — the definition of comfort food at its finest.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

Bring your soup to life with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a crack of black pepper, or even a flourish of fresh chives or parsley. For crunch, toss on some homemade croutons or crispy bacon bits — totally optional, but oh-so-delicious. The right garnish adds an extra layer of flavor and a burst of color that makes Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with classic sides like warm, crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a simple garden salad for something fresh and light. Roasted potatoes or even a baked potato go wonderfully as well, playing up the comfort food factor. Don’t underestimate the joy of dunking — crusty sourdough or a fluffy dinner roll will soak up every last bit of that cheesy broth!

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special presentation, serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup in toasted bread bowls — tear off the top, scoop out the inside, and fill it up! You can also ladle it into small cups or shot glasses for an appetizer at parties, topped with mini cheese toasts. Swirl in a touch of sour cream or drizzle with a little cream for a fancy finish that still feels oh-so-homemade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because it thickens as it sits, give it a good stir when reheating and add a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your soup, let it cool completely first. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to two months — just keep in mind that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate or become slightly grainy after freezing, but a careful reheating does wonders.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often so the cheese doesn’t stick or separate. If it appears too thick or starts to split, whisk in a bit of milk or broth until it reaches that dreamy, creamy consistency again. Avoid boiling, as that can make the dairy break.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The soup will be every bit as rich, cheesy, and comforting as the classic version. You can even experiment with different broths to find the flavor you love best.

What kind of cheddar works best?

Sharp cheddar truly shines in this recipe, offering big, bold cheese flavor. For best results, buy a block and shred it yourself right before using — pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy instead of smooth.

Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture?

Definitely! If you prefer a super smooth Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer batches to a blender (vent the lid and pulse gently). Blend all or just part of the soup, depending on how chunky you’d like it.

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend — or use cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold milk as a thickener. The rest of the flavors and that irresistible creaminess won’t change a bit.

What’s the best way to prep the broccoli?

Chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook through quickly and give every spoonful a balanced mix of broccoli and cheddar. You can even peel and dice the broccoli stems for extra flavor and texture if you’d like.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so deeply satisfying about making a pot of Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup from scratch — it’s comfort food at its most delicious, and it never fails to bring smiles to the table. Gather your ingredients, follow a few simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a soup that’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and absolutely delightful. I hope this creamy classic finds its way into your regular rotation — happy cooking!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a cozy bowl of Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a rich and flavorful comfort food perfect for any occasion. This homemade soup is velvety smooth and packed with tender broccoli, shredded carrots, and a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Broth:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream

Veggies and Cheese:

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1 cup shredded carrots
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasoning:

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic.
Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over onion mixture, stir to form roux. Cook briefly.
Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in broth, then add milk and cream.
Cook Veggies: Stir in broccoli and carrots. Simmer until tender.
Melt Cheese: Reduce heat, add cheddar slowly until smooth.
Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg. Serve warm.