If you’re craving the coziest comfort in a bowl, you’ll absolutely adore this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. It’s decadent and creamy, brimming with tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and loads of melty sharp cheddar cheese—basically your favorite café classic, but even better! Each spoonful delivers rich flavor, warmth, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness, making this homemade version a beloved standby for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe lies in a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component adds its own personality, from the buttery roux that thickens the base to the fresh, vibrant veggies and that iconic cheesy finish.

Unsalted Butter: The foundation for a smooth, velvety roux and beautiful, rich flavor.
Onion (diced): Sautéed onion brings natural sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup base.
Garlic (minced): Just a touch enhances the overall flavor and makes everything more inviting.
All-purpose Flour: Essential for thickening, creating that luscious, creamy texture we all love.
Low-sodium Chicken Broth: Adds savory undertones without overwhelming the other flavors—vegetable broth also works well for a vegetarian version.
Whole Milk: Gives the soup body and creaminess without making it too heavy.
Heavy Cream: The secret to an indulgent, silky finish (but you can substitute half-and-half if you like).
Broccoli Florets (chopped small): The star ingredient, providing tender bites and vibrant green color throughout.
Shredded Carrots: Add natural sweetness, color, and a soft texture that pairs perfectly with the broccoli.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Use freshly grated for the smoothest, creamiest soup—this is where the magic happens.
Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and perfect rounds out the cheese’s richness.
Ground Nutmeg (optional): A tiny pinch creates unexpected warmth and subtle complexity—absolutely worth a try.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it sauté until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This aromatic duo lays the flavor foundation for everything that follows in this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Once the onions are golden and fragrant, sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture. Stir vigorously for 1–2 minutes. You’re aiming for a pale, bubbly roux that will thicken your soup while adding a subtle nuttiness. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick—that’s exactly what you want before adding the liquids.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Whisk

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring until your mixture is silky smooth. This careful process ensures your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe turns out luxuriously creamy with no floury bits.

Step 4: Simmer Veggies

Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cook for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally and enjoy the lovely smells! The veggies will become perfectly tender, creating spoonfuls of soft, satisfying bites in every bowl.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Lower the heat to its gentlest setting and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese by the handful, letting each addition melt completely before the next. This patient technique gives the Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe its wonderfully smooth, never-grainy texture. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Give your soup a final stir, adjust the seasoning to your liking, and serve piping hot. If you love a super-smooth soup, feel free to use an immersion blender before serving—or leave it chunky for lovely texture.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe! Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top for a gooey finish, toss on a handful of fresh chopped chives or parsley, or add a few homemade croutons for irresistible crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your steaming bowl with a crusty baguette, classic sourdough, or even soft dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness, while roasted potatoes or a simple sandwich make it a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, ladle the Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe into hollowed-out bread bowls—both fun and practical! Serve in small cups or mugs as an appetizer for dinner parties, or top with roasted chickpeas for a crunchy twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and stash in the fridge for up to 4 days. You’ll find that the flavors deepen overnight, making this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe just as satisfying (if not more!) the next day.

Freezing

Although you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when thawed. For the best texture, let the soup cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Stir well while reheating to bring it back to its original creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. If the Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe seems a little thick after chilling or freezing, just add a splash of milk or broth. Avoid boiling—it helps keep the cheese silky smooth and the flavors balanced.

FAQs

Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for your favorite low-sodium vegetable broth. The result is just as luscious and flavorful—perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meatless meal.

How can I make the soup gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, or try cornstarch (dissolved in a bit of cold milk or broth) as a thickener. Everything else in the Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well when you’re in a pinch. Just thaw and chop before adding to the soup. It may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the tenderness to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best cheese for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice and gives the boldest flavor, but you can experiment with mild cheddar, white cheddar, or even a little Gruyère for extra richness. Always grate your cheese fresh for the smoothest melt.

How do I make the soup extra smooth?

An immersion blender is your best friend for smooth Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Blend some or all of the cooked soup right in the pot to your desired consistency. Or carefully puree in batches using a countertop blender.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe to bring everyone around the table with smiles. Try this recipe and make it your own—whether you stick with the classic or add a twist, you’ll be stirring up comfort and joy with every simmering pot. Don’t wait for a rainy day—get those ingredients ready and treat yourself tonight!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in a creamy and comforting bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a classic favorite that’s easy to make at home. This flavorful soup is loaded with tender broccoli, shredded carrots, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for a cozy meal any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Additional Ingredients:

4 cups broccoli florets (chopped small)
1 cup shredded carrots
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

Melt the butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Sauté onion: Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
Add garlic and flour: Stir in the garlic, then sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to create a roux.
Whisk in liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream until smooth.
Cook vegetables: Add broccoli and carrots, simmer until tender.
Stir in cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until melted.
Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir well and serve warm.

Notes

For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender.
You can use half-and-half instead of milk and cream for a lighter version.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt and avoid graininess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American