Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the velvety comfort of Broccoli Cheddar Soup: rich, creamy, colorful, and utterly soul-warming. Each spoonful wraps you in cozy cheese-laced goodness, with tender broccoli and carrots for a bit of earthy sweetness and crunch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing lunch, or simply an excuse to use up fresh broccoli in your fridge, this dish never fails to satisfy. Let’s dive into what makes this Broccoli Cheddar Soup an absolute staple in every home cook’s repertoire!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Broccoli Cheddar Soup is how its simple, wholesome ingredients all shine through, each one adding a special touch to the final bowl. These staples combine for unbeatable flavor, a creamy texture, and that vibrant green hue we all love.

• Butter: The flavor foundation for sautéing your aromatics and creating a luscious base.
• Onion (diced): It brings savory depth and a gentle sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic (minced): Adds an irresistible, fragrant kick that elevates every bite.
• All-purpose flour: Works as a thickener for the classic, creamy texture.
• Vegetable or chicken broth: Builds layers of flavor; choose your favorite for either a vegetarian or meat-based version.
• Whole milk or half-and-half: For that rich, velvety consistency that makes the soup unbelievably comforting.
• Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Lends just the right amount of warmth and bite.
• Ground nutmeg (optional): A pinch brings out the cheese’s nutty notes and adds an elegant complexity.
• Fresh broccoli florets (chopped): The star of the show—use crisp, bright green broccoli for the best results.
• Shredded carrots: They add a touch of sweetness and cheerful color.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): For maximum melt and that iconic tangy-cheesy flavor.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add in your diced onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds longer, enough to release its wonderful aroma but not so much that it browns.

Step 2: Make a Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over your onion and garlic mixture. Whisk it constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out its raw flavor and form a smooth roux. This step is key to achieving that lovely, creamy consistency later on.

Step 3: Add Broth and Milk

Gradually pour in the broth, whisking all the while to keep everything silky and lump-free. Once that’s smooth, add in the milk (or half-and-half for ultra creaminess), salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg if you’re using it. The kitchen will begin to smell incredible at this point!

Step 4: Simmer with Veggies

Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and shredded carrots, then turn up the heat just until the pot reaches a gentle simmer. Let the soup bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, until the broccoli is tender and the carrots lend their sweetness throughout. Give it a stir every so often to keep things even.

Step 5: Add the Cheddar

Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar, one handful at a time. Stir patiently until it’s completely melted and you have a glossy, cheese-laden soup. At this point, you can adjust the seasoning if you like.

Step 6: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

If you love a creamy texture, grab an immersion blender and blend part or all of the soup right in the pot. This thickens things up while keeping some veggies whole for a bit of texture—my personal favorite! Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Soup piping hot and watch it disappear in record time.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

A bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup is delicious as is, but a few easy garnishes can take it to the next level. Try a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar, homemade croutons, a swirl of cream, or even a pinch of cracked black pepper. You could even top with a handful of finely chopped broccoli for a bright, fresh finish.

Side Dishes

This soup plays really well alongside crusty bread, warm baguettes, or your favorite dinner rolls—ideal for dunking and soaking up every cheesy drop. For a heartier meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or a baked potato on the side. The smooth and hearty soup pairs beautifully with light, fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to impress, consider serving Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for extra cozy vibes. You can also try ladling it into small cups or shot glasses as a fun appetizer at parties. And for the kids (or your inner child), don’t forget a side of grilled cheese sticks for dunking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow Broccoli Cheddar Soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days; the flavors actually deepen as it rests, making leftovers an absolute treat. Give it a good stir before reheating to restore its luscious consistency.

Freezing

While this soup is freezer-friendly, the texture of the dairy and cheese may change slightly after thawing—it can become a bit grainy. If you do freeze it, allow the soup to cool, then portion into airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If it seems too thick, simply add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up until it’s back to its creamy best. For smaller portions, the microwave works well—just heat in short bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works in a pinch. Just toss it in straight from the freezer and extend the simmering time by a few minutes until everything is tender. The flavor stays fantastic and you may even save a step on chopping.

What’s the best kind of cheddar for Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Sharp cheddar is ideal because it melts smoothly and brings a tangy punch to the soup. For extra creaminess, freshly grate your own cheese—it makes a world of difference versus pre-shredded, which can be coated and less melty.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping?

Gradually add the cheese a handful at a time with the heat on low, and stir continuously. This helps the cheese melt smoothly instead of seizing up. Avoid adding cheese over high heat—that can cause it to clump or become grainy.

Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian?

It certainly can be! Just use vegetable broth and double-check your cheese does not contain animal-based rennet. Everything else in this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is naturally vegetarian.

Final Thoughts

Warm, satisfying, and bursting with vibrant flavors, Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all year round. Give it a try and let it become your own go-to comfort meal—there’s truly nothing better than sharing a homemade bowl with those you love most.

Print