If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy, and cheesy delight, look no further than Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This beloved classic combines fresh broccoli florets with rich cheddar cheese in a smooth, velvety base, making it a perfect choice for cozy lunches or dinner on any day of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these 5 easy ways to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup will have you whipping up restaurant-quality soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a bowl: Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers a rich, creamy texture that soothes both body and soul.
Simple ingredients: With pantry staples and fresh veggies, it’s easy to prepare without stress.
Versatile and customizable: Adjust seasonings and add-ins to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Perfect for any season: Enjoy it warm during chilly days or as a lighter treat with cooler adaptations.
Great for meal prep: Store leftovers easily and enjoy flavorful soup for days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the luscious Broccoli Cheddar Soup you crave. From fresh broccoli that adds vibrant color and nutrients, to sharp cheddar cheese that delivers depth and creaminess, every item contributes to a perfectly balanced bowl.

Fresh broccoli florets: Use tender, vibrant broccoli for the best texture and flavor in the soup.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Choose a high-quality sharp cheddar to get that iconic cheesy punch.
Butter and flour: The classic roux base helps thicken the soup while adding a subtle, nutty flavor.
Onion and garlic: Aromatics that bring richness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
Milk or cream: Creamy liquids provide silkiness and help meld flavors together flawlessly.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Enhances taste without overpowering the delicate broccoli and cheese notes.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg elevate flavors and add warmth.

Variations for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is incredibly flexible, making it easy to adapt for different tastes, dietary restrictions, or ingredient availability. Here are a few delicious twists to inspire your own signature version.

Dairy-free option: Swap cheese for nutritional yeast and use plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly take.
Added protein: Stir in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits for a heartier meal.
Spicy kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for gentle heat.
Extra veggies: Add diced carrots or cauliflower to increase nutritional content without sacrificing flavor.
Cheese mix: Blend cheddar with gouda, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar for unique flavor profiles.

5 Easy Ways to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Start by washing and chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Prepping these ingredients ensures even cooking and builds layers of flavor in the soup.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This foundation is crucial for developing the soup’s rich taste.

Step 3: Make the roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes. This step thickens the soup and adds a subtle toasted flavor that complements the cheddar perfectly.

Step 4: Add liquids and broccoli

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth, then add milk or cream. Toss in the broccoli florets and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until broccoli is tender but not mushy, typically 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Blend and add cheese

For a smoother texture, carefully blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender or a standard blender in batches. Return the soup to the pot and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Use sharp cheddar: The stronger the cheese, the more flavorful your soup will be.
Don’t overcook broccoli: Keep the florets tender-crisp to avoid a dull, mushy texture.
Make a roux slowly: Cook the butter and flour mixture long enough to remove the raw flour taste.
Blend wisely: Blend only a portion of the soup to retain some broccoli texture for balance.
Season at the end: Cheese adds saltiness, so adjust seasoning after adding the cheese to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra cheddar, or a drizzle of cream make wonderful finishing touches that add color and enhance the flavor of Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal perfectly and satisfy hungry appetites.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a fun, nostalgic twist that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Broccoli Cheddar Soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to enjoy later without losing richness or flavor.

Freezing

This soup freezes well but may thicken upon thawing. Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months, making it easy to grab a comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and replace cheddar with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is preferred for its bold flavor and meltability, but combining it with gouda or Monterey Jack can add delightful nuances.

Is it better to blend all or part of the soup?

Blending part of the soup gives a creamy texture while retaining some chunks for bite and variety, which many find more enjoyable.

How do I keep the soup from becoming grainy?

Avoid boiling after adding the cheese and stir gently over low heat to keep the cheese smooth and prevent separation.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots, cauliflower, or even a pinch of kale make great additions that boost nutrition without overpowering the base flavors.

Final Thoughts

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is truly a timeless favorite that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort all in one bowl. With these simple methods and handy tips, you’re equipped to make an irresistible soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this creamy, cheesy delight!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Print Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy soup that combines fresh broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese in a smooth, velvety base. Perfect for cozy lunches or dinners, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a rich and flavorful bowl of warmth that’s easy to customize and perfect any time of year.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups milk or cream
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Pinch of ground nutmeg

Optional Add-ins and Variations

Nutritional yeast (to replace cheese for dairy-free version)
Plant-based milk (almond, oat, etc. for dairy-free version)
Cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits (for added protein)
Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spice)
Diced carrots or cauliflower (for extra veggies)
Cheese blends like gouda, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and build layers of flavor.
Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. This foundation develops the soup’s rich taste.
Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to thicken the soup and create a subtle toasted flavor that complements the cheddar cheese.
Add liquids and broccoli: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, then pour in the milk or cream. Add the broccoli florets and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp, about 10-12 minutes.
Blend and add cheese: For a smoother texture, carefully blend part or all of the soup using an immersion or standard blender in batches. Return the soup to the pot and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg at this stage.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor intensity.
Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain tender-crisp texture and avoid mushiness.
Cook the roux slowly enough to remove raw flour taste while developing a nutty flavor.
Blend only part of the soup to retain some broccoli texture and create a balanced consistency.
Season the soup after adding cheese to avoid over-salting because cheese adds saltiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, creamy soup, cheese soup, comfort food, broccoli soup, easy soup recipe