Name: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded carrots; 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

When the weather cools down and cozy vibes are calling, I always find myself reaching for a bowl of this Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with rich cheddar flavor that warms you from the inside out. I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, and it never fails to deliver that homemade, satisfying goodness we all crave after a long day.

What I love most about this soup is how simple ingredients come together to create something so rich and flavorful. The tender broccoli florets, sweet carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese are a match made in comfort food heaven. Whether I’m enjoying it for lunch or serving it as a starter for dinner, this recipe always gets a warm reception.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With a thick, cheesy base and chunks of fresh vegetables in every spoonful, it’s satisfying enough to be a full meal on its own. Plus, it tastes just like something you’d order from a restaurant—only better because it’s homemade.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice here, and for good reason. It has a strong, tangy flavor that stands up to the richness of the cream and the earthy taste of the broccoli. I prefer using freshly grated cheese because it melts more smoothly into the soup. You can mix in a bit of mild cheddar or even white cheddar if you want to mellow it out a little.

Options for Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter, oat or almond milk, and a dairy-free cheddar alternative. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
Add-ins: Crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or a dash of nutmeg can elevate the flavor in unique ways.
Low-carb: Skip the flour entirely and blend part of the soup to thicken it naturally with the vegetables.

Ingredients for this Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Butter: This is the base for your roux and adds richness.
Onion: Adds depth and savory flavor to the soup.
Garlic: Infuses the base with an aromatic kick.
All-purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup to the perfect creamy consistency.
Vegetable Broth: Gives body and balances out the richness of the dairy.
Milk: Creates the creamy texture we all love.
Heavy Cream: Adds extra creaminess and luxurious mouthfeel.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
Broccoli: The star ingredient, providing texture and a wholesome bite.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings in the bold, cheesy flavor that defines the soup.
Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the taste.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. This will form a thick paste that will help thicken the soup. Make sure the flour doesn’t brown; you’re looking for a golden color.

Step 3: Add the Liquid Base

Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, stir in the milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Toss in the chopped carrots and broccoli florets. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer half of it to a blender and return it to the pot afterward. This creates a creamier texture without losing all the chunky bits.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Once the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened, turn off the heat and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Top with extra cheese, a dash of black pepper, or even some croutons for added texture.

How Long to Prepare the Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Prep Time: You’ll need about 10–15 minutes to get everything ready. That includes chopping the onions, garlic, carrots, and broccoli, and shredding the cheddar cheese. Having everything prepped before you start cooking really makes the process smoother.

Cooking Time: The cooking process takes around 25–30 minutes. From sautéing aromatics to simmering the vegetables and melting in the cheese, everything comes together fairly quickly, making this a great recipe for weeknight dinners.

Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Use freshly grated cheese to ensure a smooth melt and better flavor.
Don’t overcook the broccoli—keep a bit of bite for texture.
Stir the soup constantly when adding flour and cheese to avoid lumps.
If using pre-cut veggies, chop them smaller for faster, even cooking.
A touch of mustard powder or paprika can deepen the flavor beautifully.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt well and may cause a grainy texture.
Cooking on too high heat: It can cause the milk to curdle or the cheese to separate.
Adding cheese too early: Always add it off heat to prevent clumping or separation.
Over-thickening: The soup will continue to thicken as it cools, so stop when it coats the back of a spoon.
Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.

What to Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

1. Crusty Bread

A slice of warm, crusty sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping into the cheesy broth.

2. Garlic Toast

A buttery, garlicky toast adds crunch and bold flavor to every bite.

3. Side Salad

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

4. Roasted Potatoes

Crispy potatoes pair well and make the meal even heartier.

5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Go classic! This combo is a favorite comfort food duo for good reason.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often.

Freezer: This soup can be frozen, but note that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly while stirring to recombine.

Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works in a pinch—just add it a little later in the cooking process since it’s already partially cooked.

How do I keep the soup from becoming grainy?

Use freshly grated cheese and stir it in after removing the soup from heat to avoid separation.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. It stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Is this soup vegetarian?

Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and vegetarian-approved cheese.

Can I use a slow cooker?

You can, but it’s best to make the roux separately and stir in the cheese at the very end to avoid texture issues.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the kind of dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd. With a few fresh ingredients and the right techniques, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy bowl of goodness ready to enjoy in under an hour. Once you’ve tried this homemade version, the store-bought or takeout kind just won’t compare.