Name: Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Creamy, Comforting, and Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups half-and-half (or milk); 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small; 1 cup grated carrots; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Crusty bread or rolls, for serving

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Tired of bland, watery broccoli soups that leave you disappointed? This creamy broccoli cheddar soup recipe delivers rich, velvety texture and incredible flavor in every spoonful. As a culinary enthusiast who’s tested countless soup recipes over the years, I’ve perfected this broccoli cheddar soup to achieve that restaurant-quality taste right in your home kitchen. In this guide, I’ll share my secrets for creating the creamiest soup, selecting the best ingredients, and customizing it to your taste preferences. You’ll discover everything from cheese selection tips to step-by-step cooking instructions that guarantee success every time.

Why This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Works

Uses fresh broccoli for optimal flavor and nutrition
Creates a silky-smooth texture without flour clumps
Ready in under 45 minutes for weeknight convenience
Freezes beautifully for meal prep enthusiasts
Adaptable for dietary preferences (gluten-free options included)

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Best Broccoli for Soup

Fresh broccoli crowns provide the most vibrant flavor, but you can use frozen florets in a pinch. Look for bright green heads with tight florets and no yellowing. For extra veggie power, include the tender parts of the stems – they add wonderful texture and nutrition to your soup.

Cheese Selection

Sharp cheddar delivers the most pronounced flavor, but mild works too if you prefer a gentler taste. Always grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. For an exceptional blend, try mixing cheddar with a small amount of Gruyère or Monterey Jack.

Broth Options

Vegetable broth keeps this soup vegetarian-friendly, while chicken broth adds depth. If using store-bought, choose low-sodium varieties to control saltiness. Homemade stock elevates this broccoli cheddar soup to restaurant quality if you have it available.

Ingredients & Prep for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Soup Base Essentials

Fresh broccoli (4 cups florets)
Yellow onion (1 medium, diced)
Carrots (1-2 medium, finely diced)
Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced)
Butter (4 tablespoons, unsalted)
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup) or cornstarch for gluten-free

Creaminess Components

Heavy cream (1 cup)
Milk (2 cups, whole preferred)
Sharp cheddar cheese (2½ cups, freshly grated)
Vegetable or chicken broth (3 cups)

Seasoning Blend

Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutmeg (pinch)
Dry mustard powder (1/2 teaspoon)
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon)

Need more soup inspiration? Check out my Pinterest collection for hundreds of comforting recipes perfect for any season!

Step-by-Step Broccoli Cheddar Soup Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Broccoli Prep

Wash broccoli thoroughly and cut into small florets (about 1-inch pieces)
Peel and dice stems into small cubes (discard only the toughest bottom portion)
Finely dice onion and carrots for a balanced mirepoix base
Measure remaining ingredients and have them ready beside your cooking station

Cooking Method for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt butter over medium heat
Add onions and carrots, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes)
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes
Gradually whisk in broth, ensuring no lumps form
Add broccoli florets and stems, then bring to a gentle simmer
Cook until broccoli is tender but still bright green (about 10 minutes)
Reduce heat to low and stir in milk and cream
Add seasonings (salt, pepper, nutmeg, mustard powder, and paprika)

Creating Creamy Broccoli Soup Texture

For chunky soup: Remove about 1 cup of the broccoli pieces before blending
Blend remaining soup using an immersion blender until desired smoothness
Return reserved broccoli pieces to the pot if you set any aside
If you prefer completely smooth soup, blend thoroughly with no reserved pieces

Adding Cheese to Broccoli Soup

Turn heat to lowest setting
Add cheese gradually, one handful at a time, stirring constantly
Never let the soup boil after adding cheese to prevent graininess
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
Let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to develop flavors

Pro Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Avoiding Common Broccoli Soup Mistakes

Never boil the soup after adding cheese or cream (causes separation)
Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother melting
Use block cheese and grate it yourself (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents)
Cook broccoli until just tender – overcooked broccoli turns gray and bitter

Tool Recommendations for Broccoli Soup

Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heating
Immersion blender for easy blending right in the pot
Box grater or food processor for quick cheese grating
Wooden spoon for stirring (metal can sometimes react with dairy)

Storage & Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Refrigerate cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating if soup thickens too much
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months (may need re-blending after thawing)

If you enjoy creamy comfort foods, you’ll love our Greek-Style Lemon Chicken Baked Perfection for another simple weeknight dinner option.

Flavor Variations for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Stir in diced jalapeños with the vegetables
Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Use pepper jack cheese for part of the cheddar

Healthy Broccoli Soup Alternatives

Substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt (added after blending)
Use cauliflower florets for half the broccoli to reduce carbs
Replace flour with xanthan gum (1/2 teaspoon) for keto/gluten-free thickening
Nutritional yeast can replace some cheese for plant-based options

Global Broccoli Soup Flavors

Italian: Add sun-dried tomatoes and herbs like basil and oregano
Mexican: Include cumin, coriander, and top with crispy tortilla strips
French: Use Gruyère cheese and finish with fresh thyme
Asian-inspired: Add ginger, a dash of coconut milk, and curry powder

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Variations	Key Ingredients	Preparation Notes
Classic	Sharp cheddar, heavy cream	Traditional, rich flavor
Light Version	Half-and-half, reduced cheese	30% fewer calories
Vegan Option	Nutritional yeast, cashew cream	Requires soaking cashews overnight
Loaded	Crispy crumbled vegetables, extra cheese	Add toppings after serving
Roasted Broccoli	Oven-roasted florets	Deeper, caramelized flavor

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serve in bread bowls for an impressive presentation
Pair with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping
Top with extra shredded cheese, crispy croutons, or roasted broccoli bits
Complement with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette
Offer as a starter before Chicken and Mushroom Skillet: A Creamy Asiago Dream

For the perfect summer contrast, try our Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches: 5 Tropical Flavor Hacks during warmer months.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. There’s no need to thaw it first – add it directly to the pot, but be aware that cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer, so check for tenderness earlier.

Why did my cheese clump instead of melting smoothly?

Cheese clumping usually happens when the soup is too hot or the cheese is added too quickly. Make sure your soup is just below simmering temperature and add cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly. Pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents can also cause clumping.

How can I make this broccoli cheddar soup thicker?

If your soup isn’t thick enough, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir this into the hot soup and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Alternatively, blend more of the vegetables for a naturally thicker consistency.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your cheese doesn’t contain animal rennet (many brands now use microbial rennet, which is vegetarian-friendly).

What’s the best way to blend hot soup safely?

If using an immersion blender, blend directly in the pot with the heat turned off. For a countertop blender, work in batches, filling the blender only halfway, removing the center cap from the lid, and covering with a folded kitchen towel to allow steam to escape.

Looking for another creamy delight? Our How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken in 30 Mins is a fan favorite!

Final Thoughts on Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This creamy, comforting broccoli cheddar soup recipe has everything you need to create a restaurant-quality dish at home. From the first spoonful of velvety, cheese-infused broth to the tender bites of fresh broccoli, this soup delivers satisfaction in every bowl. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll master this comfort food classic in no time.

Ready to bring this delicious broccoli cheddar soup to your table? Grab your soup pot and give this recipe a try tonight! Share your results with friends and family – this crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Remember to save some for leftovers – this soup tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld together.

Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Creamy, Comforting, and Delicious