Ready to warm up your kitchen and your soul? Cheddar Broccoli Soup is the cozy, satisfying hug-in-a-bowl you’ll want to make again and again. Imagine thick, velvety broth cradling tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and a generous mountain of melty sharp cheddar – all coming together in a single pot in under an hour. Whether you’re curled up on a snowy evening or need an effortlessly impressive lunch for guests, this soup delivers big flavor and so much comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by how everyday ingredients can create such a luxurious and flavor-packed Cheddar Broccoli Soup. Each element here is chosen to enhance the soup’s creamy base, layered textures, and those irresistibly cheesy notes.

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for an extra flavor boost.
Onion (diced): Provides a sweet undertone and savory depth right from the start.
Garlic (minced): Delivers that signature aromatic lift – don’t skip this step!
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup into a silky, spoon-coating masterpiece.
Vegetable or chicken broth: The backbone of the soup’s flavor – choose your favorite for a subtle twist.
Whole milk: Forms the creamy foundation without being too heavy.
Heavy cream: Rounds out the soup with ultimate creaminess and a luscious finish.
Broccoli florets (chopped small): The star – tender bits in every bite, making it hearty and wholesome.
Carrot (grated): Adds pops of color and gentle sweetness to balance the savory base.
Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors and balance the cheese.
Black pepper: For a subtle background warmth and a dash of contrast.
Paprika (optional): A hint of smoky spice that beautifully complements the cheddar.
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts into silky ribbons, infusing every spoonful with bold cheesy flavor.
Additional cheese for garnish (optional): Because there’s no such thing as too much cheddar!

How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and let them gently sizzle for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until they’re just soft, fragrant, and translucent. Next, add your minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more – you want to release those delicious aromas but not take it too far!

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your softened onions and garlic, and stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes. This creates the roux, which is the secret to getting that creamy, luxurious texture. Make sure the flour blends well and starts to bubble, but don’t let it brown – just enough to lose its raw flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Build the Base

Slowly whisk in your choice of broth, then pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir everything until it’s smooth, and savor that creamy color! This is the moment your Cheddar Broccoli Soup base starts to come together, promising a perfect balance of richness and comfort.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Gently stir in the chopped broccoli and grated carrot, followed by salt, pepper, and paprika if you like a subtle hint of spice. Raise the heat just until the soup begins to bubble, then reduce it to low. Let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, giving the vegetables time to become tender while the flavors meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Cheddar, Blend, and Finish

Once the veggies are soft, take the pot off the heat and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until every bit melts to silky perfection. For the classic thick and chunky vibe, leave everything as is – or partially blend with an immersion blender if you love your Cheddar Broccoli Soup extra creamy. Give it a taste, adjust the seasonings, and get ready to serve it up while piping hot!

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Garnishes

Dress up your bowl with a big handful of extra shredded cheddar (the cheesier, the better!) or sprinkle with croutons, crispy bacon bits, or a little chopped parsley for a pop of color. A swirl of cream on top can turn every serving into a mini work of art.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cheddar Broccoli Soup with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop. It’s also fantastic with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, a fresh green salad, or even a hunk of sourdough for dipping. This soup turns the simplest meal into something unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls or serve it in mini mugs as an appetizer at gatherings. If you’re feeling extra, top individual portions with homemade herby croutons or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild – Cheddar Broccoli Soup loves a little flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Cheddar Broccoli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You’ll find that the flavors actually deepen and become even more satisfying after a night in the fridge. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or flavorful packed lunches!

Freezing

To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers (leaving a bit of room for expansion). Cheddar Broccoli Soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best texture, try freezing before adding the cheese, then reheat and stir it in just before serving.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. Avoid bringing it to a full boil, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate. If it thickens too much during storage, simply whisk in a splash of broth or milk to get that dreamy consistency back.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for Cheddar Broccoli Soup?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works beautifully in this recipe. Just break it into small pieces and add it directly to the pot – no need to thaw first. You may need to simmer for an extra minute or two until the broccoli is perfectly tender.

What’s the best cheddar cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is key for that boldly cheesy flavor, but you can blend mild or even white cheddar for variety. For the smoothest results, shred your own cheese off the block rather than using pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.

Can I make Cheddar Broccoli Soup lighter?

Definitely! Swap the heavy cream for more whole milk or even half-and-half. For a completely lighter spin, use reduced-fat milk and cut back a bit on the cheese (though keep enough for flavor). The soup will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make Cheddar Broccoli Soup gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Begin with half the amount if using cornstarch, mixing with milk before whisking it in to keep things smooth.

How do I get the perfect creamy texture?

If you love your soup ultra-creamy, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup right in the pot. For a chunkier texture, just stir well and leave the veggies whole for satisfying bites throughout. Both ways are equally delicious!

Final Thoughts

Once you taste this homemade Cheddar Broccoli Soup, you’ll understand why it has a permanent spot in my comfort food rotation. Give it a try – I promise it’s the cozy, cheesy delight you’ve been craving. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the creamy comfort of this homemade Cheddar Broccoli Soup. Packed with cheesy goodness and wholesome veggies, it’s a perfect choice for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1 large carrot, grated
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Additional cheese for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
Create Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir to create a roux.
Add Liquid: Whisk in broth, milk, and cream until smooth.
Cook Vegetables: Add broccoli, carrot, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer until tender.
Melt Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar until smooth.
Blend (Optional): Use immersion blender for creamier texture.
Adjust and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish with extra cheese.