If comfort food had a cozy sweater for your soul, it would undoubtedly be Broccoli Cheese Soup. Creamy, velvety, and packed with tender broccoli and sharp cheddar, this soup is the definition of a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight warmer or inviting friends over for lunch, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. Every spoonful reminds me why this classic is my personal go-to — and I know it’ll find a cherished spot in your recipe rotation, too.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Broccoli Cheese Soup comes together with humble, everyday ingredients — each bringing its own magic to the pot. From the fresh crunch of broccoli to the creaminess of milk, every item plays a key role in color, flavor, or texture.

Broccoli florets: Bright and loaded with nutrients, chopped into bite-sized pieces for the perfect spoonful.
Unsalted butter: Adds luscious richness and helps sauté the vegetables for a fragrant base.
Onion: Provides a savory backbone and sweetens as it softens in the pot.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings a subtle, aromatic depth to every bite.
Carrot: Grated for tender texture and a pop of beautiful color plus a hint of sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup so it’s hearty and satisfying without being heavy.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds flavor and makes the soup base extra nourishing; use veggie broth to keep it vegetarian.
Whole milk: Gives the soup an ultra-creamy texture and delicious body; you can swap with half-and-half for an even richer taste.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The absolute star here — go for freshly shredded for easy melting and maximum cheesy flavor.
Ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and gentle bite.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, tying everything together perfectly.
Ground nutmeg (optional): A little pinch goes a long way to make the soup deep, aromatic, and just a bit special.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the diced onion and cook until it turns soft and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and grated carrot; the kitchen will smell amazing as the veggies soften and sweeten.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour right over those sautéed veggies and stir, stir, stir for 1 to 2 minutes. This step creates a simple roux, which thickens our Broccoli Cheese Soup and gives it that dreamy texture without lumps.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Slowly whisk in your chicken or vegetable broth, letting everything come together smoothly with no floury bits left behind. Pour in the whole milk, and you’ll instantly see the base start to look creamy. Add in the chopped broccoli, salt, pepper, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of nutmeg to bring everything to life.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then. By the end, your broccoli will be perfectly tender but still vibrant, and the flavors will have melded together beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish

Lower the heat to the gentlest simmer, then slowly add in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts completely into the soup, creating a silky, cheesy finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you like. Serve your Broccoli Cheese Soup piping hot for ultimate coziness.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish makes your Broccoli Cheese Soup extra special. Try a sprinkle of more shredded cheddar, a handful of chopped chives, or even some toasted croutons for crunch. A light drizzle of cream or a dusting of black pepper adds a lovely, elegant touch for guests.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own but absolutely shines with some crusty bread for dipping or a warm baguette. If you like, add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of roasted potatoes to keep the comforting theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your Broccoli Cheese Soup into hollowed out bread bowls for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For a fancier dinner, serve it in small mugs or espresso cups as a lovely starter. Or swirl in a dollop of sour cream for that bistro look — guests will swoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup is every bit as dreamy the next day. Cool it completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes for quick, cozy lunches or dinners all week long.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly because of the dairy and cheese. Let the soup cool, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often so it doesn’t separate. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick. Avoid boiling, as that can make the cheese grainy — just let it come back to life slowly and patiently.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! You can swap in frozen broccoli, just add it directly to the pot. You may want to simmer a couple of extra minutes to make sure it’s perfectly tender.

How do I make Broccoli Cheese Soup gluten-free?

It’s easy to make a gluten-free version by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch. Just remember to adjust the amount, as some thickeners work differently.

What’s the secret to a super smooth, creamy soup?

For an extra silky texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup before adding the cheese. It’s best to leave a few broccoli chunks for texture, but you can blend to your preferred consistency.

Which cheese is best for Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Sharp cheddar is the classic for its bold, tangy flavor and meltability. Always shred your own cheese for the best results, since bagged cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly because of anti-caking agents.

Can I add protein to make it a heartier meal?

Definitely! Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham, or even add white beans for an extra filling version of Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and truly soul-satisfying, you can’t go wrong with this Broccoli Cheese Soup. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try — I just know it’ll earn a permanent spot on your comfort food list!

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy broccoli cheese soup that is perfect for a cozy meal. This easy recipe combines the goodness of fresh broccoli with the richness of cheddar cheese for a delightful bowl of soup.

Ingredients

Scale

Broccoli Soup:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium carrot, grated
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For Serving:

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and grated carrot, cooking for another minute.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth until smooth.
Add milk, chopped broccoli, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra cheese or crusty bread.

Notes

For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
You can substitute half-and-half for milk for a richer soup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American