If you’re looking for a cozy meal that wraps you up in cheesy comfort, this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy is the answer. It’s creamy, rich, and loaded with just-tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese. Each bite feels like a hug from your favorite person, and the vibrant veggies make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly night or serving friends at a casual lunch, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to deliver.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how wonderfully simple these ingredients are! Each one shines and works together to craft the ultimate Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy. From the rich base to the punch of cheesy goodness, you’ll taste every layer of flavor in every spoonful.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is your soup’s flavor foundation, giving it a luscious, rich mouthfeel you just can’t fake.
1 small yellow onion (finely chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness that creates wonderful depth in every bite.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Just enough to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the other, subtler flavors.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup perfectly, giving you that classic, creamy texture.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup and balances the richness.
2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk for lighter option): Brings creamy luxury—use whole milk for a lighter broth if you’d like.
3 cups broccoli florets (chopped small): The star veggie, giving vibrant color and popping flavor.
1/2 cup matchstick or grated carrots: Adds sweetness and a beautiful pop of orange to your bowl.
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional): Brings a gentle zing that boosts the cheese flavor—totally worth it!
1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle warmth and lovely color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust to highlight all the flavors just right.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Always go for freshly shredded for that dreamy, melty finish.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by melting your butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once it’s foamy and fragrant, toss in your finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, letting it soften and turn sweet. Add the garlic and give it a quick 30-second stir—just enough for it to release its gorgeous aroma but not brown.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened onions and garlic, and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes. This is what will make your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy thick and luxurious, so don’t rush this step. That gentle cooking gets rid of any raw flour taste and sets your soup up for that silky-smooth texture.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Now, slowly pour in your chicken broth, whisking as you go to keep things smooth with no lumps. Add the half-and-half (or whole milk), broccoli, carrots, ground mustard, and paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir, making sure those beautiful veggies are evenly distributed throughout the golden soup base.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the soup up to a gentle simmer (not a rapid boil), and let it bubble softly for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally, and check that your broccoli is just fork-tender and the carrots are sweet and meltingly soft. The kitchen will fill with the most comforting, savory smells—at this point, you’ll see why everyone loves Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy!

Step 5: Add Cheese for Creamy Finish

Turn the heat to low (super important so your cheese doesn’t curdle). Add the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring until each batch melts smoothly. Keep the soup gently warm, never boiling, and you’ll be rewarded with the creamiest, silkiest bowl imaginable.

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother texture, now’s your chance to use an immersion blender—give the pot a few pulses until it’s just how you like it. Or, leave it with chunky bits for a more rustic, hearty vibe. There’s no wrong choice here!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy into bowls and serve immediately. This soup is spectacular with a side of crusty bread or, for extra fun, nestled in a toasty bread bowl. Pure comfort, ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top is a classic move, but don’t stop there! Try adding snipped chives, a dash of paprika, or even crispy bacon bits for an indulgent finish. A few broccoli florets set aside before cooking and added as garnish also make for a beautiful, fresh look.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a thick slice of sourdough, a warm baguette, or even a flaky biscuit. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad loaded with crunchy veggies makes a satisfying companion to all that creamy goodness in your bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a real show-stopper, serve your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy in mini bread bowls at a dinner party: perfect for scooping and sipping. You can even offer a soup bar, setting out various toppings (cheeses, seeds, herbs) so guests can customize their bowls just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors deepen as it sits. Just be sure to cover tightly to maintain freshness and prevent it from picking up other fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind the creamy base may separate slightly. For best results, let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Leave a little space in the top of each container for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the soup in a pot over low heat and stir frequently. Avoid boiling—this helps keep the cheese from separating and the texture smooth. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much in storage. In a pinch, you can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each session to prevent hotspots.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth in your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy. You’ll still get a wonderfully savory base, and the soup remains rich and flavorful.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the gold standard for both taste and meltability, but feel free to get creative. Add some Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a deeper bite. Always freshly shred your cheese for the smoothest soup.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Be sure to lower the heat before adding the cheese, and add it gradually, stirring constantly. Keeping the soup hot but not boiling is the key to velvety, lump-free Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy every time.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli works in a pinch! Just chop it if it comes in large pieces, and add it directly to the soup. You may need to adjust the simmering time by a few minutes to achieve that perfect, tender bite.

How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer a little longer uncovered, or add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux at the start. Blending part (or all) of the soup will also help thicken and make it extra creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy is more than just a comforting meal—it’s a tradition in a bowl, sure to bring smiles and full bellies to your table. Whether you like it chunky or silky, sharp or extra mild, give this cozy classic a try. I promise, you’ll come back for seconds!

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Cooking Classy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 27 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe is a creamy and comforting dish perfect for a cozy meal. With the richness of cheddar cheese and the goodness of broccoli, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk for a lighter option)
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1/2 cup matchstick or grated carrots
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
Stir in half-and-half, broccoli, carrots, ground mustard, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Do not let the soup boil once the cheese is added, as it may curdle.
Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky if preferred. Serve warm with crusty bread or in a bread bowl.