If there’s one comfort food that checks all the boxes—warm, cheesy, wholesome, and oh-so-satisfying—it’s this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. Imagine bowls of velvety soup packed with tender broccoli, a hint of sweet carrot, and just enough sharp cheddar to make every spoonful creamy and craveable. Thanks to simple tweaks, this lighter version keeps things nutritious without sacrificing the cozy classic flavor you love. Whether you’re serving up a quick weeknight dinner or craving something nurturing for lunch, this soup is a go-to for wholesome comfort.

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for the Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe couldn’t be easier! Each element brings its own magic—building flavor, adding color, and creating the perfect texture for this standout soup.

Olive oil: A drizzle of heart-healthy fat to sauté your aromatics and build a savory base.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, making the soup irresistibly aromatic.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the broth with classic, comforting flavor.
Fresh broccoli florets: This green superstar gives substance, color, and nutrients with every bite.
Medium carrot: Grated carrot introduces natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: The backdrop for your soup, letting the veggies and cheese shine without excess salt.
Unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk: Makes the soup creamy while keeping it lighter than traditional recipes.
Salt: Just enough to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Black pepper: For gentle heat and earthiness.
Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a hint of smokiness and a subtle reddish hue—totally optional, but a fun twist!
Dijon mustard: A splash that lifts the cheese and veggies with slight tang and depth.
Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded): The cheese factor—freshly shredded melts best for a smooth and silky finish.
Cornstarch mixed with cold water (optional): Whisking this in thickens the soup to your preferred consistency—handy if you love ultra-creamy soup.

How to Make Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. Let it gently soften and sweat for 3–4 minutes—having patience here means a deeper, more comforting base. Stir in the garlic right at the end and let it go just 30 seconds, enough to become fragrant but not burnt.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Now for the stars of this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot, giving them a few minutes to mix with the onions and garlic. This not only brings out those beautiful colors but also starts softening the veggies and marrying the flavors.

Step 3: Simmer in Broth

Pour in the broth, then bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Cover and let everything cook together for 10–12 minutes. At this stage, the veggies should become tender yet still vibrantly colored—don’t overcook or you’ll lose those gorgeous greens and the perky texture.

Step 4: Season and Cream

Stir in your milk of choice, the salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and Dijon mustard. Each ingredient here helps amp up the flavor and makes the base lush without feeling heavy. Taste and adjust seasoning if you’d like—everyone’s taste buds are a little different!

Step 5: Thicken & Add Cheese

If you want a thicker Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, stir in a quick cornstarch slurry now and simmer a couple more minutes. With that perfect texture set, reduce the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar. Stir gently until it’s completely melted and the soup is dreamy and smooth.

Step 6: Blend or Leave Chunky

For a creamier soup, blend part or all of the mixture with an immersion blender right in the pot. Or, if you’re like me and crave some veggie bites in your bowl, leave it chunky! Serve warm and get ready to swoon over every spoonful.

How to Serve Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing turns a simple bowl of soup into something special! A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a handful of toasted croutons, or a crack of fresh black pepper makes your Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe restaurant-worthy. For a touch of green, a few chopped chives or parsley add freshness and a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to shine solo, but it plays so well with others! Crusty whole-grain bread, a crisp green salad, or even a baked potato are all perfect companions. Their textures and flavors complement the creamy soup and can turn this meal into a real feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special nights in, serve your Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in a rustic bread bowl or individual mini mugs. Layer on roasted nuts, a swirl of yogurt, or tiny diced roasted veggies for an eye-catching touch. It’s a fabulous way to impress anyone with just a little extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store extra Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors even deepen overnight, giving you an even tastier bowl the next day.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, though keep in mind the texture might change slightly due to the cheese and milk. Pour fully cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or separation. If the soup thickens up too much after chilling, just whisk in a splash of milk or broth until it’s back to your perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Simply chop frozen florets into bite-sized pieces before adding. No need to thaw; just adjust simmering time as frozen broccoli may cook slightly faster or release more liquid.

How can I make the Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe completely dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk such as almond or oat, and swap in your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese. The result is still creamy, comforting, and packed with classic flavor—no one will suspect it’s dairy-free!

Why does freshly shredded cheese work better?

Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that make melts a little grainy. Shredding your own cheese means quicker, silkier melting, giving your Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe that dreamy creamy texture.

Can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

Of course! For a thicker texture, use the cornstarch slurry as directed or blend up more of the soup. If you love a more brothy bowl, loosen it with a little extra milk or broth until you reach your sweet spot.

What’s the best way to blend the soup for a creamy texture?

An immersion blender is the easiest—just partially blend the soup right in the pot for a gorgeous creamy texture with some veggie chunks. You can also use a regular blender in batches, just be careful with the hot liquid!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe enough—each spoonful is comforting, flavorful, and so simple to make any night of the week. Whether you’re trying to eat a little lighter or just want a bowl of something cozy, this recipe will win you over. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’s both creamy and nutritious. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
1 medium carrot, grated
3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
Add Vegetables: Stir in garlic, then add broccoli and carrot. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
Cook Broth: Pour in broth, simmer covered for 10–12 minutes until veggies are tender.
Season: Stir in milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and Dijon mustard.
Thicken (Optional): For a thicker soup, add cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add Cheese: Reduce heat, stir in cheddar until melted and smooth.
Blend: Use an immersion blender for a creamier texture if desired.
Serve: Enjoy warm!