The Creamiest Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket when this creamy broccoli cheddar soup enters your kitchen.

Memories of cozy evenings dance through rich, velvety textures that promise delightful warmth.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of flavors that whisper home and happiness.

Cheese melts into verdant green broccoli, forming a luxurious embrace of pure deliciousness.

Nutritious vegetables mingle with sharp cheddar, crafting a bowl filled with surprising depth and satisfaction.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort and maximum reward.

Jump into this culinary adventure – your taste buds will thank you for every delectable spoonful.

FAQs

• What type of broccoli works best for this soup?

Fresh broccoli is ideal, preferably with tight, green florets and crisp stems. Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, but fresh provides better texture and flavor.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. The recipe remains essentially the same, maintaining its creamy and cheesy profile.

• How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy when melting?

Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir slowly. Shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze the soup, the cream and cheese might slightly separate upon reheating. If freezing, add fresh cheese and cream after thawing for best results.

What Makes Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup a Must-Try

• Load up on wholesome broccoli and carrots while enjoying a rich, satisfying meal that feels indulgent.
• Adapt the recipe by adjusting cheese types, adding protein, or making it vegetarian-friendly for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Create a luxurious soup with the clever partial blending method that keeps some vegetable chunks for an interesting and satisfying mouthfeel.

Ingredients You Need for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Broccoli: Hearty green vegetable that provides texture and nutrition.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that adds rich flavor.
• Milk: Smooth base that creates a velvety soup consistency.
• Broth: Flavorful liquid that forms the soup's foundation.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds depth of flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste.
• Nutmeg: Warm spice that adds subtle complexity.

• Butter: Helps sauté aromatics and provides rich flavor.
• Flour: Thickens the soup and creates smooth texture.
• Cream (Optional): Adds extra richness and luxurious mouthfeel.

How to Prepare Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat a large pot and melt butter.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.

The onions will turn translucent and release a delightful aroma that signals the start of something delicious.

Step 2: Create Thickening Roux

Sprinkle flour over the softened onion mixture.

Stir continuously for one minute, allowing the flour to cook and develop a light golden color.

This step builds the foundation for a rich, smooth soup.

Step 3: Pour and Blend Liquid Components

Slowly pour in broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

The mixture will begin to smoothen and thicken as you stir.

• Broth
• Milk

Step 4: Simmer Vegetable Medley

• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let the vegetables cook until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, typically taking 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Create Perfect Texture

Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup.

The goal is a slightly chunky consistency that maintains some vegetable texture.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half the soup to a standard blender, puree, and return to the pot.

Step 6: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Stir in cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy base.

Add a splash of cream for extra richness.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle with additional cheese and chopped chives for a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Success

• Select sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor that melts smoothly and enhances the soup's richness.
• Blend the soup partially to maintain some vegetable chunks, creating a more interesting and rustic eating experience.
• Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir gently to ensure a silky, smooth consistency without graininess.
• Add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to increase nutritional value and create interesting flavor variations.
• Substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or use half milk and half vegetable broth to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.

The Best Way to Store and Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to maintain texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and reach 165°F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Stop when soup is hot and evenly warmed through.

Great Pairing Options for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Pair Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice thick, rustic sourdough bread to complement the soup's creamy texture and provide a delightful crunch with each dip.
• Recommend Crisp Chardonnay: Select a cool-climate Chardonnay with subtle oak notes that balances the soup's rich, cheesy profile without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
• Serve Roasted Herbed Chicken: Prepare a simple roasted chicken seasoned with thyme and rosemary to add protein and provide a savory counterpoint to the soup's velvety consistency.
• Match Green Apple Salad: Create a light salad with crisp green apple slices, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and refresh the palate.

Creative Twists for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Lovers

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, swap cheddar for nutritional yeast and cashew cream, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower for protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour for thickening, use gluten-free vegetable broth, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Skip flour entirely, use heavy cream for thickness, add cooked chicken or turkey chunks, replace carrots with zucchini to reduce carbohydrates, and increase cheese proportion.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Blend: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, substitute cheese with roasted butternut squash puree for creaminess, add turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, and garnish with pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky smooth Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending rich cheese and tender vegetables into a hearty meal. Homemade warmth awaits you with this classic recipe that promises delicious satisfaction from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 4 cups (about 2 heads) broccoli florets, chopped
• 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480ml) milk

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Thickening Agents:

• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden base for the soup’s foundation.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Dust the aromatic mixture with flour, whisking continuously for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth roux.
4. Gradually incorporate broth and milk, stirring methodically to prevent any unwelcome lumps from forming in the liquid.
5. Add broccoli, carrots, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the developing soup, allowing the ingredients to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until vegetables reach a tender consistency.
6. Transform the soup’s texture by using an immersion blender to partially puree, preserving some vegetable chunks for rustic appeal. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and reintegrate into the pot.
7. Introduce cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and integrates smoothly into the soup’s creamy landscape.
8. Enhance with cream for additional richness, tasting and adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
9. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with extra cheese and delicate chive snippets for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure butter is melted but not browned to prevent a bitter taste in the soup’s base.
• Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture, avoiding frozen varieties that can become mushy.
• Grate the cheddar cheese yourself for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 72mg