Name: Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup onion, chopped; 1 cup carrots, grated; 2 tablespoons flour; 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups milk or half-and-half; 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If there’s one bowl of warmth and comfort that never fails to brighten up chilly days, it’s this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. Imagine tender, vibrant green broccoli swimming in a luxuriously creamy, sharp cheddar-infused broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. This classic American soup combines simple, fresh ingredients that shine together, making it a beloved favorite whether you’re cozying up for a family dinner or craving a hearty midday treat. Trust me, once you try this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for both simplicity and soul-satisfying flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six white bowls on a white marbled surface, each holding a different ingredient. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl with green broccoli florets, to the right a bowl filled with bright orange shredded cheese. Below the broccoli is a bowl with finely chopped white onions, next to it a smaller bowl of thin orange carrot sticks, and to the right a tiny bowl holding a small amount of a pale yellow substance, likely garlic. There are also three measuring cups, one with a light yellow liquid broth at the bottom right, another cup holding clear white liquid just below it, and a metal measuring cup with white flour in the bottom left. A metal spoon with a small amount of a brownish powder is near the flour, and a tiny cup with ground pepper is near the broth, all arranged neatly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, and each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of richness, texture, and depth of flavor. From the sweetness of carrots to the creamy sharpness of cheddar, these components elevate the soup beautifully.

Butter: Acts as a flavorful base to sauté your veggies, giving the soup its rich start.
Onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened gently.
Carrots, grated: Brings a subtle sweetness and bright color to the soup.
Flour: Thickens the soup so it coats your spoon perfectly without being heavy.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Creates a savory foundation that infuses flavor into every bite.
Milk or half-and-half: Gives the soup its creamy, velvety texture that’s absolutely luscious.
Broccoli florets, chopped: The star of the soup, providing a fresh, tender crunch.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into the soup for that classic tangy, cheesy goodness.
Salt and pepper: Season perfectly to bring all the flavors together harmoniously.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it’s shimmering and fragrant. Toss in the chopped onion and grated carrots, cooking them gently until they’re wonderfully soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base of your soup, allowing the natural sweetness of the veggies to shine bright.

Step 2: Add the flour for thickness

Next, sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir it in. Cook for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste while creating a roux that will help thicken the soup beautifully without lumps. This is the key to that smooth, creamy texture.

Step 3: Slowly whisk in broth and milk

Gradually pour in your broth and milk while whisking steadily, ensuring everything combines seamlessly. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken up for several minutes. This step transforms your base into a velvety, rich liquid that’s ready to embrace the broccoli.

Step 4: Add the broccoli and cook to tenderness

Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and continue cooking until they’re just tender but still vibrant green. This keeps their fresh flavor and slightly crisp texture that gives your soup body and a delightful bite.

Step 5: Melt in the cheddar cheese

Finally, sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir gently until it melts completely, turning the soup beautifully golden and super creamy. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper to highlight all those delicious flavors.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy soup that has a light green color with visible small herb pieces. Inside the soup, there are several bright green broccoli florets and shredded pieces of orange chicken evenly mixed. A silver spoon is inside the bowl, scooping up soup with a broccoli floret, some shredded chicken, and soup broth. The background surface is white marble. A woman's hand is not visible in this image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes when it comes to taking your bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe to the next level. Try a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar for cheesiness piled on top, a few crumbled crispy bacon bits for smoky contrast, or fresh chopped chives to add a pop of bright green freshness that complements the soup perfectly.

Side Dishes

This soup is filling on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls for dunking. For lighter options, crisp garden salads or roasted veggies add texture and balance. Essentially, anything with a bit of crunch or freshness will make this meal complete and super satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a gathering, try ladling the soup into hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a rustic touch that’s fun and functional. Alternatively, serve it in pretty glass mugs for a cozy, inviting presentation. Adding a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of olive oil on top can bring a subtle aroma and elegant look that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. The flavor actually deepens overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, ready to be enjoyed again without losing any of its charm.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be aware that freezing can sometimes affect the texture slightly, but a good stir and gentle reheating will bring it back to life quickly.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. This prevents the cheese from separating or the soup from scorching. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick after chilling or freezing to restore that perfect creamy texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and beloved in this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for interesting flavor variations.

Is this soup vegetarian?

Yes, it can be! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the recipe fully vegetarian without compromising flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup, ensuring all your guests can enjoy it safely.

How do I get the broccoli perfectly tender without overcooking?

Add the broccoli in the last part of cooking and simmer just until it forks easily but is still bright green—about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps the texture fresh and vibrant.

Can I make this soup creamier?

Of course! Swap out regular milk for half-and-half or even heavy cream for an ultra-rich, indulgent finish that’s extra comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical in your kitchen. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in moments of self-care. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s not only easy to make but incredibly satisfying and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort classic!