When the chill of the season sets in, few things offer the same cozy satisfaction as a bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Rich, creamy, and loaded with tender broccoli and melted sharp cheddar, this classic soup is the definition of comfort food. Whether you’re looking to recreate a cafe favorite or just need something warm and filling, this recipe has you covered.

Made in one pot and ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect weeknight meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad, and you’ve got yourself a hearty, balanced dinner that even picky eaters love. And the best part? You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.

What Kind of Cheddar Should I Use?

Sharp cheddar is the go-to for this soup. Its bold flavor cuts through the creaminess and balances the natural sweetness of the broccoli. If you’re feeling adventurous, try blending in a bit of white cheddar or even gouda for a twist.

Ingredients for the Broccoli Cheddar Soup

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

How To Make the Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This helps thicken your soup and gives it that luxurious texture.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking to eliminate lumps. Add the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Toss in the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes until the veggies are tender.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot. Or leave it chunky—your call!

Step 6: Add Cheese and Season

Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar until melted. Add salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg if using. Stir well and taste for seasoning.

Serving and Storing This Cozy Classic

Serve this broccoli cheddar soup piping hot with a slice of sourdough or a buttered dinner roll. It’s also fantastic in a bread bowl if you’re going all in! Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or a few croutons for added texture.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the dairy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

It already is! Just double-check that your vegetable broth is free of any meat-based flavor enhancers.

Can I freeze this soup?

It’s best not to. Cream-based soups can separate when frozen, affecting the texture. Stick to refrigerating.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use additional whole milk or even half-and-half. The soup will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just make sure it’s thawed and drained before adding it to avoid excess water thinning out the soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.

How do I avoid clumpy cheese?

Make sure the soup isn’t boiling when you add the cheese. Reduce the heat and stir continuously for a smooth melt.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you loved this Broccoli Cheddar Soup, warm up to these other hearty bowls:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime: Follow Nina Dishes on Pinterest

I’d love to hear how your soup turned out! Did you add extra veggies or spice it up with jalapeños? Let me know in the comments. Let’s inspire each other to make dinner a little cozier.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, rich, and packed with tender vegetables and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy nights or a comforting lunch, it’s easy to make and even easier to love. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it in a bread bowl for the ultimate comfort meal.