Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Introduction

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate bowl of creamy comfort. It combines fresh broccoli florets, sautéed onions, garlic, shredded carrots, and rich sharp cheddar cheese in a velvety broth. The result is a thick, cheesy, and nourishing soup that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

This soup is especially loved during colder months, but honestly, it’s a year-round favorite. It’s hearty enough to be a main course yet elegant enough to serve as a starter. Best of all, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s ready in under an hour.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. The broccoli gives it a fresh, earthy flavor and lots of vitamins, while the cheddar cheese makes it rich, creamy, and completely satisfying.

It’s also one of those soups that brings everyone to the table—kids love the cheesy flavor, adults love the comfort factor, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a warm sandwich. Every spoonful feels cozy and satisfying.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and filling.
• Nutritious yet indulgent—packed with broccoli and carrots but tastes rich and hearty.
• One-pot recipe—easy to make and clean up.
• Family favorite—appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile—can be served as lunch, dinner, or a starter for a special meal.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~300–350 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Soup / Main Course / Starter

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika or ground mustard (optional, for flavor boost)

Garnish (optional):

• Extra shredded cheddar
• Croutons or garlic bread
• Fresh parsley or chives

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in butter.
2. Add flour to make a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in broth and milk.
4. Stir in broccoli and cook until tender.
5. Blend (optional) for creaminess.
6. Add cheddar cheese, stir until melted, season, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

• In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Make the Roux

• Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir well.
• Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Liquid

• Slowly whisk in chicken or vegetable broth.
• Add milk and stir until smooth.

Step 4: Cook Broccoli

• Stir in broccoli florets.
• Simmer for 10–12 minutes, until broccoli is tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

• For a chunkier soup: leave as is.
• For a creamier texture: blend half the soup using an immersion blender or carefully in batches in a countertop blender.

Step 6: Add Cheese

• Reduce heat to low.
• Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
• Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheddar.
• Pair with crusty bread, garlic bread, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Serve in bread bowls for a restaurant-style presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Mild cheddar can taste bland.
• Grate cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded (which often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting).
• Don’t boil after adding cheese—keep heat low to prevent curdling.
• If soup is too thick, thin with extra broth or milk.

Variations

• Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup – Add diced potatoes with the broccoli.
• Spicy Version – Stir in cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes.
• Vegan Broccoli Soup – Use olive oil, veggie broth, and cashew cream instead of dairy and vegan cheese.
• Extra Veggie Boost – Add zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended (cheese and milk can separate). If freezing, do so before adding the cheese and stir in cheese after reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Immersion blender (optional, for creamier soup)
• Ladle & serving bowls

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect marriage of comfort, flavor, and nutrition. With its creamy base, tender broccoli, and rich melted cheddar, it’s a dish that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re craving a cozy lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a restaurant-style soup in a bread bowl, this recipe delivers every time.

It’s hearty, kid-friendly, and endlessly versatile—a soup that deserves a place in every home cook’s recipe collection.

Print Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Soups & Drinks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 350 kcal

Description

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate bowl of creamy comfort. It combines fresh broccoli florets, sautéed onions, garlic, shredded carrots, and rich sharp cheddar cheese in a velvety broth.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika or ground mustard (optional, for flavor boost)
• Extra shredded cheddar
• Croutons or garlic bread
• Fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté Aromatics : In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Make the Roux : Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir well.Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
3. Step 3: Add Liquid : Slowly whisk in chicken or vegetable broth.Add milk and stir until smooth.
4. Step 4: Cook Broccoli : Stir in broccoli florets.Simmer for 10–12 minutes, until broccoli is tender but not mushy.
5. Step 5: Blend (Optional) : For a chunkier soup: leave as is.For a creamier texture: blend half the soup using an immersion blender or carefully in batches in a countertop blender.
6. Step 6: Add Cheese : Reduce heat to low.Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup