If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and velvety creaminess that melts together beautifully to create an irresistibly satisfying dish. Whether you want a hearty lunch or a soothing dinner, this soup balances freshness and indulgence in a way that always hits the spot. Trust me, once you try this, it just might become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to the rich flavor and smooth texture of this soup. Each component plays a vital role, bringing color, depth, and that signature creamy splash that makes this recipe truly shine.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luscious base for sautéing and enriches the soup’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Onion (finely chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness that rounds out the savory notes perfectly.
- Garlic (minced): Offers a warm aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent to give the soup that silky, creamy body.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides depth and a comforting foundation for the fresh veggies.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and balances the flavors with its smooth texture.
- Broccoli florets: The star green vegetable packed with vitamins and vibrant color.
- Carrots (peeled and grated): Sweetness and natural earthiness that brighten up the soup beautifully.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch to add warmth and a hint of spice that elevates the overall taste.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out the flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (grated): The cheesy heart of the soup, its sharpness perfectly complements the broccoli.
- Heavy cream (optional): For an extra rich finish that makes the soup downright decadent.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them gently soften and release their fragrant aroma. This step sets a flavorful foundation, so take your time and stir occasionally until the onion is translucent and tender, about five minutes.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir it constantly for about one minute, which cooks out the raw flour taste and helps build the soup’s creamy texture. This careful cooking here is key to avoiding any gritty lumps later on.
Step 3: Add Broth and Milk
Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth followed by the milk. Keep stirring constantly to ensure the mixture stays smooth and lump-free. Watching this magically transform into a creamy base always feels like soup-making magic happening before your eyes.
Step 4: Simmer with Veggies and Spices
Now it’s time to add the chopped broccoli, grated carrots, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup up to a gentle simmer and let it cook until the vegetables are tender, usually around 15 to 20 minutes. This softening releases their natural flavors, creating a vibrant and hearty soup.
Step 5: Blend to Perfection
Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some broccoli and carrot chunks intact to add delightful texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, puree, and then return it to the pot. This stage is where the soup’s creamy, velvety body truly comes together.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Cream
Gently stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into a sumptuous cheesy ribbon throughout the soup. If you want it extra creamy, fold in the heavy cream now. Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Pour your dreamy Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe into bowls and get ready to indulge in a bowl of comfort and flavor. This is the moment where all your efforts come together into a soul-warming meal.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this soup from delicious to extraordinary. Try topping your bowl with extra shredded sharp cheddar for a melty finish, freshly chopped chives for a mild onion kick, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for added crunch. A swirl of cream on top adds a beautiful visual and silky touch.
Side Dishes
To make it a full meal, pair your soup with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls for dipping. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, while a light fruit salad balances every bite with natural sweetness. These combos make for a satisfying and well-rounded dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a charming touch that doubles as edible serving ware. You can also layer the soup with croutons and cheese in clear glass mugs to show off the beautiful colors and textures—it makes the experience fun and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This creamy soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge flavors. Before serving your leftovers, give it a good stir to reincorporate any separated cream or cheese.
Freezing
If you want to stash some soup away for later, this recipe freezes well but it’s best to omit the heavy cream before freezing. Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Add a splash of milk or cream as you warm it to revive that luscious creamy texture and keep it tasting fresh and delectable.
FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and you’re good to go. The flavors remain rich and satisfying without any meat-based ingredients.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, and opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli works just fine and can make this recipe even more convenient. Just add it a little earlier in the simmering step to make sure it cooks through evenly.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it gets too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk or broth to reach your preferred consistency.
What cheese is best for this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts beautifully and adds a robust cheesy flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it often contains additives that can affect melting.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe enough—it’s a cozy classic that feels like a warm hug on chilly days. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome veggies, and has that perfect balance of cheese and creaminess that makes you want seconds (and maybe thirds). So go ahead, whip up a pot, invite some friends or enjoy it all by yourself, and savor every spoonful of this comforting delight.
Print
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for cooler days. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of nutmeg, this soup blends vegetables with creamy textures for a rich and satisfying flavor. The recipe includes a simple stovetop method to create a smooth, cheesy soup with a perfect balance of savory and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Liquid & Thickening
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
Vegetables & Seasoning
- 4 cups (about 2 heads) broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese & Cream
- 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a smooth paste.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming and to combine into a creamy base.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped broccoli florets, grated carrots, nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Puree the soup: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
- Add cheese and cream: Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. If using, add the heavy cream to enhance the richness. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese and chopped chives if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- The heavy cream is optional but adds extra richness and smoothness to the soup.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the broccoli and carrots.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding nutmeg enhances the soup’s warmth and depth of flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
