Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A warm, creamy, and beautifully comforting soup that highlights the fresh flavor of broccoli and the richness of real cheddar cheese. This lighter homemade version is perfect for any season and makes a nourishing lunch or cozy dinner starter.

Introduction

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a classic that appeals to all ages. Many versions rely heavily on butter or heavy cream, resulting in a rich but very heavy dish. This recipe balances creaminess with lighter ingredients, creating a soup that is both velvety and wholesome. By blending part of the cooked vegetables and using milk instead of cream, the texture becomes smooth and satisfying without feeling overly rich.

Whether you serve it with a crusty piece of bread, a fresh salad, or a simple sandwich, this soup brings warmth and comfort to the table with minimal effort. It is an excellent way to include more vegetables in your meals, and it reheats beautifully for weekly meal prep.

Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Without Heavy Cream:
A simple roux combined with milk gives the soup body and silkiness. Blending part of the soup adds natural creaminess from the vegetables.
A Veggie-Packed Option:
With six cups of broccoli plus the aromatic base of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, this soup delivers a full serving of vegetables in every bowl.
Perfect for Meal Prep:
The flavors continue to deepen as it sits, making it a wonderful make-ahead option for lunches or quick dinners over the next several days.
Consistently Smooth and Flavorful:
Sharply flavored cheddar cheese and a touch of Parmesan add depth, richness, and the classic flavor profile you expect from broccoli cheese soup.

Ingredients

A breakdown of what you will need to make this soup:

Onion, carrot, celery, and garlic:
Together they form a classic aromatic base that builds the foundation of flavor in the soup.
Butter:
Just enough to sauté the vegetables and help form the roux.
Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free):
Used to thicken the soup and create a creamy consistency.
Chicken broth or vegetable broth:
Both work well. A lower-sodium option allows you to better control the seasoning.
Milk:
Fat-free milk keeps the soup lighter while still offering creaminess once blended.
Salt and black pepper:
Adjust according to preference during cooking.
Broccoli florets:
Fresh broccoli cut into small pieces for even cooking and easier blending.
Sharp cheddar cheese:
Adds richness and a robust cheesy flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts best.
Parmesan cheese:
Adds a subtle nuttiness and enhances the overall creaminess.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic using a knife or a small food processor. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they cook.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot set over low heat. Add the chopped vegetables along with the salt and black pepper. Cook gently for about five minutes, or until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously, allowing it to cook for about two minutes. This step removes the raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup later.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Slowly whisk in the broth, taking care to eliminate any lumps. The mixture will begin to smooth out and thicken.

Step 5: Add the Milk and Broccoli

Pour in the milk, increase the heat, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it begins to bubble, add the chopped broccoli florets and the Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about ten minutes, or until the broccoli is very tender.

Step 6: Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup briefly. This thickens the soup naturally while still leaving some texture. If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully remove one or two cups of soup, blend in a blender, and return it to the pot.

Step 7: Add the Cheddar

Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese slowly, allowing it to melt smoothly into the soup. The soup will take on its classic cheddar color and develop a velvety consistency.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you like, finish with a bit of extra shredded cheddar on top. Serve hot.

What to Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup pairs well with a variety of sides, making it suitable for lunch or dinner.

A piece of warm crusty bread or homemade dinner rolls
A crisp green salad
A half sandwich for a more filling meal
A hollowed round loaf for a homemade bread bowl

Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly than bagged cheese.
Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent graininess.
If you prefer a completely smooth soup, blend fully until silky.
For a chunkier texture, blend only a small portion or skip blending entirely.