Name: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons salted butter; 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 small); 1 large carrot, grated; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chopped broccoli (from 1 large crown); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half; 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 8 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups); Croutons, store-bought or homemade, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 101 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and downright comforting, then this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how velvety and rich this soup turns out, and once you try it, I promise you’ll be hooked. It’s perfect for chilly days, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want a hug in a bowl. Stick around — I’m sharing all my tips and tricks to make sure your soup comes out absolutely perfect every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super creamy and cheesy: The perfect blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan creates a rich, silky texture you’ll crave.
Easy to make: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps — just a few pantry staples and some love.
Versatile for your needs: You can tailor it with veggie or chicken stock, use milk or half-and-half, and add your favorite garnishes.
Family favorite: My kids and husband go crazy for this soup, and I bet your family will too!

A close-up of creamy yellow soup filled with green broccoli pieces in a black pot on a white marbled surface, the smooth soup showing small bubbles and specks of black pepper. A metal ladle lifts a portion of the soup, holding broccoli florets and a bit of the creamy liquid. The soup has a thick texture with visible broccoli throughout, creating a blend of green and yellow colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, broccoli cheddar soup, cheesy broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup, comforting soup recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating that luscious texture. When you’re out shopping, look for the sharpest cheddar you can find and fresh, vibrant broccoli for best results.

Flat lay of a small pile of salted butter cubes, a small mound of chopped yellow onion, a single large carrot shredded into fine strips, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a white bowl holding sea salt crystals, a white bowl containing mustard powder, a white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of clear chicken stock, a heap of chopped fresh broccoli florets from a large crown, a small pile of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a mound of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, several whole uncracked brown eggs, and a few whole black peppercorns scattered artfully, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, broccoli cheddar soup, cheesy broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup, comforting soup recipes

Salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies perfectly.
Yellow onion: The base flavor — sweet and aromatic when cooked down gently.
Carrot: Gives a natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
Garlic: A must for that cozy warmth and aroma.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup into its signature creamy consistency.
Sea salt: Enhances every flavor note — don’t skip it.
Mustard powder: A secret ingredient that brings out the sharpness in the cheddar.
Ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch wakes up the creamy base with warmth.
Whole milk or half-and-half: For a rich, smooth texture — half-and-half makes it extra indulgent!
Chicken or vegetable stock: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess.
Broccoli: The star — fresh and chopped into bite-sized florets.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty complexity and melts beautifully.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The heart of the soup, providing that irresistible cheesy punch.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance richness.
Croutons (optional): For a delightful crunch on top when serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is — feel free to mix and match based on what you have or your dietary preferences. It’s my go-to canvas when I want to get a little creative in the kitchen.

Dairy-free version: I’ve swapped out dairy milk for a creamy oat milk and used dairy-free cheddar for my lactose-intolerant friends—still creamy and oh-so-good!
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some smoked paprika totally woke my soup up the last time I made it. Give it a try if you want a little heat.
Protein boost: I sometimes throw in cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits for extra heartiness, and my family loves that twist.
Vegan adaptation: Using vegetable stock, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast, this soup can be transformed into a vegan delight that still feels indulgent.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by melting your butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven — the kind with a sturdy bottom works best to avoid hot spots. Toss in the chopped onion and grated carrot, stirring them around until they soften and become slightly sweet, about 5 minutes. This slow cooking is key to developing a rich base, so don’t rush it! Add the minced garlic last and cook just until fragrant, around 1 to 2 minutes; burnt garlic will throw off the whole soup.

Step 2: Create a Luscious Roux and Thicken the Soup

Sprinkle in the flour along with salt, mustard powder, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste — the mixture will thicken into a smooth paste. This is your secret for that creamy texture without any cream bombs. Slowly pour in the whole milk (or half-and-half if you want that extra indulgence), whisking constantly so it melds evenly without lumps. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickly coats the back of a spoon. That’s when you know you nailed it.

Step 3: Add Stock and Blend for Silky Smoothness

Once your base is thick and creamy, take the pot off the heat and stir in the chicken or vegetable stock. Now, use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend until silky smooth. If you don’t have one, let the soup cool slightly, blend in batches in a regular blender, and then return it to the pot. This step turns the base into that silky, comforting texture that really makes this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe stand out.

Step 4: Simmer the Broccoli Until Tender

Pour in your chopped broccoli, stir it well, and place the pot back on medium-low heat. Let it gently simmer until the broccoli is tender but still bursts with vibrant green color — about 20 minutes. I like to peek in here to make sure it doesn’t get mushy; tender but not falling apart is the sweet spot.

Step 5: Stir in Cheeses for Ultimate Creaminess

Take the pot off the heat and add the Parmesan first along with half of your shredded sharp cheddar, stirring until both cheeses beautifully melt into the soup. Then, add the remaining cheddar and keep stirring until it’s creamy and smooth all over. Adding the cheese off the heat helps prevent clumping or graininess. Finally, season with freshly cracked black pepper and a little extra salt if needed — always taste before adjusting.

Step 6: Serve Hot with Optional Crunch

Ladle your soup into bowls and top with crunchy croutons if you want some texture contrast — it’s my favorite touch for serving this soup cozy style. Now, grab a spoon and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Use sharp cheddar: The sharper the cheddar, the more punchy and flavorful your soup will be — don’t use mild unless you want a very subtle taste.
Don’t overcook the broccoli: Keep an eye so it stays tender-crisp for that fresh pop rather than turning mushy and dull green.
Slowly whisk when adding milk: Adding milk too fast can cause lumps, so pour gradually while continuously whisking for a perfect base.
Melt cheese off heat: Adding cheese after removing from heat helps avoid graininess and keeps the soup silky smooth.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A bowl with a dark green rim filled with creamy yellow broccoli cheese soup, with small green broccoli pieces scattered evenly throughout the soup. On top, there are golden brown croutons with a crunchy texture, some partially soaked in the soup. A silver spoon with a dark handle rests inside the bowl, touching the soup and some croutons. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered crumbs and a wooden bowl of crushed black pepper visible at the top left corner. The image is bright with soft shadows, showing a cozy and warm atmosphere. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, broccoli cheddar soup, cheesy broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup, comforting soup recipes

Garnishes

I usually top my soup with crunchy homemade croutons or a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar for a cheesy finish. Sometimes a little crispy bacon or chopped fresh chives gets added for color and flavor — those little touches really turn this soup into a star at the table.

Side Dishes

My family and I love pairing this soup with warm crusty bread or a buttery garlic baguette. A simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette also works great to balance all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls — they add charm and keep things cozy. Another fun idea is layering with crumbled crispy bacon and a drizzle of truffle oil for a decadent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let my leftover soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It stays wonderfully creamy but always tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.

Freezing

Freezing Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe works well if you want to save some for later, but I recommend freezing before adding the cheese (add it fresh when reheating). Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If needed, add a splash of milk or stock to loosen the texture. Adding the cheese fresh while reheating keeps the soup creamy and luscious every time.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful and creamy.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming grainy when adding cheese?

The key is to remove the pot from heat before stirring in your shredded cheese. Adding cheese over too high heat can cause it to separate and become grainy — stirring gently off the heat keeps it silky smooth.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

You can, but fresh broccoli gives the best flavor and texture. If you use frozen, thaw and drain it well first to avoid excess water thinning out your soup.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

A quick fix is to create a slurry by mixing a little flour or cornstarch with cold water, then whisk it into the simmering soup. Let it cook a few minutes until thickened to your liking.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! You can make the soup a day ahead and reheat it gently. It tastes even better once the flavors have melded overnight.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe has become one of those heartwarming staples in my kitchen — it’s simple, satisfying, and always gets rave reviews from friends and family alike. I used to struggle finding a soup that balanced cheesy richness without being too heavy, and this one hits all the right notes. I really hope you give it a try and fall in love with it as much as we have. Grab your pot, invite some loved ones, and enjoy every comforting spoonful together!