Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Healthy, Hearty, and Homemade

Editor: Suman Pathak on Apr 25,2025

Broccoli cheddar soup has been a favorite in many homes and restaurants. Because it's smooth and consists of wholesome ingredients, it has everything: it's comforting, tasty, and easy to add your own special touches to. Let's explore creating the perfect bowl of this classic soup from scratch.

Why Make Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

While you can always buy canned soup or dine out, preparing broccoli soup at home has a number of important advantages:

Healthier Ingredients: You control what goes into your soup. That means fewer sodium units, no preservatives, and fresh vegetables.
Cost-Effective: A big pot of homemade cheddar broccoli soup is much less expensive than dining out.
Adjustable: Change the flavors and textures to suit your taste. Add more cheese, less cream, or add more veggies—the decision is yours!

Best of all, this simple broccoli soup is a delicious and satisfying cooking project. Let's take a glance at the ingredients and steps to start.

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Ingredients for Broccoli & Cheddar Soup

You don't need to use anything out of the ordinary to make this cheddar broccoli soup recipe. A lot of the ingredients might already be in your pantry!

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 carrot, grated or chopped
2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 cup milk (or dairy-free substitute)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

Cauliflower (for added texture)
Nutmeg or paprika (for added flavor)
Cream (for creamier soup)
Croutons or shredded cheese on top

This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is highly versatile. If you are dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese. If you want a richer taste, substitute heavy cream for milk.

Step-by-Step Broccoli Soup Recipe

Here's how to create a healthy and satisfying bowl of homemade soup:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a big pot, melt butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add the broccoli and carrots. Stir thoroughly, and cook for approximately 2 minutes. If your broccoli is fresh, cut it up into tiny, bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and rapidly.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth. Bring all to a light boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 10–15 minutes. This breaks down the broccoli and melds the flavors.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, mix the flour and a couple of tablespoons of milk together to form a smooth paste. Add it to the soup and keep stirring for a couple of minutes. This will thicken your cheddar broccoli soup and give it a creamy texture.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

If you prefer your broccoli & cheddar soup more smooth, you may puree some or all of the soup with an immersion blender or by transferring it to a blender carefully. Pureeing unites the vegetables and results in a creamier soup.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Milk

Decrease heat and add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring gently. Stir in the cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the soup. Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese—it will leave the texture grainy.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste, or add a pinch of paprika or nutmeg for an extra kick. Serve hot, garnished with a piece of crusty bread or more cheese.

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Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup Tips

Ready to take your soup to the next level? Try these quick and easy tips to add a little extra kick to your broccoli cheddar soup recipe:

Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as smoothly. Grating your own cheddar makes the soup creamier.
Use Fresh Broccoli: While frozen broccoli works fine, fresh broccoli gives a brighter flavor and better texture.
Simmer Gently: Avoid high heat after adding the cheese. Low and slow is the secret to the creamy soup.
Don't Overcook: Overcooking broccoli will make it mushy and pale in color. Opt for tender, but still, there are a few firm pieces.

How to Make It Healthier?

Want a healthier version of broccoli & cheddar soup? Here are some easy tweaks you can make:

Skip the Cream: Use low-fat milk or plant-based milk instead of cream.
Scale Down the Cheese: You don't need much cheese to get that taste. Start with 1/2 cup and add up to more as needed.
Add Some Extra Veggies: Mix in cauliflower, spinach, or even zucchini to add more nutritional value.
Take Whole-Wheat Flour: In case you need some fiber, whole-wheat flour is a great thickener.

This makes it one of the best simple broccoli cheddar soup recipes for health-conscious eaters.

Storing and Reheating

This cheddar broccoli soup recipe also excels when it comes to storing it. It's perfect for meal prep or leftover use.

In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure that it's cooled completely before freezing.
To Reheat: Heat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or broth if it's too thick.

Fun Twists on Broccoli Soup

Looking to shake things up? Below are some creative ways to make your soup the talk of the town:

1. Broccoli Soup in a Bread Bowl

Serve your soup in a hollowed-out bread roll or sourdough bowl for a restaurant meal at home. It's a fantastic presentation and gives it a delicious, edible container!

2. Spicy Broccoli Soup

Add a chopped jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of hot sauce for a spicy version. It adds spiciness and gives it an added kick of flavor.

3. Broccoli Cheddar Rice Soup

Add in cooked rice or quinoa for extra texture and to make the soup more filling.

4. Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top of your soup, or mix them in for an extra smoky flavor. The salty crunch is a great addition to the creamy soup.

Serving Ideas

This broccoli soup recipe is fine, but there are many different sides. Here are some easy ideas:

Crusty garlic bread or baguette
A green salad with light vinaigrette
Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes roasted
Crackers, toast, or grilled cheese

Serve your soup with a warm drink like tea or cider as a meal ending.

Broccoli Soup for Special Diets

The broccoli & cheddar soup may be prepared to accommodate almost any diet. This is how:

Vegetarian: Make using vegetable broth and avoid meat-laden toppings.
Vegan: Replace with plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and olive oil instead of butter.
Gluten-Free: Replace with cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of flour.
Low-Carb/Keto: Use fewer carrots or leave them out, and avoid using bread sides.

Substitutions allow everyone to enjoy a delicious, comforting bowl of soup.

Final Thoughts

There is a reason broccoli soup continues to be so beloved and comforting. It is creamy, flavorful, and deceptively simple to prepare. This soup recipe proves that creating homemade dinners doesn't need to require elaborate preparation or huge time usage. You can utilize simple ingredients and make a satisfying, nutritious, and filling meal all in your own kitchen.

Whether you're making a quick weeknight supper or soup to serve with your family at the weekend lunch, this easy broccoli cheddar soup is sure to fit the bill.

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