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If you’ve been craving a warm, comforting bowl of homemade goodness, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your day. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly cheesy with tender broccoli bites, making it a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or need an easy-to-make meal that feels special, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe brings that restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a large white bowl filled with green broccoli florets. Surrounding it are smaller white bowls and plates holding different ingredients: shredded orange cheddar cheese, finely chopped white onions, shredded white cheese, white flour, black pepper, salt, and minced garlic. There is also a brown bowl with orange shredded carrots, a small plate with three cubes of butter, a jar with a light yellow liquid, and another jar with white liquid. A beige bowl contains pieces of bread. The ingredients are neatly placed in a balanced and visually clean layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the buttery base that carries flavor, to the sharp cheddar that gives it the perfect cheesy punch, and the fresh broccoli bringing vibrant color and texture.

4 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
1 cup chopped yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation to the soup.
1 large carrot, grated: Contributes subtle sweetness and brightens the flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, inviting aroma and depth.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup into a luscious consistency.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors; add more to taste.
1 teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a gentle tangy complexity to the cheese sauce.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle warmth that rounds out the flavor.
2 cups whole milk or half-and-half: Creates the creamy body of the soup.
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock: Balances richness with a savory broth base.
4 cups chopped broccoli: The star vegetable that makes this soup wholesome and colorful.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that lifts the flavor.
8 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese: The key ingredient for that iconic cheesy taste and creamy texture.
Freshly cracked black pepper: For seasoning and a little bite.
Croutons (optional): Offer a crunchy contrast and an extra touch of comfort.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Make the Soup Base

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, cooking them until they soften and release their natural sweetness—about five minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic, cooking just until you can smell its wonderful aroma. At this stage, sprinkle in the flour, sea salt, mustard powder, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth paste, which will become the foundation for your creamy soup.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in your milk while whisking continuously so the mixture thickens without lumps. This process takes around five minutes and results in a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the broccoli later on. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chicken or vegetable stock. To get a velvety smooth texture, use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend the liquid base. If you don’t have one, carefully blend in batches in a countertop blender, then return it all to the pot.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cheese

Now it’s time to fold in the chopped broccoli. Place the pot back on medium-low heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender while soaking up all those creamy flavors. Once the broccoli is perfect, stir in the Parmesan and half the cheddar cheese until melted. Finally, add the rest of the cheddar to give the soup that irresistible creamy, cheesy finish. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and more salt if needed — taste as you go!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the hot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe into bowls, and if you love a bit of crunch, top each serving with a handful of crunchy croutons. This simple addition makes every spoonful even more delightful.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A large black pot filled with thick, creamy yellow soup with visible small green broccoli pieces spread throughout the soup, some floating on the surface and some inside a large silver ladle resting in the pot, sprinkled lightly with cracked black pepper, placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has a smooth texture with tiny bubbles on top, and the ladle handle has a wooden grip. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is where you can get creative or keep it classic. Freshly cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, or crispy croutons add texture and flavor at the very end. If you want a pop of color, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives can elevate the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with some crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping and soaking up every bit of that cheesy goodness. A light green salad can be a refreshing complement if you want a balanced meal. For something heartier, grilled cheese sandwiches are a perfect companion to this comforting soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a rustic, edible vessel. Alternatively, use mini mason jars or small crock bowls for portion control at a party. Adding a swirl of cream or drizzling some high-quality olive oil on top makes the presentation as delightful as the taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great option to prepare ahead for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, allow it to cool completely and transfer into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep the texture creamy and smooth. You might need to add a splash of milk or stock to loosen the soup, as it can thicken after chilling or freezing. Avoid boiling to keep the cheese from separating.

FAQs

Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to keep the recipe fully vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t have extra-sharp cheddar cheese?

You can use sharp or even mild cheddar, but extra-sharp provides the boldest, most pronounced cheesy flavor that really makes this soup shine.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works in a pinch! Just add it at the same stage as fresh broccoli and cook until tender. The texture might be slightly softer but still delicious.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and try a plant-based cheese alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will shift, but it can still be tasty.

How thick should the soup be?

The ideal Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe has a creamy, medium-thick consistency that coats the spoon but is still velvety enough to sip. Adjust thickness with more milk or stock as you prefer.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of homemade soup that tastes like it was made with love—and this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is one of those dishes. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for any day you want a little extra cozy goodness. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your go-to comfort food collection!

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