Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

If you’re looking for a bowl of cozy comfort, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is exactly what you need. With a velvety, cheesy broth and tender bites of fresh broccoli, this soup is rich, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it with a side of crusty bread or as a meal on its own, this soup is perfect for cold days or whenever you crave something warm and cheesy.

Ready to whip up this comforting classic? Let’s get started!

Annie Graves

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm up with this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup! Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli, it’s the perfect comfort food.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Soup

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots optional, for extra flavor and color
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional, for depth of flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• A pinch of cayenne pepper optional, for a slight kick

For Serving

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Crusty bread or croutons

Substitutions

• Vegan: Use plant-based milk vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken.
• Low-Fat: Use low-fat milk and cheese to lighten the dish.

Method

 

Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Make the Roux

1. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is golden and bubbly.

Add the Broth and Milk

1. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the Broccoli and Carrots

1. Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots (if using).
2. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Add the Cheese and Seasoning

1. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if desired).
2. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
3. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Blend (Optional)

1. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, or transfer half of the soup to a blender and purée it, then stir it back into the pot.

Serve

1. Ladle the Broccoli Cheddar Soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese.
2. Serve with crusty bread or croutons for dipping.
3. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 cup of soup):

• Calories: 350-400
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Notes/Advice:

• Additions/Subtractions:
  • For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving.
  • You can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available—just add it directly to the pot without thawing.
  • Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more broth for a thinner soup or more cheese for a thicker, richer texture.

Variations:

• Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Add crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, savory touch.
• Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Stir in 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Lighter Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Use half the cheese and swap whole milk for almond milk or skim milk for a lighter version.

Suggestions:

• Serving Ideas: Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a warm loaf of crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or crumbled sausage.
• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. It’s great for meal prep—store it in the fridge and reheat it on the stove.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts:

And there you have it—Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting! This rich and delicious soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something hearty and filling. With its tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and velvety texture, every spoonful is pure comfort. So grab your ingredients, whip up a pot of this classic soup, and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal. Bon appétit!

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