Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli florets, Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. Whether you’re cozied up on a chilly evening or looking for a hearty lunch, this soup delivers the perfect balance of richness and wholesome goodness. Its velvety texture and depth of flavor come from sharp cheddar, fresh vegetables, and a touch of cream, making it an instant favorite for soup lovers.

This soup is a classic in many households—and for good reason. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and pairs beautifully with a crusty piece of bread or a warm sandwich. If you’ve ever craved the Panera version at home, this one will give it a run for its money. The magic lies in how simple ingredients come together for something so soul-satisfying.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin crafting your Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gather these essential tools to streamline the process:

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: This is where all the flavor-building magic happens. A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly, which is crucial for sautéing and simmering.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Precision is key when prepping broccoli florets, onions, and carrots. A good knife makes the task safer and more efficient.
Cutting Board: Choose a large, sturdy board for comfortable chopping space.

Whisk: Needed to blend the roux smoothly with the broth and cream.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring without damaging your pot’s surface.
Blender or Immersion Blender (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup texture, blending part or all of the soup will give it a luxuriously creamy consistency.

Using the right tools not only makes the prep easier but also ensures the best texture and flavor in every spoonful.

Ingredients for the Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Each ingredient in this Broccoli Cheddar Soup brings a specific texture or flavor, making the final dish deeply satisfying.

Fresh Broccoli Florets: The star of the soup. They provide texture and earthiness while soaking up all that cheesy goodness.

Shredded Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
Yellow Onion: Offers a flavorful aromatic base when sautéed.
Garlic: Enhances the savory notes and rounds out the base flavor.

Butter: Essential for building the roux and adding richness.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the soup and gives it that signature creamy texture.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The foundation that brings all the ingredients together.

Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Creates the luxurious, velvety finish.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup to create bold cheesy flavor; use high-quality for best results.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning essentials that enhance every ingredient’s flavor.

How To Make the Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In your large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed aromatics and whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add the Liquid Base

Gradually whisk in the broth, making sure to blend out any lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer so the mixture starts to thicken.

Step 4: Add Veggies

Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Simmer for about 10–15 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup. You can also carefully transfer some to a traditional blender.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and add the heavy cream or half-and-half. Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or a few reserved broccoli florets if desired.

How to Serve and Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup

When it comes to serving Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ve got delicious options. Ladle it into a deep bowl and top with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a swirl of cream for a pretty finish. It pairs beautifully with warm sourdough bread, garlic toast, or a crusty baguette. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or sandwich.

Storing this soup is just as easy as making it. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as that can break the cheese emulsion. For longer storage, freeze it without the cheese and cream, then stir those in freshly upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Make sure the soup is not boiling when you add the cheese. Lower the heat and stir gradually to melt it smoothly.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding.

What type of cheddar is best?

Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but you can also mix in mild or white cheddar for variety.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just use vegetable broth and double-check that your cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it properly and reheat gently.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to create your roux.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you loved this cozy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll definitely enjoy these other warm and comforting bowls:

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a cheesy pasta twist in a bowl.
Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup with pillowy pasta and rich tomato broth.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup full of bold flavors and hearty ingredients.
Rich Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff for a comforting meatless classic.
Moroccan Sweet Potato Soup with Chickpeas if you’re craving something spiced and a little exotic.

Looking for even more delicious soup and comfort food recipes? You can find my daily updated ideas and kitchen inspiration on my Pinterest @Life With Olivia.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you blend it smooth or leave it chunky? Add extra cheese or try a spicy twist?

I love hearing how others personalize their bowls. Questions welcome—let’s make every batch better together!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety blend of cream and broth. Perfect for cozy nights or lunch meal-prep, this soup is a Panera-style classic you can easily make at home.