Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish loaded with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a velvety smooth base. This classic soup comes together quickly, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy lunches.
I first made this when I was craving something warm and rich but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of perfectly cooked broccoli, creamy cheddar, and a touch of garlic created a flavorful, satisfying bowl of comfort. What I love most about this recipe is how simple yet indulgent it is—just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort for maximum flavor.
What’s great about this soup is how easy it is to customize. You can blend it completely smooth for a creamy texture or leave some chunks for extra heartiness. Add carrots for sweetness, spice it up with cayenne, or swap in different cheeses for a unique twist. Whether served with crusty bread or in a bread bowl, Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that never disappoints!
Perfect for:
- Cozy winter nights
- Quick lunches or dinners
- Meal prepping
- Cheese lovers
- A hearty yet easy meal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup will become your go-to comfort meal:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: A velvety-smooth consistency that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Loaded with Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth and richness to every bite.
- Perfectly Tender Broccoli: Soft, flavorful broccoli florets blend beautifully into the soup.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great last-minute meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires just a few pantry staples and fresh produce.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- One-Pot Recipe: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable: Adjust thickness, add extra veggies, or use different cheeses.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, creamy goodness.
- Pairs Well with Everything: Serve with bread, crackers, or a sandwich for a complete meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 26g
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold, cheesy flavor.
- Fresh Broccoli: Adds nutrients and a vibrant green color.
- Butter and Flour: Create a roux for a thick, creamy base.
- Garlic and Onion: Enhance the depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
Make the Base:
- Add Flour: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in Broth: Gradually add broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
Cook the Broccoli:
- Add Broccoli: Stir in chopped broccoli, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Blend and Add Cheese:
- Blend (Optional): Use an immersion blender to puree the soup for a smoother consistency, or leave it chunky.
- Stir in Milk: Pour in milk and heat until warm.
- Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
Serve:
- Ladle into Bowls: Serve hot with extra cheese or croutons on top.
How to Serve
Here are 10 ways to enjoy Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
- In a Bread Bowl: Serve in a hollowed-out bread loaf for an extra treat.
- With Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crispy garlic bread enhances every bite.
- Topped with Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more cheddar on top for extra cheesiness.
- With Croutons: Adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh salad.
- With a Dash of Hot Sauce: Spice it up with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
- With Crispy Beef Bacon Bits: Adds a smoky, savory touch.
- With a Dollop of Sour Cream: Enhances the creaminess and adds tang.
- As a Dip: Use it as a dip for toasted breadsticks or crackers.
- Topped with Green Onions: For a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese will give your soup the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – To keep a slight bite and vibrant color, add broccoli towards the end of cooking and simmer just until tender.
- Grate Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Grating cheese fresh ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Blend for Extra Creaminess – Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a velvety consistency while still keeping some broccoli pieces for texture.
- Make It Thicker – For a heartier soup, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in before adding the cheese.
- Go Low and Slow with Cheese – To prevent curdling, add cheese off the heat and stir gently until melted. High heat can cause the cheese to separate.
- Boost the Flavor – A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dry mustard can enhance the cheesy, savory depth of the soup.
- Add a Crunchy Topping – Garnish with crispy beef bacon, croutons, or toasted almonds for a delicious contrast in texture.
- Use a Good Broth – A high-quality vegetable or chicken broth makes a big difference in the soup’s flavor, so choose wisely.
- Store and Reheat with Care – Leftovers thicken in the fridge; add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
Recipe Variations
- Loaded Baked Potato Style – Stir in diced cooked potatoes and top with crispy bacon, sour cream, and extra cheddar.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Creamy Cauliflower Blend – Replace half the broccoli with cauliflower for a slightly lighter, creamier texture.
- Protein-Packed – Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken, crumbled beef sausage, or cooked ground turkey.
- Low-Carb Keto – Use heavy cream instead of milk and thicken with cream cheese instead of flour.
- Vegan & Dairy-Free – Swap the cheese for nutritional yeast, use coconut milk, and replace butter with olive oil.
- Herb-Infused – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic touch.
- Chunky or Smooth – Leave the soup chunky for texture, or blend it completely for a velvety finish.
- Extra Veggie Boost – Toss in shredded carrots, diced zucchini, or spinach for more nutrients.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven – For cooking the soup evenly.
- Immersion Blender – To blend the soup for a smooth consistency (optional).
- Cheese Grater – For freshly grating cheddar cheese (melts better than pre-shredded).
- Ladle – To serve the soup easily.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For stirring without scratching the pot.
- Cutting Board – For chopping broccoli, onions, and other ingredients.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – To finely chop vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
- Strainer or Colander – To rinse the broccoli before cooking.
- Soup Bowls – To serve your warm, comforting soup!
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?
Yes, but dairy-based soups may separate when thawed. Reheat slowly while stirring to restore texture. - What’s the best way to reheat?
Warm on low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, or microwave in short intervals. - Can I make this soup without flour?
Yes! Use cornstarch or blend some of the soup to thicken it naturally. - What other cheese can I use?
Gouda, Swiss, or a mix of cheeses work great for a different flavor. - How do I prevent my cheese from clumping?
Remove the soup from heat before adding cheese and stir continuously. - Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in cheese at the end. - Is this soup kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cheesy flavor makes it appealing to kids. - Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes! Shredded chicken, beef ham, or crumbled beef sausage are great additions.
Conclusion
Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate cozy, creamy, and cheesy comfort food! Packed with tender broccoli florets, rich cheddar cheese, and a velvety smooth broth, this one-pot soup is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor, making it a family favorite for chilly nights or anytime you need a little extra comfort.
Customize it by adding crispy bacon for a smoky crunch, stirring in extra veggies like carrots or cauliflower, or topping it with croutons for added texture. Serve it with a crusty baguette or in a bread bowl for the ultimate comfort meal!
I can’t wait to see how your Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!