Creamy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup

There is nothing more comforting on a chilly evening than a bowl of rich, velvety Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This classic comfort food favorite combines tender broccoli florets with sharp, melted cheddar cheese in a perfectly seasoned broth. It is the ultimate family-friendly dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. By using fresh vegetables and real cheese, you get a depth of flavor that beats any canned alternative. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy lunch option, this easy soup recipe is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at your table.

To make this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you will need a handful of fresh produce and pantry staples. Focus on using a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese, as it provides the signature bold flavor that defines this dish.

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour (AP, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• 3 cups less sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper, to taste
• 6 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1-1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Here are a few ways to tailor this soup to what you have in your pantry.

• Vegetable Broth: Use a high-quality vegetable stock to keep this recipe strictly vegetarian-friendly.
• Cheese Choice: For the best melt, grate your own cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags which contain anti-caking agents.
• Milk: You can substitute the fat-free milk with 2% or whole milk for an even creamier consistency.
• Flour: If you are gluten-sensitive, a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend works perfectly for the roux.
• Broccoli: If you only have frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pot.

Step 1: Prep the Aromatics

Place your onion, carrot, celery, and garlic into a food processor or chopper. Pulse until the vegetables are finely diced. This ensures that every spoonful of your Broccoli Cheddar Soup is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add your chopped vegetable mixture along with the salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Stir the flour into the sautéed vegetables. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is essential to remove the raw flour taste and create a thick, stable base for your soup.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps in the liquid. Add the milk, increase the heat to high until the soup boils, then toss in the broccoli florets and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Blend and Finish

Use an immersion blender to quickly blend a small portion of the soup to thicken it. If you do not have one, remove a cup of the soup, blend it in a standard blender, and stir it back into the pot. Finally, gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth, then serve your Broccoli Cheddar Soup immediately.

Pair this Broccoli Cheddar Soup with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

• Serve with a side of warm, crusty sourdough bread for dipping.
• A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese.
• Add a side of garlic bread sticks for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun, impressive presentation.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the stovetop on low heat and stir frequently. Avoid high heat or microwaving at high power, as this can cause the cheese sauce to break and become oily.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well. If the soup thickens too much while sitting in the fridge, simply add a splash of broth when reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Generally, it is best not to freeze cream-based soups as the texture can become grainy upon thawing. If you must freeze it, do so without the cheese and add the cheese when you reheat it later.

What can I serve with this recipe?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a crisp apple and walnut salad.

How do I keep this recipe from drying out?

Keep the pot covered during the initial simmer and monitor your liquid levels. If the soup reduces too much, adding a little extra broth or milk will restore the creamy texture.

If you enjoyed this recipe, try these other delicious comfort meals:

• Try our Creamy Tomato Basil Soup for a classic pairing.
• Check out our Quick Vegetable Stir-fry for a healthy weeknight option.
• Enjoy our Easy Potato Gratin as a side dish for your next family dinner.
• Explore our Homemade Bread Recipe to find the perfect side for your soup.

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a deeply flavorful meal. With its creamy texture and the bold, savory notes of cheddar, it is sure to become a staple in your home kitchen. Because it is so quick and easy to prepare, it is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and nutritious. We hope you enjoy making this comforting soup as much as your family enjoys eating it. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next soup night!

Creamy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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• Author: Clarice
• Prep Time: 20 Mins
• Cook Time: 30 Mins
• Total Time: 50 Mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Healthy Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this rich, velvety Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a classic comfort food perfect for chilly evenings. This one-pot meal combines tender, fresh broccoli florets with the bold, savory depth of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. By using a traditional roux, we achieve a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. It is a family-friendly, wholesome dish that elevates simple pantry staples into a warm, satisfying dinner that beats any canned alternative every single time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 small onion, chopped

1 medium carrot, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup fat-free milk

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh black pepper, to taste

6 cups broccoli florets, chopped small

1–1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Aromatics

Place your onion, carrot, celery, and garlic into a food processor or chopper. Pulse until the vegetables are finely diced. This ensures that every spoonful of your Broccoli Cheddar Soup is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add your chopped vegetable mixture along with the salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Stir the flour into the sautéed vegetables. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is essential to remove the raw flour taste and create a thick, stable base for your soup.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps in the liquid. Add the milk, increase the heat to high until the soup boils, then toss in the broccoli florets and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Blend and Finish

Use an immersion blender to quickly blend a small portion of the soup to thicken it. If you do not have one, remove a cup of the soup, blend it in a standard blender, and stir it back into the pot. Finally, gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth, then serve your Broccoli Cheddar Soup immediately.

Pro Tips

• Do not over-boil the soup once the cheddar cheese has been added, as this can cause the cheese to separate.
• Keep the broccoli pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly throughout the pot.
• If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add a splash more broth at the very end until you reach your desired consistency.
• Garnish your serving bowl with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar to make it look just like a restaurant-style dish.

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Notes

Use a food processor to chop the vegetables quickly to save time.
For a smoother texture, you can partially blend the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free flour if preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 35mg