Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the kind of warm, velvety comfort food that transforms an ordinary evening into a cozy, nourishing moment. This rich and cheesy broccoli soup blends tender broccoli florets, slow-sautéed aromatics, and sharp melted cheddar into a silky bowl that feels both nostalgic and restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting meal to share with family, this homemade creamy broccoli cheese soup delivers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and heart-warming richness.

With its thick, velvety finish, bold cheddar depth, and the fresh bite of broccoli, this recipe offers everything people love about the classic Panera-style version — but fresher, richer, and made in under 30 minutes. If you’ve been searching for a dependable, flavorful, and budget-friendly creamy broccoli cheddar bowl, this version will easily become your new signature recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ultra-creamy texture thanks to the perfect blend of cheddar + roux.
Budget-friendly with simple pantry staples.
One-pot method for minimal cleanup.
Cozy, nostalgic flavor similar to restaurant-quality broccoli cheese soup.
Customizable thickness—chunky or fully blended.
Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved.
Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

For the Soup

4 cups broccoli florets (chopped; fresh or frozen works)
1 medium onion (adds sweetness + depth)
2 cloves garlic (boosts aroma)
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for richer flavor)
1 cup heavy cream (half-and-half works for lighter version)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (use fresh–shredded for best melt)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (thickener)
Salt & pepper to taste
½ tsp paprika (optional, smoky depth)
¼ tsp cayenne (optional heat)

Garnish

Shredded cheddar
Croutons
Fresh chives or parsley

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Step-by-Step)

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Food science: sweating the onions releases natural sugars and builds sweetness as the base flavor.

2. Add the Broccoli + Broth

Stir in the broccoli and sauté briefly. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
Tip: smaller broccoli pieces cook faster and blend creamier.

3. Make the Roux

In a separate pan, melt 1 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes. Slowly add the cream while whisking until smooth and thickened.
Why this matters: roux prevents the cheese from clumping by stabilizing the fat.

4. Blend to the Texture You Want

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup fully for a silky finish, or blend half for a chunkier version.

5. Melt in the Cheddar

Add the roux mixture to the soup, stir, then fold in the shredded cheddar until fully melted and creamy. Avoid boiling once cheese is added.

6. Season + Serve

Add salt, pepper, paprika, or cayenne. Serve hot with extra cheddar, chives, or croutons.

Pro Tips

How do I prevent grainy cheese in broccoli cheddar soup?

Use freshly shredded cheddar, add it off the heat, and avoid high temperatures which cause fats to separate.

How do I thicken creamy broccoli cheddar soup naturally?

Blend more of the cooked broccoli + onions. Starch from vegetables thickens beautifully.

Can I make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?

Yes — replace flour with cornstarch (1.5 tbsp dissolved in cold water), added after blending.

Best Ways to Serve

With warm crusty bread
Inside a bread bowl
With grilled cheese
With roasted potatoes
As a starter for chicken dinners or pasta

Nutrition (Per Serving — Approx.)

Calories: 350

Protein: 12g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 720mg

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: 3–4 days
Freezer: Not recommended (cheese may separate)
Reheat: Low heat on stove, add splash of broth or milk if thick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes — it works perfectly. No thawing needed.

How do I make this lighter?

Use half-and-half, reduced-fat cheddar, or swap part of the cream for milk.

Can I add carrots or potatoes?

Yes! Carrots add sweetness; potatoes add body.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth and vegetarian cheddar.

Variations

Spicy Version

Add jalapeños or extra cayenne.

Extra Cheesy Version

Blend in white cheddar or Gruyère.

Keto Version

Swap flour for xanthan gum (⅛ teaspoon).

High-Protein Version

Add shredded chicken or white beans.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a cozy, satisfying, and deeply flavorful recipe that delivers comfort in every spoonful. Rich, velvety, quick to make, and perfect for meal-prep — it’s everything you want in a warm, cheesy, homemade soup. If you try it, share it with loved ones or post a bowl on social media and tag your cooking journey!