How This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Became My Cozy Comfort
There’s nothing quite like the smell of melted cheese and simmering vegetables on a cold day. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup has been one of my favorite comfort meals ever since I first made it on a rainy afternoon. I remember standing by the stove, watching the broccoli turn bright green and the cheese melt into silky perfection it felt like warmth in a bowl.
This recipe is everything I love about broccoli soup recipes: rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The velvety cheddar base wraps around tender broccoli florets, creating a dish that’s both soothing and satisfying. It’s a hug for your taste buds and one of my favorite soft food dinner ideas when I need something cozy but hearty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this broccoli cheese soup easy recipe because it’s comforting, simple, and comes together with just a handful of ingredients. The texture is creamy and smooth, but the bits of broccoli add a perfect touch of bite. It’s the kind of soup that makes everyone happy from kids to grown-ups and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
It’s also versatile. You can make it extra cheesy, keep it light with milk instead of cream, or even blend it smooth for a restaurant-style finish. If you love cozy, creamy soups, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup it’s equally warm and satisfying.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, velvety broccoli cheddar soup made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy broth. Comforting, cozy, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Butter, onion, garlic, flour, broth, milk, broccoli florets, carrots, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg.
Instructions
Sauté onion and garlic in butter. Stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually add broth and milk, whisking until smooth. Add broccoli and carrots, simmer until tender. Stir in cheese until melted and creamy. Season and serve hot.
Notes
Add cauliflower for variety, or blend for a smoother texture. Great served with crusty bread or in a bread bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 21
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 19
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk or half-and-half
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but it deepens the flavor)
How I Make It
First, I melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and fragrant, then stir in the garlic. Once the kitchen starts smelling amazing, I sprinkle in the flour to make a simple roux. I whisk it for about a minute until it’s lightly golden, which helps thicken the soup later.
Next, I slowly pour in the broth while whisking to avoid lumps, followed by the milk. I keep stirring until it begins to thicken slightly. Then I toss in the broccoli and carrots, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
When everything is perfectly cooked, I reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese one handful at a time. The moment it melts, the soup transforms into a smooth, creamy delight. I season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Sometimes I use an immersion blender for a few pulses to create a thicker texture, while still keeping some chunks of broccoli for bite. It’s truly the best broccoli cheddar soup recipe I’ve ever made comforting, cheesy, and perfectly balanced.
When I want another cozy bowl of goodness, I often make my Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons. It’s the ultimate companion for chilly evenings.
Variations and Tips
One of the reasons I love this easy broccoli cheddar soup is because you can adapt it to your mood or pantry.
• Extra Cheesy: Add a mix of cheddar and gouda or pepper jack for extra richness.
• Healthier Twist: Use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese slightly it’s still creamy and flavorful.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Smooth Texture: Blend the soup completely for a silky finish.
• Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup: Add cauliflower florets for a fun twist.
• Broccoli Cheese Soup Crock Pot: Combine all ingredients (except cheese) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Stir in cheese before serving.
For something lighter yet equally comforting, my Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup or Butternut Squash Soup are both wonderful options.
My Final Thoughts Before You Cook
This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything I want in a comfort meal simple, rich, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s a dish I make again and again whenever I need warmth or a quick, satisfying dinner.
Each spoonful brings a mix of creamy broth, melty cheese, and tender broccoli. It’s delicious on its own, but I love serving it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s cozy cooking at its best, and once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too.
