There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of Rich & Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup on a cold evening. It’s warm, velvety, and full of flavor, with tender broccoli florets nestled in a golden, cheesy broth.

Whenever I make this cozy winter meal, my kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma of melted cheddar and sautéed onions it’s the kind of scent that instantly makes everyone gather around the stove. This creamy broccoli soup recipe is one of my favorite winter soups and stews, simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Soup
What I love most about this broccoli cheese soup is how indulgent it feels while still being wholesome. It’s creamy but not heavy, cheesy but balanced, and packed with fresh vegetables. Each spoonful has a bit of texture from the tender broccoli and a rich smoothness from the melted cheddar.
It’s everything a cozy soup recipe should be: flavorful, comforting, and easy to make. Whenever I crave a similar creamy comfort, I think of my creamy tomato basil lasagna soup both are silky, soul-warming bowls of happiness.

Rich & Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, creamy broccoli cheddar soup made with tender broccoli florets, melted cheddar cheese, and a buttery smooth base. Perfect for cozy winter nights.
Ingredients
4 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp flour
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
4 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp flour
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
Notes
For a dairy-free option, substitute cashew cream.
Add cooked chicken for extra protein.
Reheats perfectly for meal prep lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 monites
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 690
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 65mg

What You’ll Need
This best broccoli cheddar soup recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that create magic together.
- Broccoli: Fresh florets are ideal for texture, but frozen works too if that’s what you have on hand.
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for the boldest flavor it melts beautifully and adds that signature tang.
- Butter and flour: Together they create the roux that thickens the soup.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics add depth to the broth.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced or shredded, they bring color and sweetness.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid base that keeps the soup rich but not too heavy.
- Milk and cream: A blend of both gives the soup its luscious, velvety texture.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the cheddar’s flavor.
For an extra boost of nutrition, I sometimes stir in a handful of spinach like I do in my healthy lasagna soup with ground turkey and spinach.
How I Bring It All Together Step by Step
Step 1 – Sauté the aromatics
I start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, I add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent. Then I add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 2 – Make the roux
Next, I sprinkle in the flour and whisk it into the melted butter. It forms a paste that thickens as it cooks, giving the soup its creamy texture later. I whisk for a minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 3 – Add the liquid
I slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to create a smooth base. Then I add the milk and cream, stirring constantly until everything blends into a silky mixture.
Step 4 – Add the vegetables
Once the soup starts to warm, I toss in the chopped broccoli and carrots. I let them simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes, just until the broccoli is tender and bright green. The smell at this stage is pure comfort rich, buttery, and fresh.
Step 5 – Blend and smooth it out
Depending on my mood, I either use an immersion blender for a smoother texture or leave a few chunks for a rustic feel.
Step 6 – Stir in the cheese
When the soup is perfectly hot but not boiling, I add the shredded cheddar in small handfuls, stirring until melted. The key here is patience melting slowly ensures the soup stays creamy instead of grainy.
Step 7 – Taste and finish
I season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. If I want a little extra richness, I stir in a small splash of cream. Then I serve it hot, topped with extra cheddar or a few toasted croutons.
If you love creamy soups that still feel balanced, you’ll enjoy the simplicity of my one-pot vegetarian lasagna soup with zucchini and ricotta. It’s another favorite in my kitchen when I want something cozy but fresh.
Easy Variations You’ll Love
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken or turkey for a hearty twist, similar to how I boost my high-protein lasagna soup with lentils and kale.
- Make it spicy: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne adds a subtle kick, much like the heat in my spicy Italian sausage lasagna soup with roasted peppers.
- Gluten-free option: Swap the roux for cornstarch or potato starch, a trick I learned while making my gluten-free lasagna soup with quinoa and fresh basil.
- Dairy-free twist: Use cashew cream instead of milk, inspired by my dairy-free lasagna soup with cashew cream and veggies.
- Meal prep idea: This soup reheats beautifully, just like my meal prep lasagna soup bowls with whole wheat pasta.
On busier days, I also make a slow-cooker version, following the same creamy base method I use for my slow cooker healthy lasagna soup for busy weeknights. It’s perfect when I want all the flavor with none of the hassle.

Why This Soup Feels Like Home
Every spoonful of this cheddar broccoli soup feels like the perfect balance of indulgence and warmth. It’s creamy, savory, and full of vegetables a true comfort meal that never goes out of style.
Whether I’m serving it in bread bowls, with a side of crusty toast, or as part of a cozy winter dinner spread, it always hits the spot. It’s one of those best soup recipes I keep coming back to all season long.













