Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect comfort food for cozy days
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~350
I grew up in my grandmother’s kitchen, where a pot of soup was always simmering on the stove. No matter the season, she had a way of turning simple ingredients into something magical. But on cold winter nights, nothing compared to her creamy broccoli cheddar soup—thick, cheesy, and rich enough to warm you from the inside out.
She never used fancy ingredients, just fresh broccoli from the market, sharp cheddar she grated by hand, and a little touch of nutmeg—her secret for making the flavors shine. It was a meal that felt like home, one I’d ask for again and again.
Years later, I’ve perfected her creamy broccoli cheddar soup recipe, and now I’m sharing it with you. This version is even better than Panera, with a silky-smooth texture, deep cheddar flavor, and just the right amount of richness. It’s easy to make, comes together in one pot, and tastes even better the next day.
So grab a bowl, get cozy, and let’s make some comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Better Than Panera
This homemade version is richer, cheesier, and creamier than anything you’ll get at a restaurant. Plus, you control the ingredients—no unnecessary additives, just pure comfort in a bowl.
One-Pot Wonder
Fewer dishes, less cleanup. Everything comes together in a single pot, making this the perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Customizable to Your Taste
Love a thick, hearty soup? Add extra cheese or swap in heavy cream. Prefer a lighter version? Use milk and blend until silky smooth. Want a little heat? A pinch of cayenne will do the trick.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Option
Skip the flour and use almond flour or xanthan gum for thickening. Replace the milk with heavy cream, and you’ve got a delicious, keto-approved meal.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Even picky eaters can’t resist a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness. Serve it with grilled cheese, crusty bread, or a simple salad, and it’s an instant hit.
Ingredients
The exact ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best for this soup, giving it a vibrant green color and a slightly crisp texture before blending. If you’re using frozen broccoli, just extend the simmering time by a few minutes to ensure it’s fully tender.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a deep, rich flavor that balances perfectly with the mild sweetness of the broccoli. For the best melt, grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that affect smoothness.
Milk & Cream: A combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates that luxurious, velvety texture. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can use just milk, but the richness of cream really elevates it.
Butter & Flour: Butter gives the soup a rich, slightly nutty base, while flour helps thicken it to the perfect consistency. If you’re going for a low-carb version, almond flour works as a great substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
Garlic & Onion: These aromatics build depth and warmth in the soup. A yellow onion is ideal, but a sweet onion will also work if you prefer a milder flavor.
Nutmeg: The secret ingredient that makes the flavors pop. Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth and enhances the richness of the cheese.
Stock: Chicken or vegetable stock adds depth to the soup. A homemade broth will always bring the best flavor, but a good-quality store-bought version works perfectly.
Salt & Pepper: Simple, but essential. Seasoning is key to bringing out the full flavors of the cheese and vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. While it’s melting, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Add both to the pot and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown—it should be soft but not crispy.
2. Make the Roux (Thickener)
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and garlic, then immediately start stirring. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour turns slightly golden. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and creates a thick base for the soup. If using almond flour for a low-carb version, the texture will be slightly different but still creamy.
3. Add the Liquids & Broccoli
Slowly pour in the broth, whisking as you go to prevent lumps from forming. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the milk and stir well. Now, chop the broccoli into small florets and add them to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but still bright green.
4. Blend for a Creamy Texture
If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend everything directly in the pot until silky. For a chunkier texture, remove about half of the broccoli with a slotted spoon before blending, then stir it back in after.
5. Add the Cheese & Seasoning
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is thick and creamy. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. For extra richness, top with more shredded cheddar or crispy croutons. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. If reheating, warm it over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Tips
For a Thicker Soup
If you love a rich, velvety texture, swap out the milk for heavy cream. You can also let the soup simmer for an extra 5 minutes after adding the cheese to help it naturally thicken. If it still feels too thin, stir in a small amount of cream cheese for an ultra-luxurious consistency.
Want More Texture?
For a chunkier soup, don’t blend everything. Instead, remove about a cup of broccoli before blending, then stir it back in at the end. This adds a satisfying bite while still keeping things creamy.
Get the Best Cheese Melt
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Use a box grater to shred your cheddar just before adding it to the pot.
Make It Ahead for Meal Prep
This soup stores well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, warm it over low heat and stir frequently to prevent the cheese from separating.
The Secret Ingredient for Depth of Flavor
A small pinch of nutmeg may seem like a surprising addition, but it enhances the richness of the cheese and adds a subtle warmth. Don’t skip it—it’s what makes this soup taste like it came from a restaurant.
Freezing Tips
Want to save some for later? This soup freezes well, but for best results, leave out the cheese and add it when reheating. Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, but stirring in fresh cheese as you reheat will bring back the creamy texture.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Pairings
Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast
A bowl of creamy soup and a slice of warm, crispy bread is a match made in comfort food heaven. If you’re going low-carb, try a slice of keto-friendly garlic bread or almond flour biscuits.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The ultimate soup companion. A golden, buttery grilled cheese, loaded with melty cheddar or gouda, takes this meal to another level. Cut it into strips and dip for the full experience. Try it with this Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe—a bold, melty twist on the classic grilled cheese.
Roasted Vegetables
If you want a lighter side, roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus bring a pop of texture and natural sweetness that balances the richness of the soup.
Simple Side Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad with a bright vinaigrette helps cut through the creamy, cheesy goodness. Try arugula with lemon dressing or a classic Caesar salad.
Crunchy Toppings
A handful of crispy bacon bits, toasted nuts, or seasoned croutons adds just the right amount of crunch to contrast the velvety soup. If you’re keeping it low-carb, try crushed pork rinds or toasted pumpkin seeds.
When to Serve This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Cozy Weeknight Dinners: When you need something warm, filling, and ready in under 40 minutes, this soup is the answer. Pair it with a quick salad or grilled cheese, and dinner is done.
Cold Weather Comfort: Chilly evenings call for rich, creamy soups. This one is perfect for curling up on the couch with a big bowl and a warm blanket.
Meal Prep for the Week: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Casual Gatherings & Potlucks: A big pot of this soup is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as an appetizer for a dinner party or as part of a soup-and-sandwich spread for a laid-back weekend lunch.
Holiday Side Dish: Looking for a unique but easy addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu? This soup works as a comforting starter or a lighter option alongside heartier mains.
Here are two must-have kitchen tools to make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup even easier:
Must-have kitchen tools to make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe even easier:
1-Immersion Blender – Mueller Ultra-Stick Hand Blender
Perfect for creating a silky-smooth texture without transferring the soup to a blender.
2-Box Grater – Cuisinart Boxed Grater
Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese, giving your soup the best texture and flavor.
These tools make the recipe quicker, easier, and extra delicious. Need a recommendation for a high-quality soup pot? Let me know!
FAQ
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the cheese from separating.
Can I freeze it?
You can, but dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the soup without the cheese, then stir in freshly grated cheddar when reheating.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just increase the simmering time by about five minutes to ensure it’s tender before blending.
How can I make it thicker?
Let it simmer a little longer after adding the cheese, or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness. If you’re not low-carb, a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water will also help thicken it.
Is there a way to make it lighter?
For a lower-calorie version, use whole milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You’ll still get a creamy texture, just a little less indulgent.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix it up with smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra depth. Always use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt.
Print
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is rich, velvety, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor. Inspired by my grandmother’s recipe, this one-pot soup is easy to make, perfect for cozy nights, and even better the next day. Serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
Base:
3 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
Broth & Dairy:
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Vegetables & Seasoning:
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
1-Sauté the Aromatics:
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2-Make the Roux:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until golden. This will thicken the soup and give it a rich texture.
3-Add the Liquids & Broccoli:
Slowly whisk in the broth and milk, stirring well to avoid lumps. Add the chopped broccoli florets, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
4-Blend for a Creamy Texture:
Use an immersion blender for a smooth soup or leave some broccoli unblended for a chunkier texture.
5-Add the Cheese & Seasoning:
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the soup thickens.
6-Serve & Enjoy:
Ladle into bowls and serve with extra cheese, croutons, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese.
- To make it low-carb, replace the flour with almond flour and use heavy cream instead of milk.
- The soup tastes even better the next day—store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minute
- Category: Main feast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Broccoli cheddar soup, creamy broccoli soup, Panera copycat soup, low-carb soup, keto soup, healthy soup recipe, homemade broccoli cheese soup
This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything a cozy dinner should be—warm, rich, and satisfying without being too heavy. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or anytime you need a little comfort.
The best part? It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and even better the next day. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or just on its own, this soup is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, and let me know what you think. Leave a comment below, share your bowl on social media, and tag @BoldBitesHub—I’d love to see your creations! If you know someone who would love this soup, send them the recipe and spread the comfort.
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