There's just something irresistibly comforting about a warm bowl of cheesy, velvety soup on a chilly day—that’s exactly why this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe earned a spot in my go-to kitchen favorites. It's rich, satisfying, and hits all the cozy notes you didn't know you needed.

The image shows three white bowls filled with thick soup. The soup is creamy and light orange in color, with visible pieces of bright green broccoli and thin orange carrot strips mixed throughout. On top of the soup in each bowl are large chunks of crispy golden-brown toasted bread. One of the bowls has a spoon resting inside it, and there are some crumbs scattered around it. Near the bowls is a plate with more golden-brown toasted bread pieces. The bowls and plate are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously can’t get enough of this soup. It’s creamy without being too heavy, and the way the sharp cheddar melts into the tender broccoli just feels like pure comfort. Also, it's one of those recipes that’s just as good made for a weeknight dinner as it is when you’re entertaining—it’s flexible and always a crowd-pleaser.

Simple But Flavorful: The blend of sharp cheddar and fresh broccoli creates a classic combo that’s hard to beat.
Easy to Make: You can whip this up with pantry staples and fresh veggies without fuss.
Customizable Comfort: It’s super easy to tweak this recipe to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Perfect Texture: Creamy and smooth with just enough chunkiness from the broccoli and carrot for a satisfying bite.

A creamy orange-yellow soup filled with small green broccoli florets and thin, bright orange carrot strips spread evenly throughout. The soup has a smooth and thick texture with visible small bits of onions, all in a large metal pot. A wooden spoon is partially submerged in the soup, scooping up some of it. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and smooth texture. Each one plays a key role—from the buttery base that sautés the veggies to the sharp cheddar that brings boldness and creaminess. Here’s a quick rundown with some shopping tips to make things easier.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter, a medium yellow onion chopped on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable broth, a white ceramic plate with chopped fresh broccoli florets, a white ceramic plate with a large julienned carrot, a small white ceramic bowl of Dijon mustard, a white ceramic plate piled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the soup perfectly.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked down slowly.
Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds that warm, aromatic kick that brightens the soup.
All-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent, creating a silky roux when combined with butter and milk.
Whole milk or unsweetened almond milk: Whole milk gives richness, but almond milk works great if you want a lighter or dairy-free twist.
Vegetable broth: A good-quality veggie broth adds subtle savory notes—it’s tempting to use chicken broth, but I stick with veggie for a clean flavor.
Broccoli florets: The star veggie—fresh or frozen both work, but fresh broccoli gives a nicer texture just for a bit more work.
Large carrot: The carrot adds a beautiful subtle sweetness and color contrast when julienned or chopped finely.
Dijon mustard: This little secret ingredient gives the soup a gentle tang and depth that really elevates it.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for that signature punch; pre-shredded is convenient, but freshly shredded melts better without clumping.
Homemade croutons (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch if you want a bit of texture contrast when serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. I love tweaking the cheesiness level and sometimes sneak in extra veggies or swap out ingredients to suit whoever I’m cooking for. You should definitely play around to find your perfect version.

Variation: I’ve added a bit of smoked paprika once for a smoky twist, and it was a big hit at brunch — give it a try if you like a little warmth beyond the cheddar.
Dairy-free option: Swap cheddar for a vegan cheese alternative and use almond milk to keep the creaminess without dairy.
Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in some cauliflower or potatoes for a thicker, heartier feel.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce adds a fun bit of heat if that’s your style.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Your Base

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s bubbly, toss in the chopped onion with the salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir occasionally and let the onions cook gently for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness. Then add the garlic and cook for just a minute more; you want it fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Add Milk

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour flavor and helps create a silky base. The mixture should turn a light golden shade. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking nonstop to avoid lumps. This step can feel a little intimidating but patience here ensures your soup is luxuriously smooth.

Step 3: Simmer the Veggies to Tender Perfection

Pour in the vegetable broth followed by the broccoli florets, carrot, and the Dijon mustard. Stir to combine, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender when poked with a fork — this will give you that perfect balance between soft and a bit of bite in your soup.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheddar and Adjust Seasoning

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, allowing it to melt smoothly into the broth without boiling, or the cheese might seize. Taste the soup and season with salt and more pepper if needed. That moment when you see all that cheddar melt into the vibrant green broccoli is pure magic—and it smells incredible!

Top Tip

Over years of making this soup for friends and family, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that make all the difference and help keep things easy and foolproof.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: It melts better and gives you that wonderful creamy texture without clumps.
Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the flour fully before adding milk gets rid of that raw taste and thickens the soup just right.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to avoid graininess and separation.
Season as You Go: Tasting and adjusting seasoning at multiple points ensures it’s balanced and flavorful.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love topping my bowls with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese for that shiny, melty finish. Sometimes, I toss in some crispy homemade croutons for crunch, or even a handful of finely chopped chives to add a fresh touch that brightens up each spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think a warm baguette or buttery dinner rolls—that you can dunk right in. I also like serving it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during gather-togethers, I like serving this soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out mini pumpkins, turning a humble meal into something memorable and cozy—guaranteed to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before reheating because the soup will thicken as it chills. If you find it too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing it before adding the cheese. Then, when you reheat it, stir in the cheddar last to keep the texture perfect. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers so you can thaw just what you need.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Avoid the microwave if you can—low and slow really helps keep the creaminess intact without breaking the cheese apart.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and makes this recipe even easier, just be sure to adjust the simmer time so it’s tender but not mushy.

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

You can swap cheddar for other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile or use vegan cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge and freezer, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

If you want it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce the liquid. For a thinner consistency, add extra broth or milk as needed during cooking or when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, sharing warmth and laughter around the table. I hope you’ll find as much joy in preparing and savoring this soup as I do—it’s an easy, comforting hug in a bowl that’s perfect anytime you want a touch of homemade goodness.