Broccoli cheddar soup creamy, smooth, and bursting with bold cheddar flavor — it’s the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. This cozy soup blends tender broccoli, sautéed aromatics, and rich melted cheese into a velvety pot of goodness. Paired with crusty bread or enjoyed on its own, it’s a hearty, meatless meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Cheesy: Made with sharp cheddar and half-and-half
One-Pot Simplicity: Less cleanup, more cozy
Vegetarian-Friendly: With easy swaps for dairy-free needs
Meal-Prep Approved: Tastes even better the next day
Family Favorite: Kid-approved and crave-worthy
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (crowns and stems), chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
Cheese & Seasonings
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
To Serve
- Crusty bread (sourdough or baguette)
- Extra shredded cheddar (optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant. - Cook Broccoli
Stir in chopped broccoli and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until broccoli is fork-tender. - Blend for Creaminess
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only partially or leave some broccoli whole. - Add Dairy
Stir in half-and-half. Heat gently over low until warmed through but not boiling. - Incorporate Cheese
Add shredded cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. - Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheddar or herbs if desired. Enjoy with warm crusty bread.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 14g
Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: ~600mg
Tips & Variations
Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: Just thaw frozen broccoli first
Add Extra Protein: Stir in shredded chicken or cooked rice
Make it Gluten-Free: Skip flour-based roux or use GF flour if thickening
Creamier Texture: Use more cheese or substitute part of broth with cream
Lighter Option: Use whole milk instead of half-and-half
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and drain before adding to the soup. Fresh gives better texture but frozen is a great shortcut.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for flavor. White cheddar or a mix of cheeses also works.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain creamy texture.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze before adding the dairy. Add cheese and cream after reheating for best results.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Creamy
Equipment
- – Large soup pot
- – Immersion blender (or countertop blender)
- Ladle
Ingredients
- Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- Cheese & Seasoning
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg optional
- To Serve
- Crusty bread
- Extra cheddar
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Melt butter in soup pot. Add onion and garlic, cook 4–5 mins.
- Stir in broccoli and broth. Simmer 12–15 mins.
- Blend until smooth with immersion blender.
- Stir in half-and-half, heat gently.
- Add cheese, stir until melted and smooth.
- Season and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Conclusion
Broccoli cheddar soup creamy and golden is a nostalgic dish that never goes out of style. It’s warming, filling, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether served in a bread bowl, with a side salad, or as a standalone star, this version will quickly become a family favorite — ready to cozy up your evenings one spoonful at a time.