Broccoli cheddar soup creamy is the ultimate bowl of comfort—rich, velvety, and loaded with tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. Whether you’re curled up on a cold day or just need something warm and satisfying, this soup is both hearty and nourishing. Made in one pot and ready in under 40 minutes, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Silky and cheesy with no heavy cream required
- Loaded with vegetables and protein-rich cheese
- Quick one-pot cooking for easy cleanup
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
- Kid-friendly and naturally vegetarian
📝 Ingredients
Base
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, shredded or finely diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Liquid & Seasoning
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup cream + 1 cup milk)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Veggies & Cheese
- 4 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Toppings (Optional)
- Extra shredded cheddar
- Croutons
- Crispy bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
🔪 Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Create the roux: Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a paste.
- Add liquid: Slowly whisk in broth and milk. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the broccoli: Stir in chopped broccoli. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until tender.
- Add the cheese: Turn off heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother soup, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.
⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 370
Protein: 16g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 520mg
Nutrition will vary depending on milk/cheese types used.
💡 Tips & Variations
Tips
- Use pre-shredded broccoli slaw for faster prep
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged
- Add broth gradually to avoid lumps in the roux
Variations
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend or cornstarch slurry
- Lighter version: Use low-fat milk and reduce cheese slightly
- Extra creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream before serving
- Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
❓ FAQs
Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and stir well as dairy may separate slightly.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw first and chop smaller if needed. Add in step 4 and reduce simmer time slightly.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the boldest flavor, but you can mix in gouda, Monterey jack, or even cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Creamy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in butter for 4–5 mins.
- Stir in flour. Cook 1–2 mins to form roux.
- Slowly whisk in broth and milk. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg.
- Stir in broccoli. Simmer 15–20 mins.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.
- Blend part of soup if desired. Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
– Make it gluten-free with cornstarch
– Add cream for extra richness
🍽️ Conclusion
There’s something timeless about a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup creamy, especially when it’s homemade. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being too heavy. Whether served in a bread bowl, paired with a salad, or simply enjoyed on its own, this soup is bound to become a cozy favorite.












