There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup that’s both velvety and packed with flavor. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe strikes that perfect balance of cheesy richness and hearty veggies, making it a go-to for chilly days or anytime you want a cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

The image shows three white bowls filled with creamy broccoli soup, each bowl containing visible bright green broccoli florets and thin orange carrot strips within the yellowish soup base. On top of the soup, there are clusters of golden-brown crunchy bread pieces adding texture to the dish. One bowl in the upper left corner contains extra pieces of the same crispy bread. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with metal spoons beside and inside the bowls. The scene is bright and fresh, highlighting the vibrant vegetable colors and the crumbly golden bread topping, 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

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is close to my heart because it’s both simple to make and satisfying in every spoonful. I love how it comes together with everyday ingredients, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing flavor.

Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of butter, milk, and sharp cheddar makes every bite silky and indulgent without being heavy.
Vegetable-Packed: Broccoli and carrots add freshness and nutrients, creating a balanced, wholesome meal.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the cheese type or swap milk for dairy-free options without losing its charm.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for quick lunches or comforting next-day dinners.

A close-up view of creamy soup in a pot, showing a thick light orange base with small chunks of bright green broccoli florets and thin orange carrot strips spread evenly throughout. A wooden spoon is stirring the soup, partially covered with the creamy mixture, and is placed near the center right of the image. The texture looks smooth with visible bits of vegetables adding some softness and color contrast. The background surface has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how this recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that you might already have on hand. Each one plays a key role — from building the base of flavors to adding that classic creamy-cheesy finish we all crave.

Flat lay of fresh bright green broccoli florets, a large vibrant orange carrot julienned, a medium yellow onion chopped, three peeled garlic cloves, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of fine all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of creamy whole milk, a small white bowl of golden vegetable broth, a small white bowl of bright yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper and coarse sea salt crystals arranged symmetrically, all 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: Provides a rich base for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding depth without extra salt.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and aroma that gently infuses the soup.
Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors harmoniously.
Garlic cloves: A subtle punch to balance the sweetness of the onions and add warmth.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup for that luscious, creamy texture we're after.
Whole milk or unsweetened almond milk: The liquid base that keeps it smooth — I often use whole milk but almond milk works great if you prefer dairy-free.
Vegetable broth: Adds savory notes and depth without overpowering the cheese.
Chopped broccoli florets: The star veggie that adds texture, color, and vitamins.
Large carrot: Sweetness and a subtle crunch, I love julienning it to get just the right bite.
Dijon mustard: A secret little ingredient that brightens and balances the creamy cheese flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: I use sharp cheddar for boldness, but mild works if you want a subtler taste.
Homemade croutons (optional): Perfect for topping — adds a satisfying crunch contrast.

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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

I often tweak this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or how hearty I want it. Playing around with add-ins keeps it exciting and totally personalized.

Variation: Once, I added a little cooked bacon for a smoky twist — it was a total hit with my family! You can also swap cheddar for smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
Dairy-Free: Using almond milk and nutritional yeast instead of cheese creates a surprisingly creamy and savory soup that’s vegan-friendly.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika makes it a cozy, warming experience on colder nights.
Chunkier Style: If you like more texture, just chop the broccoli a bit bigger and skip blending or pureeing — I prefer this for a rustic feel.

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

Step 1: Soften the aromatics with butter and onion

First, melt your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion with a pinch of sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and soft—usually about 5 minutes. This step really builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it. When the onions smell sweet and the kitchen starts to smell amazing, add the chopped garlic and cook for just one more minute to avoid burning it.

Step 2: Create the roux for creamy goodness

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for a minute or two. You want it to turn a light golden color, indicating it's cooked but not browned. This thickens your soup later without lumps, so keep whisking and don’t let it stick to the pan.

Step 3: Add milk & broth and veggies

Now slowly pour in your milk while whisking to keep it smooth. Then add the vegetable broth, chopped broccoli, julienned carrot, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together and bring the pot to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 15-20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. Keep an eye on the stirring so the milk doesn’t scorch.

Step 4: Stir in the cheddar for rich creaminess

Turn the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar a handful at a time. Stir after each addition until melted fully before adding more. This slow melting ensures a smooth, rich soup with no grainy texture. Once everything’s blended, taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve piping hot, topped with your favorite croutons if you like a little crunch.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these little tweaks can really make a difference in getting that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor every time.

Whisk Continuously: When adding flour and milk, continuous whisking is key to prevent lumps and get a velvety soup base.
Don’t Rush the Cheese: Add shredded cheddar slowly at low heat to avoid clumping or separating — patience pays off!
Broccoli Texture: Keep the broccoli bite tender, not mushy. Check it with a fork during simmering to avoid overcooking.
Season in Layers: Salt and pepper during sautéing, then again at the end to balance the flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with crispy homemade croutons for texture and a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar to amp up the cheesiness. Sometimes I add a swirl of sour cream or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley brighten it up beautifully too.

Side Dishes

Pairing this soup with a crusty baguette or a cheesy grilled cheese sandwich makes it an unbeatable meal. For something lighter, a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich soup really well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this soup into mini bread bowls for a fun touch that guests always love. Serving it in colorful bowls with a swirl of cream and a few microgreens also makes it feel extra special without much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It lasts beautifully for about 3-4 days, making weekday lunches super easy and comforting.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully, but I recommend leaving out the cheese if you plan to freeze it. Instead, freeze the base and add shredded cheddar when reheating for a fresher taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent burning and to help the texture stay creamy. Adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick refreshes the soup perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in this soup?

Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but you can swap in gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it melts well.

Is there a way to make this soup vegan?

Yes, chop the butter and cheese out and use a good-quality plant-based milk and vegetable broth. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor boost to keep it savory and rich.

How do I get the soup super smooth?

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot after the veggies are tender. If you prefer some chunks, only blend part of it or pulse sparingly.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days and heats up easily. You can also prepare the base in advance and add cheese just before serving for the freshest taste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is one that I always return to because it feels like comfort food made simple and smart. It’s perfect when you want a little warmth but don’t want to fuss with complicated ingredients or techniques. Give it a try—you might find it becomes one of your favorite ways to enjoy broccoli, and perhaps your new “get-out-of-a-rush” dinner lifesaver, just like it is for me!