Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, vibrant broccoli with rich, creamy cheddar cheese in a smooth, flavorful base. Its velvety texture and bold, cheesy taste make it a favorite for both lunch and dinner, loved by families and food enthusiasts alike. Unlike plain vegetable soups, this dish delivers indulgence with every spoonful, striking the perfect balance between nutritious greens and a satisfying cheesy flavor.

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People love this soup because it is hearty, versatile, and approachable. You can enjoy it as a Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Soup, a Broccoli Cheddar Rice Soup, or simply as a standalone bowl with crusty bread. It can also be adapted to the Broccoli Cheddar Soup Crock Pot Easy method for convenience or prepared stovetop for a rich, fresh experience. From recreating Broccoli Soup Panera classics to crafting your own Best Ever Broccoli Cheese Soup, this dish is both familiar and elevated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This broccoli cheddar soup recipe stands out for several reasons:

Rich, Creamy Flavor The combination of cheddar cheese and a smooth vegetable base gives a luxurious, creamy texture without being heavy.
Customizable Ingredients You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, adjust cheese types, or add mix-ins such as Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Soup or rice for a more filling dish.
Versatile Cooking Methods This soup can be made stovetop, in a slow cooker (Slowcooker Soup Recipes Easy), or even adapted for quick weeknight dinners (Quick And Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup).
Family-Friendly From picky eaters to cheese lovers, this soup is a hit with everyone and pairs well with Fun Sides For Dinner.
Copycat Recipes If you love recreating restaurant classics, you can enjoy Yats Copycat Recipes or Broccoli Cheese Soup With Velveeta Easy Recipes at home without sacrificing quality.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

Broth and Vegetables

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Soup Base

4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Mix-ins

1 cup cooked rice or pasta for Broccoli Cheddar Rice Soup or Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Soup
Crumbled bacon or ham for added flavor
Pinch of nutmeg for subtle warmth

Substitution Notes:

Use plant-based milk or cream for a dairy-free version
For extra richness, substitute half the cheddar with Velveeta (Broccoli Cheese Soup With Velveeta Easy Recipes)
Frozen broccoli works great for a quick version (Easy Broccoli And Cheese Soup Using Frozen Broccoli)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until they turn bright green. This step ensures vegetables are tender but still retain a slight bite.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, thickened base.

Step 3: Combine Soup Base and Vegetables

Pour the cream mixture into the pot with sautéed vegetables and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. This creates the rich consistency found in Cheese Broccoli Soup Easy or Broccoli Cheese Soup Stove Top versions.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese gradually until melted and fully incorporated. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally to prevent cheese from clumping. For extra richness, mix in Velveeta as per How To Make Broccoli Cheese Soup With Velveeta instructions.

Step 5: Optional Mix-ins

If desired, stir in cooked rice, pasta, or cooked bacon for Broccoli Cheddar Rice Soup or Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Soup. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional shredded cheddar, croutons, or fresh herbs. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve in bowls with crusty bread, garlic toast, or soft dinner rolls.
Pair with light salads or roasted vegetables as Fun Sides For Dinner.
For casual gatherings, serve in bread bowls for a cozy, visual presentation.
Sprinkle extra cheese or a dash of smoked paprika for added color and flavor.

Additional Tips

Use sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor.
Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible; it contains anti-caking agents that may affect meltability.
Stir frequently to prevent the soup from sticking or scorching.
Blending only part of the soup keeps it creamy while maintaining broccoli texture.
Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.

Recipe Variations

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Combine all ingredients (except cheese) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cheddar cheese in the last 15 minutes of cooking to maintain a smooth, creamy texture. This hands-off method is perfect for Slowcooker Soup Recipes Easy and busy weeknights.
Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Soup
Add cooked egg noodles during the last few minutes of cooking for a comforting noodle soup. This version turns the creamy base into a hearty, filling meal suitable for lunch or dinner and inspired by Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Soup ideas.
Broccoli Cheddar Rice Soup
For a thicker, more substantial soup, stir in cooked rice at the end. This creates a creamy, comforting dish ideal for family dinners, similar to Broccoli Cheddar Rice Soup found in classic comfort food recipes.
Velveeta-Enhanced Cheesy Soup
Mix in Velveeta cheese with cheddar for an ultra-smooth, creamy texture. This variation mirrors Broccoli Cheese Soup With Velveeta Easy Recipes, providing a luscious melt-in-your-mouth experience perfect for cheese lovers.
Spiced Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Add a pinch of nutmeg, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to introduce subtle warmth and depth. This variation enhances the flavor profile while keeping the creamy, cheesy essence intact, giving a gourmet twist to your Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Soup.
Vegetable-Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Incorporate additional vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase nutrition and flavor complexity. This variation creates a wholesome Vegetable Cheese Soup that’s hearty yet healthy.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup for Two
Halve the ingredients for a smaller batch suitable for Easy Soup Recipes For Two. Perfect for date nights, small households, or when you want fresh soup without leftovers. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a cozy, personal meal.
Broccoli Cheddar Chowder Style
Add diced potatoes and cook until tender to create a chowder-like consistency. This thick, hearty soup variation transforms the classic recipe into a more filling dish reminiscent of Broccoli Chowder Soup while still maintaining the creamy cheddar flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Reheating: Use low heat to prevent cheese from separating. If too thick, thin with milk or broth.
Blending after freezing: For smooth consistency, blend slightly after thawing if needed.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

Calories: 290 kcal
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 14 g

Final Words

Making broccoli cheddar soup at home is both comforting and rewarding. The combination of creamy cheddar, tender broccoli, and flavorful vegetables creates a soup that is satisfying, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion. From a quick weeknight dinner to a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers the warmth and richness of your favorite Best Ever Broccoli Cheese Soup without leaving your kitchen.

The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your taste. Whether preparing a Quick And Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup, adding noodles for a heartier meal, or trying Broccoli Cheddar Soup Crock Pot Easy, each variation brings a unique twist while retaining the creamy, cheesy base. It is a recipe that is approachable for home cooks yet produces a restaurant-quality result every time.

Enjoying broccoli cheddar soup at home not only fills your table with deliciousness but also gives you the satisfaction of making a wholesome, cheesy, comforting dish from scratch. Pair it with your favorite bread, rice, or noodles, and share with family and friends to create memorable, heartwarming meals that everyone will love. This is a dish that becomes a staple in any home kitchen, perfect for those looking for Easy Soup Recipes For Two or feeding a larger crowd.

FAQ’s

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly for Easy Broccoli And Cheese Soup Using Frozen Broccoli, and it simplifies preparation.

Absolutely. Use the Broccoli Cheddar Soup Crock Pot Easy method for a hands-off approach. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding cheese near the end.

Yes, halve the recipe for Easy Soup Recipes For Two and cook in a smaller pot.

Add cheese gradually over low heat and stir continuously. Avoid boiling once cheese is added to prevent separation.

Yes, cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, thinning with milk or broth as needed.