There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that just feels like a cozy hug, especially one that’s rich and velvety. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is one I reach for time and again because it balances comfort and nutrition effortlessly while delivering that cheesy goodness we all crave.

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

From the first simmer to the last cheesy stir, this soup hits that perfect note of creamy and wholesome that feels like it was made just for chilly days. I love how easy it is to prepare, without sacrificing any of that homemade charm.

Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of butter, milk, and melted cheddar creates an irresistibly smooth soup that’s comfort in every spoonful.
Fresh Veggie Goodness: Tender broccoli and carrots add vibrant color and nutrition, making this more than just a cheesy soup.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items — just everyday staples you can trust to work together perfectly.
Highly Customizable: Whether you want to make it dairy-free or add a kick of spice, this recipe is a versatile canvas to suit your taste buds.

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

Every ingredient in this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe plays an important role. Butter and flour create a roux that thickens the soup, while milk makes it luscious and smooth. The fresh broccoli and carrot provide that perfect bite and texture, balanced by sharp cheddar cheese for rich flavor.

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: I prefer unsalted so I can control salt levels better—plus, it gives the soup a silky base.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor when softened gently in butter.
Sea salt: I use sea salt for the clean, bright seasoning it brings out in all the ingredients.
Freshly ground black pepper: Fresh grind packs more flavor than pre-ground, adding a subtle heat.
Garlic cloves: Garlic warms the palate without overpowering the other flavors.
All-purpose flour: Creates that silky thickening effect essential to creamy soups.
Whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk): Whole milk gives richness, but almond milk is a nice alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Vegetable broth: I like using vegetable broth for its subtle taste that complements but doesn’t overshadow the veggies.
Broccoli florets: Fresh or lightly steamed to maintain texture and that fresh green color—frozen works too in a pinch.
Carrot: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and color contrast.
Dijon mustard: A secret ingredient that boosts flavor complexity without tasting mustardy—it’s magic.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that classic cheesy tang; freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Homemade croutons (optional): I love using crunchy croutons for texture contrast and that extra homey touch.

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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 like to play around with this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe depending on the season and who I’m serving it to — it’s surprisingly adaptable! I’ve even made versions with a bit of spice or extra veggies when I’m feeling adventurous.

Variation: Once, I swapped half the milk with a rich cream for an ultra-luxe bowl that wowed my guests without much extra effort.
Dairy-free: Using almond milk and a vegan cheese substitute works well for a lighter, allergy-friendly twist.
Veggie boost: Adding finely chopped cauliflower or kale blends easily without ruining the classic flavor.

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

Step 1: Soften the onion with butter and seasoning

I start by melting the butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once shiny and melted, I toss in the chopped onion, along with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Keep stirring so the onion softens but doesn’t brown—it should be translucent and fragrant after about 5 minutes. This base is where all the flavor really begins.

Step 2: Add garlic, then whisk in flour for a roux

Once the onions are soft, stir in the chopped garlic and cook for just about a minute until it’s aromatic but not browned. Then sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the veggies and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the flour turns a gentle golden shade. This step is crucial to avoid any raw flour taste and to build the creamy consistency we want.

Step 3: Slowly pour in milk and broth, then add veggies

With the heat on medium, slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly so it blends smoothly without lumps. Follow that with the vegetable broth, then add your broccoli florets, carrot, and Dijon mustard. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the broccoli is just tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Melt in cheddar cheese and season

Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until fully melted. This slow method keeps the cheese smooth and prevents clumping. Once all the cheese is incorporated, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. At this point, your creamy broccoli cheddar soup should be luscious and flavorful, ready to enjoy.

Top Tip

Through my many attempts at this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, I realized a few key tricks make a world of difference. These tips helped me get perfectly smooth and flavorful soup every time, and I’m confident they’ll help you too!

Slow Cheese Addition: Adding cheese gradually while stirring lets it melt smoothly and prevents graininess.
Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Keep broccoli tender-crisp for the best texture instead of letting it go mushy.
Freshly Shred Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect melting, so shredding your own improves creaminess.
Use a Whisk for Roux and Milk: Constant whisking while adding flour and milk stops lumps from forming and keeps the base silky.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a fresh green pop, plus a few croutons for that delightful crunch. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note that elevates the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette, warm garlic bread, or a simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. On chilly days, a grilled cheese sandwich alongside makes it a family-favorite meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday meals or dinner parties, I like to serve this soup in mini bread bowls or elegant cups, garnished with microgreens and tiny baked cheese crisps. Setting the table with colorful napkins and rustic spoons makes it feel extra special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the leftover soup cool completely at room temperature (no more than two hours) before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 4 days without losing that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully by cooling it completely, then placing it in a freezer-safe container. Because of the cheese and milk, the texture can be a bit grainy after thawing, but a quick stir and gentle reheating usually brings it back to a very tasty state. I recommend freezing in portion sizes for easy meals later.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to redistribute the cheese evenly. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating helps regain that smooth creaminess you want.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor. The texture will shift slightly but still delicious.

What’s the best way to prevent the soup from becoming grainy when adding cheese?

Adding the cheese gradually over low heat while stirring constantly helps the cheese melt evenly without clumping. Also, using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded improves smoothness.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available. Just add it along with the broth and let it cook until tender. The texture might be slightly softer but still tasty.

How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken the soup, you can increase the amount of flour used for the roux or let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. To thin it out, simply stir in additional broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is one of those go-to dishes I keep coming back to because it’s comfort food made simple, nutritious, and truly delicious. Once you get the technique down, you’ll find yourself adapting it to suit your mood or pantry. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy goodness in every spoonful—you won’t regret it!