If you’ve ever craved a bowl of pure comfort, you’re going to adore this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—velvety, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli that makes every spoonful so satisfying.

A creamy, thick soup fills a white bowl with a thin brown rim, showing three main layers: a light yellow base with small chunks of green broccoli and white chicken pieces mixed throughout, topped with a bright orange melted cheese spot in the center and sprinkled black pepper over the entire surface; a silver spoon rests in the bowl leaning from the bottom right side toward the center. The bowl sits on a folded rust-colored cloth over a white marbled surface, and a white bowl with vibrant yellow corn kernels peeks from the top right corner. 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

I remember the first time I made this soup on a chilly evening—instantly, the creamy texture and sharp cheddar hit all the right notes. It’s become my go-to cozy meal, especially when I want something easy yet deeply satisfying.

Rich and Creamy: The half & half base creates a velvety texture that’s not too heavy but truly indulgent.
Fresh, Tender Veggies: Finely chopped broccoli and grated carrot add delicate sweetness and texture without overpowering.
Cheddar Cheese Magic: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly, boosting flavor for that classic comfort soup.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples that come together on the stovetop in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to making this soup, choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. Opt for a sharp cheddar cheese that’s freshly grated to get that perfect melt and rich flavor. Fresh broccoli and crisp carrots bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color that brighten the bowl.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a medium onion peeled and diced, two whole garlic cloves peeled, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with golden chicken or vegetable stock, a large fresh head of broccoli finely chopped, a few bright orange carrot shreds, a pinch of paprika in a tiny white bowl, a small white bowl of creamy half & half, and a neat pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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 creamy, rich base to start the soup without adding extra salt, so you control seasoning perfectly.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked until soft and fragrant.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and a little savory bite.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for making the roux, which thickens the soup beautifully for that smooth, creamy consistency.
Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Adds body and flavor complexity—vegetarian-friendly if you choose vegetable stock.
Paprika: Just a hint to enhance color and add a mild smoky depth.
Broccoli: The star of the show—finely chopped so it cooks tender and blends nicely.
Carrot: Grated for a touch of natural sweetness and extra texture contrast.
Half & Half: Gives the soup its creamy, velvety richness without being too heavy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and freshly grated for that luscious melt and bold flavor.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, balancing and elevating all the flavors perfectly.

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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

One of the best things about this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to add a bit more kick, lighten it up, or make it dairy-free, there are plenty of ways to tailor it exactly to your liking.

Vegetarian Variation: I often swap chicken stock for vegetable stock to keep things fully vegetarian without losing any flavor.
Richer and Creamier: For an indulgent twist, I substitute the half & half with heavy cream. It adds a luscious thickness that makes every spoonful even more comforting.
Lighter Version: On days when I’m watching calories, I use milk instead of half & half to make a lighter soup that still hits the spot.
Gluten-Free Option: I replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or a cornstarch slurry to keep this soup smooth and thick without gluten.
Extra Veggie Boost: Adding some chopped cauliflower or zucchini can amp up the veggie content without changing the creamy texture.

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

A close-up image shows a bowl of creamy soup with a spoon lifting a portion near the center. The soup has a thick texture and is yellowish with small green broccoli pieces and some sprinkled black pepper. The bowl is white with a brown rim and is placed on an orange cloth with a white marbled surface background. The spoon is silver and holds a mix of the soup's creamy base and vegetable bits, creating a smooth, rich look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic to Build Flavor

Start by melting ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced medium onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they're soft and fragrant—about 4 minutes. You'll notice the kitchen filling with that warm, inviting aroma that signals the base for a fantastic soup. This step is crucial for layering flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Create the Roux for Creamy Texture

Sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and starts to thicken the soup. You want the mixture to look smooth and slightly golden. Keep the heat steady so the roux doesn’t burn, but gets just enough cook time to develop the flavor and texture we’re after.

Step 3: Add Stock and Vegetables to Simmer

Slowly pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable stock while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Once smooth, bring the mixture to a boil. Then, add 1 large head of finely chopped broccoli, 1 grated carrot, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. This slow simmer helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Stir in Half & Half and Melt the Cheese

Pour 2 cups of half & half into the pot and bring the soup back up to a gentle simmer. Begin whisking in 3 cups of freshly grated cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring steadily to help it melt smoothly into the soup. This gradual addition ensures a rich, creamy texture without any clumps. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, and get ready to serve a bowl of pure comfort.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect creamy texture and balanced flavor in your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is all about a few simple techniques and ingredient choices that can make a world of difference.

Freshly Grated Cheese: Using freshly grated sharp cheddar instead of pre-shredded cheese helps your soup melt smoothly without any graininess. It also packs more flavor!
Slow Cheese Integration: Add the cheddar cheese gradually off the heat or on low simmer to prevent it from clumping or separating. Patience here yields that ideal creamy consistency.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep your soup at a gentle simmer when adding dairy ingredients like half & half to avoid curdling and to maintain a velvety texture throughout.
Season Gradually: Salt and pepper can build up quickly, especially with the cheese already adding saltiness, so add seasoning in small increments and taste as you go.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A top-down view of a large metal pot filled with a thick yellow mixture that looks creamy and has small green herb pieces mixed throughout. The pot has two black handles on either side and sits on a white marbled surface. The creamy mixture appears smooth with some textured green spots evenly scattered inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this comforting soup beautifully. Try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese for cheesiness on top, a few crispy bacon bits for crunch, or a dusting of smoked paprika to bring out smoky warmth. Fresh chopped chives or parsley add a lovely pop of color and a mild oniony freshness that complements the rich soup.

Side Dishes

Pair your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast to soak up every creamy bite. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a robust grain salad for a satisfying combination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Before sealing, let the soup cool completely to prevent condensation that can affect texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture might slightly change due to the dairy, but stirring well after reheating helps bring it back.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling to keep the soup creamy and smooth. Add a splash of stock or half & half if it thickens too much while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken stock for vegetable stock and the soup will be vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use a cornstarch slurry as a thickening agent to keep the soup smooth and thick.

Can I use milk or heavy cream instead of half & half?

Yes! Using heavy cream will make the soup richer and thicker, while milk will create a lighter version. Adjust seasonings accordingly to keep the balance right.

What’s the best way to keep the soup from separating?

Slowly add the cheese off the heat or on very low simmer and avoid boiling the soup after the dairy is added. Stirring gently and consistently helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is one of those soul-warming dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly day or just craving some cozy comfort food, it’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I hope these tips and storage ideas help you enjoy every spoonful now and later. Happy cooking and bon appétit!