Few dishes hit the comfort food spot quite like a bowl of warm, velvety broccoli cheddar soup. This classic recipe brings together the rich, savory flavors of sharp cheddar cheese with tender bites of broccoli and a silky, creamy base that makes every spoonful feel like a cozy hug. Whether you’re craving something to warm up a chilly evening or looking for a satisfying meatless meal, this soup delivers on flavor, texture, and heartiness.

What makes this broccoli cheddar soup truly stand out is its perfect balance of indulgence and wholesomeness. With a fragrant base of sautéed onions, garlic, and spices, the depth of flavor builds before rich half-and-half and sharp cheddar are added to create that signature creaminess. Chopped broccoli and shredded carrots add not only nutrition but also texture, giving the soup body and bite.

Serve it with thick, crusty bread or even in a bread bowl for a restaurant-worthy experience at home. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but comforting enough to serve for a cozy gathering. Whether you’re making it for family, guests, or just yourself, this broccoli cheddar soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to butter, flour, and half-and-half, this soup has a velvety smooth consistency that feels luxurious without being overly heavy.
Loaded with Flavor: Smoked paprika, garlic, mustard, and cayenne give the soup a depth of flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
Nutritious and Hearty: With broccoli, carrots, and a good dose of cheddar, this soup is both satisfying and packed with vegetables.
One-Pot Wonder: It comes together in a single pot, making cleanup easy and the cooking process streamlined.
Customizable: Whether you want to tweak the spice level or make it vegetarian, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Yellow onion
Garlic
Paprika
Ground mustard
Ground cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
Flour
Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
Half-and-half
Bay leaf (optional)
Broccoli
Carrots
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Vegan Twist: Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives like oat milk and vegan cheese.
Chunky or Smooth: Blend the soup partially or fully, depending on your texture preference.
Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for extra protein.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Melt a portion of the butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, paprika, mustard, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Add the remaining butter, then stir in the flour. Cook the flour mixture for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.

Step 3: Add Liquid

Gradually whisk in the broth and half-and-half, making sure to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf if using.

Step 4: Simmer with Veggies

Bring the soup to a simmer, then add the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Remove the soup from heat and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or in a bread bowl.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Grate cheese fresh from the block—it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Don’t boil after adding cheese to avoid curdling.
Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
Let the roux cook long enough to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Use a hand blender if you prefer a smoother consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this soup hot in bowls or bread bowls. Garnish with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of paprika, or even a few croutons for texture. Pair it with a side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, transfer the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid high heat to prevent the dairy from separating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

2. Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cool it fully and store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works fine—just thaw and drain before adding.

4. What kind of cheddar is best?

Extra-sharp cheddar gives the soup a bold flavor, but you can use mild or medium if preferred.

5. Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux.

6. Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?

Yes, though the result will be less rich. Whole milk is the best substitute.

7. How do I make it vegetarian?

Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

8. Can I add meat?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or crumbled bacon are great additions.

9. Why did my cheese clump?

Adding cheese while the soup is too hot can cause clumping. Let it cool slightly before stirring in the cheese.

10. Can I blend the soup?

Yes. Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture, or blend part of it for a mix of smooth and chunky.

Conclusion

Broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with veggies and cheese. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy lunches. With its easy-to-follow steps, pantry-friendly ingredients, and incredible flavor, this soup is bound to become a household favorite. Make it your own with custom toppings or additions and enjoy a restaurant-quality bowl at home any time.