Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Featured in: Hearty Soups & Stews

This creamy soup blends tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, comforting dish. Butter, onions, and garlic add depth while a smooth milk and broth base creates a velvety texture. Finished with seasoning and melted cheddar, it’s an easy, satisfying meal ideal for cozy nights. Optional nutmeg adds a subtle warmth. Serve hot, optionally with bread or salad to complete the experience.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:20:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup with melted cheese, perfect for a cold evening. Save
Steaming bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup with melted cheese, perfect for a cold evening. | forkina.com

A creamy, comforting soup featuring tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese—perfect for cozy nights or a quick, satisfying meal.

I first made this broccoli cheese soup on a chilly evening when everyone craved something warm and cheesy. It quickly became a favorite that we return to often.

Ingredients

  • Frozen broccoli florets: 500 g (1 lb)
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic cloves: 2, minced
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 200 g (2 cups), shredded
  • Unsalted butter: 60 g (1/4 cup)
  • Whole milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
  • Vegetable broth: 250 ml (1 cup)
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg (optional): 1/4 tsp

Instructions

Saute Base:
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Make Roux:
Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
Add Liquids:
Gradually whisk in milk and vegetable broth until smooth.
Simmer Broccoli:
Add frozen broccoli, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, until broccoli is tender.
Blend:
Use an immersion blender or blend in batches to your desired consistency. Return soup to the pot.
Add Cheese:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar a handful at a time until melted and smooth.
Finish & Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra cheese or black pepper.
Rich and creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, garnished and ready to serve with crusty bread. Pin it
Rich and creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, garnished and ready to serve with crusty bread. | forkina.com
Rich and creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, garnished and ready to serve with crusty bread. Pin it
Rich and creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, garnished and ready to serve with crusty bread. | forkina.com

My family loves gathering around the table for a big pot of this soup. Our favorite sides are crusty bread and salad to round out the meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with fresh bread or cheese toast for dipping. A crisp side salad makes it a complete dinner.

Variations

Try adding diced carrots or celery for extra flavor. Use mild cheddar if you prefer less sharpness, or mix cheeses for different flavors.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring to prevent separation.

Beautiful, close-up view of homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup, a comforting vegetarian meal. Pin it
Beautiful, close-up view of homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup, a comforting vegetarian meal. | forkina.com
Beautiful, close-up view of homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup, a comforting vegetarian meal. Pin it
Beautiful, close-up view of homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup, a comforting vegetarian meal. | forkina.com

Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting broccoli cheese soup. It's a family favorite that's sure to warm you up anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of broccoli is best for this dish?

Frozen broccoli florets work well, offering convenience without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

Yes, blend to your preferred consistency and adjust liquid amounts to reach the desired thickness.

Is there a substitute for sharp cheddar cheese?

Colby or gouda provide a similarly rich flavor, though sharp cheddar delivers the best bite.

How can I add more vegetables to enhance the dish?

Diced carrots or celery add sweetness and texture, sautéed with onions for balanced layers.

What is the best method to blend the soup?

An immersion blender offers control over texture, but countertop blenders work well in batches.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Tender broccoli and sharp cheddar come together in a creamy, warm dish perfect for chilly days.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Vegetables

01 1 lb frozen broccoli florets
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy

01 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
02 1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 2 cups whole milk
04 1 cup vegetable broth

Pantry

01 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
02 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
03 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 02

Form roux: Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 2 minutes until mixture is well combined and fragrant.

Step 03

Incorporate liquids: Gradually whisk in whole milk and vegetable broth until the mixture is smooth.

Step 04

Simmer vegetables: Add frozen broccoli florets, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until broccoli is tender.

Step 05

Blend soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup to desired consistency. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender and return to pot.

Step 06

Melt cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is smooth.

Step 07

Season and serve: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot, optionally garnished with additional cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, cheddar cheese) and gluten (all-purpose flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 330
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 16 g