Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup

Featured in: Warm Soups & Stews

This comforting soup highlights tender broccoli florets simmered with sautéed onion and garlic, blended smoothly with milk and vegetable broth. Sharp cheddar cheese is folded in gradually for a rich, creamy texture. It requires simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, making it a quick and satisfying option for any day. Garnish ideas include extra cheese or black pepper, with options to add more veggies or switch milk types for a lighter touch.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:32:00 GMT
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, a warm and comforting bowl with melted cheddar and tender broccoli florets. Save
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, a warm and comforting bowl with melted cheddar and tender broccoli florets. | basilhearth.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 for my family on a chilly evening and it instantly became our go-to comfort dish on winter nights.

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: 1/4 tsp (optional)

Instructions

Sauté aromatics:
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Make roux:
Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux.
Add liquids:
Gradually whisk in the milk and vegetable broth until smooth.
Simmer:
Add the frozen broccoli, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Blend:
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency (chunky or smooth). Alternatively blend in batches in a countertop blender then return to the pot.
Add cheese:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time mixing until melted and smooth.
Finish and serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
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| basilhearth.com
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| basilhearth.com

Sharing this soup with loved ones brings back warm family memories around the dinner table with laughter and crusty bread.

Required Tools

Large soup pot wooden spoon immersion or countertop blender measuring cups and spoons cheese grater.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 330 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 16 g.

Notes

For a lighter soup you can substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk add diced carrots or celery for extra texture or pair with salad.

A close-up of a bubbling pot of Broccoli Cheese Soup, ready to be ladled and enjoyed on a cold day. Save
A close-up of a bubbling pot of Broccoli Cheese Soup, ready to be ladled and enjoyed on a cold day. | basilhearth.com
A close-up of a bubbling pot of Broccoli Cheese Soup, ready to be ladled and enjoyed on a cold day. Save
A close-up of a bubbling pot of Broccoli Cheese Soup, ready to be ladled and enjoyed on a cold day. | basilhearth.com

This broccoli cheese soup is satisfying flavorful and ready in under an hour—the ultimate comfort meal for any night.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli works well. Chop into florets and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure tenderness.

What is the purpose of the flour in this dish?

The flour creates a roux with butter that thickens the liquid, giving the soup its creamy consistency.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

Blend less for chunkier texture or more for a smooth consistency. You can also add more broth or milk to thin it out.

Are there suitable dairy alternatives?

Half-and-half or low-fat milk may be used for a lighter texture, but cheese provides much of the flavor and creaminess.

What are good accompaniments for this dish?

Serve with crusty bread or a fresh side salad to complement the creamy flavors and add texture variety.

Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup

A creamy blend of broccoli and sharp cheddar, ideal for a quick, comforting dish.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Total Duration
35 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Warm Soups & Stews

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

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

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 03

Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and vegetable broth until the mixture is smooth.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to the desired consistency, either smooth or chunky. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender and return to the pot.

Step 06

Incorporate Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, mixing until fully melted and smooth.

Step 07

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, cheddar cheese) and gluten (all-purpose flour). Check packaged ingredients for allergens if sensitive.

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 330
  • Fat content: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Protein Amount: 16 grams