Broccoli Cheese Soup (Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl)

When chilly evenings call for something warm and cozy, this broccoli cheese soup answers with creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s rich, thick, and brimming with tiny broccoli florets, melty cheddar, and a velvety base that hugs every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Soup

Pot of broccoli cheese soup with cheddar and broccoli florets in a white Dutch oven, stirred with a wooden spoon.

This soup isn’t just warm it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s packed with real ingredients, fresh broccoli, and ooey-gooey cheese that melts into every bite. No processed cheese here. Just real-deal comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll want to make this one again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients for broccoli cheese soup including fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, milk, cream, onion, garlic, and chicken broth.

Fresh & Flavorful

3 cups finely chopped broccoli florets (from about 2 heads)
1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced

Creamy Base Essentials

6 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 1/4 cups low-fat milk (or whole milk for extra richness)
1 can (14.5 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream

Cheesy Goodness

10 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (about 2 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup (Step-by-Step)

Step-by-step collage of making broccoli cheese soup: from roux to adding broccoli and shredded cheese.

Start with a Flavor Base

Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and flour and cook for 1 minute to create a thick golden paste.

Add the Creamy Liquid

Slowly whisk in the milk. Once smooth, add the chicken broth and stir in the chopped broccoli. Keep stirring gently as the soup begins to thicken.

Simmer and Melt

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the soup for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is tender and everything smells amazing. Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the cheddar and parmesan cheese and mix until smooth and melted.

Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.

Close-up of creamy broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheddar in a rustic bowl.

Expert Tips for the Creamiest Soup

Use freshly grated block cheese for the best melt and flavor
Avoid boiling after adding the cheese to keep the texture silky
Chop broccoli small so it blends right into the creamy base
Dice onions finely so they cook quickly and soften completely
Add cheese off the heat so it doesn’t separate or curdle

Pair it with this rich and creamy chicken lasagna soup for a cozy night in

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Use white cheddar instead of yellow for a pale golden soup
Try adding shredded carrots for sweetness and color
Make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often
Microwave at 50 percent power in short bursts, stirring in between
This soup does not freeze well due to the dairy, so enjoy it fresh

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup

Craving something fresh? This apple arugula salad adds the perfect crisp, tangy contrast.

A thick slice of sourdough sandwich bread is perfect for dunking and catching every last drop.

These garlic herb roasted potatoes and zucchini bring a warm, rustic vibe that turns your bowl into a full meal.

FAQS

Can I freeze broccoli cheese soup?

Unfortunately no. The dairy in the soup can separate after freezing and the texture becomes grainy. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Just thaw it completely and chop it smaller. Fresh gives the best texture, but frozen works well in a pinch.

Can I make it gluten-free?

You can substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend or use a cornstarch slurry for thickening. Just adjust the ratios carefully.

Try It, Love It, Share It

This broccoli cheese soup is cozy, creamy, and downright crave-worthy. It’s the kind of meal you’ll look forward to on rainy days or chilly nights. If you make it, drop a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag us. We’d love to see your cozy bowls in action.

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Close-up of creamy broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheddar in a rustic bowl.

Broccoli Cheese Soup (Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl)


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  • Author: Ely Rechard
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy, cheesy broccoli soup made with fresh florets, sharp cheddar, and a velvety base. Cozy and quick!


Ingredients

Scale

3 cups finely chopped broccoli florets

1 cup yellow onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

6 tbsp butter

1/4 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

3 1/4 cups low-fat milk

1 can (14.5 oz) low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

10 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1/3 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute.

2. Slowly whisk in the milk, then the chicken broth. Stir in the broccoli. Keep heat at medium and stir as it thickens.

3. Let soup simmer 6–8 minutes until broccoli is tender.

4. Remove from heat. Stir in cream, then the cheddar and parmesan. Mix until smooth and fully melted.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with crusty bread or salad.

Notes

Use block cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Avoid boiling once cheese is added.

Chop broccoli small for the smoothest texture.

Soup does not freeze well — store in fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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