Nothing beats walking into a kitchen where broccoli is bubbling away in creamy, cheesy goodness. This easy broccoli cheddar soup wraps you up like your favorite blanket on a chilly evening. It’s become the go-to comfort bowl for busy families everywhere.
Think rich cheddar cheese melting into tender broccoli florets with just the right amount of cream. No fancy techniques, no long ingredient listsjust simple pantry staples that come together in about 30 minutes. It’s like the cozy soup your mom made, but way easier and ready before the kids get too hangry.
Started perfecting this recipe back in 2014 when my daughters were little and refused anything green. The first batch was so thick you could stand a spoon in ittotal disaster. Learned to add the cheese slowly and keep the heat gentle so it stays silky smooth. Now it’s their most-requested sick day meal.
PrintEasy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A deliciously cozy recipe for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. We love serving it in a sourdough bread bowl or with a side of crusty bread for dipping. This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 people 1x
- Category: dinner lunch Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ onion chopped
- ⅓ cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 celery stalk finely diced
- 2½ cup broccoli chopped into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Place large pot over medium heat and melt butter.
- Add onion and sweat about 5 minutes.
- Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken stock and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stir in celery and broccoli and bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Let simmer until vegetables are tender about 15 minutes.
- Stir in milk and continue to simmer until soup is thick enough to just coat the back of a wooden spoon 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat and stir in cheddar in small handfuls waiting until cheese melts to add more cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper and top with more cheddar. Serve.
Notes
- Makes: ~1 1/2 quarts Tips and Tricks for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Success It’s important to remember that low and slow for adding the cheese is key
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheese in small handfuls
- Removing the pot from the heat will ensure your soup doesn’t separate while still maintaining enough heat to melt the cheese
- Also make sure the added shredded cheese fully incorporates and melts into the soup before adding more
- This will guarantee the soup stays creamy and smooth
- If the cheese is added too quickly you run the risk of your soup becoming gritty
- Make Ahead Instructions for Our Broccoli Cheddar Soup Our soup can be made up to 3 days ahead of time stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- To reheat pour soup into a pot and place over medium-low to low heat
- Stir soup occasionally to ensure it heats back up evenly
- It’s important that the soup comes back up to temperature slowly so that it stays thick creamy and smooth
- Reheating the soup too quickly can make the soup gritty and lose its body
- If you find that your soup still gets too thin after its been heated scoop 1/2 cup of the warm soup into a small bowl and whisk together with 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch until smooth
- Pour mixture back into the pot stir together and simmer until soup slightly thickens
Nutrition
- Calories: 445kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 524mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 97mg
Why This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Will Win Your Heart
This soup feels like getting a warm hug from someone who really knows you. When Julia first taught me this recipe in her tiny kitchen, she said the secret wasn’t just the cheeseit was making something that brings people to the table without stress.
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for those nights when everyone’s hungry and patience is running thin
- Simple pantry ingredients: No hunting down fancy items or making three grocery store trips
- Kid-approved: Even the pickiest eaters seem to forget they’re eating vegetables when it’s swimming in creamy cheddar
- Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and thank yourself later when you need comfort in a hurry
Your Kitchen Essentials for Success
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicityyou probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your fridge right now. Julia always said the best comfort food comes from what’s already home.
The star players: Sharp cheddar cheese makes all the difference here. Don’t skimp on qualityit’s what transforms this from ordinary soup to pure comfort. Fresh broccoli gives the perfect tender bite, while chicken stock adds that savory depth that makes you want to lick the bowl clean.
| Ingredient | Easy Swaps | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Cheddar | Mild cheddar, Gruyere | Creates the creamy base |
| Chicken Stock | Vegetable broth, low-sodium | Adds rich flavor depth |
| Whole Milk | Heavy cream, half-and-half | Makes it silky smooth |
| Fresh Broccoli | Frozen (thawed), broccolini | Provides perfect texture |
How This Creamy Magic Happens
Making this easy broccoli cheddar soup is like watching a little kitchen miracle unfold. Start with that classic butter and flour baseit’s the foundation that keeps everything silky and prevents any unwanted separation later.
The key steps: Sweat those onions until they’re soft and fragrant, then whisk in flour to create your roux. This is what thickens everything beautifully without any lumps. Pour in that chicken stock slowly while whisking, then let your vegetables get tender and happy in the simmering liquid.
- Low and slow for the cheese: Remove from heat completely before stirring in cheese handfulsthis prevents grittiness
- Patience pays off: Let each handful melt completely before adding more cheddar
- Taste as you go: Season generously but remember the cheese adds saltiness too
Troubleshooting Your Soup Like a Pro
Even the best home cooks have soup disastersI’ve made my share of grainy, separated messes over the years. The good news is most soup problems have easy fixes that’ll save dinner.
| Problem | Quick Fix | Prevention Next Time |
|---|---|---|
| Grainy texture | Blend ½ cup smooth, stir back in | Add cheese off heat, slowly |
| Too thin | Mix cornstarch + warm soup, simmer | Cook roux longer, simmer more |
| Too thick | Stir in warm milk gradually | Watch simmering time |
| Bland flavor | More salt, pepper, sharp cheese | Season each step, taste often |
Serving This Bowl of Comfort
There’s something magical about ladling this creamy broccoli cheddar soup into bowls and watching faces light up. Julia used to serve it in her good china bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheese on topbecause presentation matters, even for family dinner.
Perfect pairings: Crusty sourdough for dipping, grilled cheese cut into triangles, or even just some buttery crackers. The soup is rich enough to be the main event, but flexible enough to be a starter for something lighter.
- Make it special: Serve in hollowed sourdough bread bowls for weekend treats
- Storage magic: Keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 daysreheat gently and slowly
- Freezer tip: Freeze before adding cheese, then stir in fresh cheese when reheating
Expert Insight: Mastering Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Mastering this broccoli cheddar soup involves understanding the balance between its creamy base and the vibrant freshness of the broccoli. The choice of sharp cheddar, coupled with a deliberate thickening process, ensures the broccoli’s natural sweetness is highlighted. The result is a simple, approachable recipe perfect for a quick, comforting meal that never sacrifices taste or nutritional value.
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How I Perfected My Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
After several attempts that included burnt edges and overly thick soup, I finally found the right balance for this easy broccoli cheddar soup. Years of tasting, adjusting, and loving every spoonful taught me how to weave creamy cheese with tender broccoli in a way that feels like a warm family hug.
FAQs ( Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup )
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring regularly to keep the creamy texture smooth and prevent scorching.
What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid curdling. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it. Avoid microwaving as it can cause uneven heating and separation.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to avoid making the soup watery. Frozen broccoli also shortens cook time since it’s partially cooked already, helping maintain texture in this creamy dish.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken, simmer uncovered to reduce liquid or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry. For thinner soup, gradually stir in broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached. Adjust seasonings after thinning or thickening to keep balanced flavors.
What cheese is best for the creamy broccoli cheddar soup?
Sharp or extra sharp cheddar adds the best flavor and melts smoothly into the soup. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Grate cheese fresh for a velvety, rich finish to complement the broccoli perfectly.
Easy broccoli cheddar soup delivers pure comfort in just 30 minutes. You’ll love how silky the cheese melts into tender broccoli, creating that perfect spoon-coating texture we all crave. The aroma alone will have your family gathering in the kitchen before you even call them to dinner.
Try stirring in a pinch of nutmeg for warmth, or swap half the broccoli for cauliflower when you’re feeling adventurous. This soup reheats beautifullyjust add a splash of milk to bring back that creamy consistency. A trick I learned from Julia’s kitchen: freeze individual portions in mason jars for those nights when only comfort will do.
I’d love to see your cozy soup bowls! Share your photos and tell medid you grow up with a soup that felt like a warm hug? There’s something so special about recipes that bring families together around the table. Save this one for your loved ones; it’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your story.
