Name: Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup); 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour; 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth; 2 cups (490 g) whole milk, room temperature; 1 head broccoli, chopped (about 3¼ cups florets); 1 cup carrots, shredded (about 2 carrots); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground pepper; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; 4 cups (452 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 24 reviews

Warm, comforting, and generously cheesy, Broccoli Cheese Soup is the ultimate bowl of coziness for chilly days or when you simply crave something hearty and flavorful. The creamy base envelops tender broccoli florets and sweet carrots, while loads of sharp cheddar cheese bring irresistible richness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing starter, this soup ticks every box for taste, texture, and colorful presentation. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making Broccoli Cheese Soup again and again!

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple fridge and pantry staples, each chosen to bring out the best in every spoonful. From fresh veggies to rich cheese, every ingredient matters for the signature flavor and creamy texture that make Broccoli Cheese Soup so memorable!

Unsalted Butter: Gives a rich, silky base and helps sauté the veggies without overwhelming them with salt.
Yellow Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth to complement the cheese and broccoli.
Minced Garlic: For a little punch of aroma and flavor; don’t be tempted to skip it!
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the soup for that luxurious, velvety finish.
Chicken Broth: Provides savory depth; use good-quality broth for the best results.
Whole Milk: Contributes creaminess and rounds out the cheesy flavor; room temperature helps everything blend smoothly.
Broccoli Florets: The star of the show—fresh, chopped broccoli brings vivid color and bite.
Shredded Carrots: Bright sweetness that balances the savory notes beautifully.
Kosher Salt: Just the right amount to make all the flavors pop without overpowering the cheese.
Ground Black Pepper: For gentle heat and complexity; freshly ground is best.
Nutmeg: A pinch gives a subtle warmth and depth you’ll notice in every spoonful.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The soul of Broccoli Cheese Soup—melts in for a bold, tangy richness you’ll crave.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced onions. Give them about 8 to 10 minutes to gently soften and turn translucent—this builds a sweet, mellow foundation for your soup. Stir in the minced garlic, just until fragrant, for that irresistible aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen.

Step 2: Make Your Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the buttery onion-garlic mixture. Stir everything together, letting the flour cook for about 5 minutes, until it takes on a pale, golden color and loses its raw taste. This roux is your secret to luxuriously thick, creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup!

Step 3: Add Liquids and Whisk Smoothly

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and then the milk, stirring constantly to ensure no lumps remain. Keep whisking as you go—this step is all about achieving a silky base that’s ready to embrace the veggies and cheese.

Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables

Add the chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrots, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Bring your soup to a gentle simmer, uncovered, and let everything cook together for about 24 to 26 minutes. By the end, the broccoli will be tender yet still vibrant, with carrots lending sweetness and color.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Now, it’s time for the magic: stir in your shredded sharp cheddar cheese, one cup at a time, letting each addition melt fully before adding the next. Take your time—this is how you get perfectly creamy, dreamy Broccoli Cheese Soup with zero clumps!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove your pot from the heat and taste for seasoning. Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready for the cozy satisfaction of a bowlful of Broccoli Cheese Soup, made by you!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup

Garnishes

Top your steaming bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese, a few reserved broccoli florets, or even a touch of cracked black pepper for that restaurant-style finish. Chopped fresh chives or a swirl of cream will also amp up the color and flavor, making every bowl feel special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Broccoli Cheese Soup with crusty bread—think sourdough or a rustic baguette—to soak up every last drop. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad drizzled with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Want to make it a full meal? Add roasted potatoes or a turkey sandwich on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra fun touch, serve Broccoli Cheese Soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a bistro-style experience. Little soup shooters, topped with microgreens, make a gorgeous starter at parties. Or ladle the soup into mugs and serve with a skewer of grilled cheese croutons for dipping—perfect for cozy gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Broccoli Cheese Soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before reheating to reincorporate any separated cheese or milk solids.

Freezing

While this soup can be frozen, keep in mind that dairy-based soups may develop a slightly grainy texture after thawing. For best results, let your Broccoli Cheese Soup cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Broccoli Cheese Soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to maintain its creamy texture. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick. You can also warm individual bowls in the microwave, pausing to stir every 30 seconds so the cheese stays silky and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen florets work well. There’s no need to thaw—just toss them right in with the carrots. The texture may be ever so slightly softer, but your Broccoli Cheese Soup will still be delicious.

What types of cheese can I use?

Sharp cheddar is classic for Broccoli Cheese Soup, but feel free to experiment! Blending in a bit of Gruyère or Monterey Jack adds wonderful depth. Just make sure your cheese is shredded and room temperature for easy melting.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Every other step and ingredient can stay the same. Just be sure to use a flavorful veggie broth for the best result.

Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture?

If you prefer a velvety soup, use an immersion blender to purée some or all of the mixture after simmering but before you add the cheese. You can make it as chunky or smooth as you like—Broccoli Cheese Soup is wonderfully adaptable.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

The secret is to lower the heat before adding the cheese, and then stir it in gradually, one cup at a time. High heat or rushing this step can cause the cheese to seize up, but a gentle touch ensures perfectly smooth, rich Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to make this Broccoli Cheese Soup—you’ll fall head over heels for its comfort and flavor. Whether you’re new to homemade soups or already a fan, this recipe is sure to earn a regular spot in your kitchen. Grab a pot and a ladle, and treat yourself to a bowlful of cheesy, broccoli-packed goodness!