September 19, 2023
Review RecipeBroccoli and Cheese Soup

Table of Contents
- What Is Cheddar Broccoli Soup Made Of?
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Substitutions And Additions
- Can I Use Frozen Broccoli For This Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe?
- How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Soup
- What Goes With Broccoli And Cheese Soup?
- Cheddar Broccoli Soup Storage
- Can I Freeze Broccoli Cheese Soup?
- This Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe Is The Best!
- Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe FAQs
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Sometimes the best things in life are simple, and this broccoli cheese soup is just one of those recipes that don’t need any bells or whistles to taste amazing! It’s hands down one of the yummiest comfort food recipes packed with great flavor that you’ll ever taste.

What Is Cheddar Broccoli Soup Made Of?

Rich, creamy, and irresistibly indulgent: that’s what broccoli cheese soup tastes like.
Imagine soft pieces of broccoli bathed in a lusciously smooth cheddar cheese broth.
That first bite is an explosion of flavors, as the sharp notes of aged cheddar tingle on your taste buds, and the fresh-cut broccoli punctuates every spoonful.
To make this cozy meal, you’ll need:
- 8 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter
- 1 cup of finely chopped sweet yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic
- 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
- ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 4½ cups of fresh broccoli florets
- 3½ cups of fresh shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (+ ¼ cup for optional garnish)
- ½ cup of shredded parmesan cheese
PRO TIP:
It is best to grate your own cheese in this creamy soup recipe. Pre-shredded cheese comes coated with a preservative, which prevents it from melting well.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Substitutions And Additions
BROTH: You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth in this easy broccoli cheese soup recipe.
CHEESE: White sharp cheddar cheese is a great option in place of yellow cheddar, but it will not have that same golden color.
CREAM: You can substitute half and half for the heavy cream, but the heavy cream is what makes this broccoli and cheese soup taste so rich.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli For This Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe?
While fresh is best, this creamy soup will also work with frozen broccoli that has been thawed and chopped into small pieces.
How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Making soup is such a comforting experience, and this cheesy broccoli soup is no different.
Once you soften the onions in your pot, you can add the broth and milk to start the creamy soup base. Next, the broccoli gets added and simmers away until soft.
Finally, mix in the cheese until deliciously melted before serving. Our directions below will walk you through the steps.
STEP ONE: Using a 4 to 5-quart heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-high heat, melt butter.
STEP TWO: Add the chopped onion and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent, stirring constantly.

STEP THREE: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
STEP FOUR: Add the flour, and cook for 1 minute, stirring the flour mixture constantly.

STEP FIVE: Whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Continue to whisk to combine and break up any lumps.

STEP SIX: Lower the heat to low heat and allow the soup to begin to thicken and slightly bubble.
STEP SEVEN: Add the broccoli. Continue to stir occasionally to keep the soup from scorching. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the broccoli softens.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
If you want a smoother soup and don’t want any big chunks of broccoli in the soup, you can blend it with an immersion blender or food processor.

STEP EIGHT: Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan. Stir until the cheese is completely incorporated into the hot soup.
PRO TIP:
Make sure to take the pot off the heat before stirring in the cheese so that it doesn’t separate and curdle.
What Goes With Broccoli And Cheese Soup?
This hearty soup would be yummy, served in a bread bowl or with crusty bread on the side on a cold day. And, of course, no meal is complete without a salad – toss together our tomato cucumber salad for an easy and crunchy side.
The whole family will love coming home to this broccoli and cheese soup simmering away on the stovetop.
It’s the time of year when delicious soups are the stars. Check out our cheeseburger soup and butternut squash soup to keep you warm.
MORE SOUP RECIPES
Cheddar Broccoli Soup Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I Freeze Broccoli Cheese Soup?
We don’t recommend freezing this creamy broccoli cheese soup because of the dairy products in it. It is best to make this when you are ready to enjoy it.

This Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe Is The Best!
This easy broccoli cheese soup recipe has the creamiest and richest texture and the best flavor you’ve ever had. This is a filling and delicious soup that will keep you coming back for more once you have your first taste of it.
Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe FAQs
Our creamy broccoli soup would be delicious whether you keep the chunks of broccoli or blend it to be a smoother soup.
Make sure you are using freshly grated cheese in your soup. Pre-shredded cheese from the store tends to be coated in a preservative that does not melt quite as well.
You can whisk in a bit of cornstarch or more cheese to thicken your soup.
Since broccoli has a high amount of fiber, it can aid in digestion.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Hamburger Soup
- Tomato Soup
- Taco Soup
- Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
- Beer Cheese Soup
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Broccoli Slaw
- Beef and Broccoli
- Broccoli Salad

Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter
- 1 cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4½ cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4½ cups fresh shredded extra sharp cheese, plus ¼ cup for optional garnish
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Using a 4 to 5-quart heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
- Add the onion and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent, stirring constantly.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the flour, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Continue to whisk to combine and break any lumps.
- Lower the heat to low and allow the soup to begin to thicken and slightly bubble.
- Add the broccoli. Continue to stir occasionally to keep the soup from scorching. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the broccoli softens.
- Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan. Stir until the cheese is completely incorporated.
Notes
- It is best to grate your own cheese in this broccoli and cheddar soup recipe. Pre-shredded cheese comes coated with a preservative, which prevents it from melting well.
- If you want a smoother soup and don’t want any big chunks of broccoli in the soup, you can blend it with an immersion blender or food processor.
- Make sure to take the pot off the heat before stirring in the cheese so that it doesn’t separate and curdle.
Comments
Jill says
My favorite! So good!
JP says
Excellent soup! I just made this recipe and it was really good.
Chrissy says
Are we supposed to use 3 or 8 tbsp butter? There’s a discrepancy between the picture of ingredients and the typed recipe
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Chrissy – sorry about that confusion! It’s 8 tablespoons. Enjoy!