Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. The rich, velvety cheese base paired with tender broccoli florets creates the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Whenever I make this soup, it instantly transports me to cozy evenings by the fire, wrapped in a blanket with a bowl in hand.

What I love most about broccoli cheddar soup is its versatility. It can be a hearty meal on its own or a fantastic starter for a bigger dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a comforting dish to impress guests, this soup always delivers.

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Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Rich and Creamy – A velvety smooth cheese base makes every spoonful deliciously satisfying.
• Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein from the broccoli and cheese.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have this ready in under an hour.
• Family Favorite – Even picky eaters love the cheesy goodness with hidden veggies!
• Great for Leftovers – It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

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What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

The key to a rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup is using the right cheese. Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it melts beautifully and adds a deep, tangy flavor that balances the creaminess of the soup. If you want a smoother texture, consider adding a bit of mild cheddar or even a touch of gouda. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Always grate your cheese fresh for the best results!

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re out of an ingredient or need to adjust for dietary preferences, there are plenty of ways to modify this soup while keeping it delicious.

• Cheese Swap – Instead of sharp cheddar, try a mix of gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk or a plant-based heavy cream alternative, and swap cheddar for a dairy-free cheese.
• Gluten-Free – Skip the flour or use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch to achieve the same creamy consistency.
• Low-Carb Option – Reduce the flour and use heavy cream instead of milk for a keto-friendly version.
• Extra Veggies – Add carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach for more nutrition and texture.
• Spice It Up – A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika adds a subtle heat that enhances the flavor.

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Ingredients for This Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this soup rich, creamy, and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Broccoli – The star of the show! Fresh or frozen broccoli works, but fresh gives the best texture.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Provides the signature bold and tangy flavor. Always use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt.
• Butter – Helps create a rich base and enhances the overall flavor.
• Onion – Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to balance the cheese.
• Garlic – A small amount brings a warm, aromatic boost to the soup.
• Flour – Acts as a thickener, giving the soup its signature creamy consistency.
• Milk – Creates a velvety texture while keeping the soup light. Whole milk works best, but 2% is fine.
• Heavy Cream – Adds an extra layer of richness and makes the soup extra indulgent.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Forms the flavorful base and keeps the soup from being too thick.
• Salt & Pepper – Enhances the flavors and allows you to adjust seasoning to taste.
• Nutmeg (Optional) – A pinch adds a subtle warmth that complements the cheese.
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional) – Just a dash for a little heat, if you like a kick.

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously for about a minute. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and creates a thick base for the soup.

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Step 3: Add the Liquid

Gradually whisk in the broth, making sure there are no lumps. Then pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

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Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot and let them cook for about 10–15 minutes until they become tender. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend some or all of it using an immersion blender.

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Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely into the soup, creating a creamy, velvety texture. Be careful not to boil the soup at this stage, as high heat can make the cheese separate.

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Step 6: Season and Serve

Add salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like nutmeg or cayenne. Taste and adjust as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese and a side of crusty bread.

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How Long to Cook Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Here’s a general breakdown of the cooking time:

• Sautéing the onions and garlic – 3–4 minutes
• Cooking the roux – 1 minute
• Simmering with broth and milk – 5 minutes
• Cooking the broccoli – 10–15 minutes
• Melting the cheese – 2–3 minutes

In total, the soup should take about 30–40 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always grate it yourself for the best texture.
• Avoid High Heat When Adding Cheese – Keep the heat low when stirring in the cheese to prevent it from turning grainy.
• Blend for a Smoother Texture – If you prefer a creamy soup without chunks, use an immersion blender or blend half of the soup for a balanced consistency.
• Adjust Thickness as Needed – If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer or mix in a cornstarch slurry.
• Season at the End – Cheese is naturally salty, so wait until the cheese is fully melted before adjusting the salt level.
• Add a Dash of Nutmeg – This subtle spice enhances the richness of the cheese and adds depth to the flavor.
• Make It Extra Cheesy – For an ultra-cheesy version, stir in an extra handful of cheese just before serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though broccoli cheddar soup is simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese – It doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added anti-caking agents, which can lead to a grainy texture.
• Boiling the Soup After Adding Cheese – High heat can cause the cheese to separate, making the soup oily and clumpy. Keep the heat low.
• Overcooking the Broccoli – If broccoli is cooked too long, it can turn mushy and lose its bright green color.
• Not Cooking the Roux Properly – The flour needs at least a minute to cook in the butter before adding liquid to avoid a raw flour taste.
• Skipping the Blending Step (if you like a smooth soup) – If you want a creamy soup, blend part or all of it before adding the cheese.
• Underseasoning – Cheese adds saltiness, but you may still need to adjust seasoning at the end for the best flavor.
• Adding Too Much Liquid at Once – Pour in the broth and milk gradually to maintain a smooth consistency.

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What to Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

This creamy soup is a meal on its own but pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:

1. Crusty Bread

A warm baguette or a slice of sourdough is perfect for dipping into the rich, cheesy broth.

2. Garlic Bread

For extra flavor, serve with garlic butter toast to complement the soup’s creamy texture.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A classic pairing! A crispy, buttery grilled cheese makes this meal even more indulgent.

4. Side Salad

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add a hearty, nutritious side to your meal.

6. Baked Potatoes

A fluffy baked potato topped with butter or sour cream is a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with the soup.

7. Crackers or Breadsticks

For a lighter side, serve with crisp crackers or crunchy breadsticks for texture.

8. Bacon Bits or Crispy Prosciutto

A sprinkle of crispy bacon or prosciutto on top adds a smoky, savory contrast to the creamy soup.

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Storage Instructions

Broccoli cheddar soup stores well, making it great for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing dairy-based soups can sometimes cause separation. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cheese. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and stir in fresh cheese. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Reheat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30–45 seconds), stirring between each to prevent separation.

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Estimated Nutrition

The following values are approximate per 1 cup serving of broccoli cheddar soup:

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk, reduce the cheese, and swap heavy cream for more broth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this soup. Just add it directly to the pot without thawing and extend the cooking time by a few minutes.

2. How do I make the soup thicker?

If your soup is too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it in.

3. Why is my cheese clumping or turning grainy?

This happens if the soup is too hot when you add the cheese. Lower the heat and stir the cheese in gradually to keep it smooth.

4. Can I make this soup without flour?

Yes! Use cornstarch instead, or let the soup reduce naturally. Blending some of the broccoli also helps thicken it.

5. Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter, coconut milk or almond milk, and a plant-based cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

6. Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach blend well with the flavors of this soup.

7. What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat on low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir between each.

8. Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the cheese. Dairy can separate when frozen, so add fresh cheese when reheating.

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Conclusion

This broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or meal-prepping for the week, it’s always a hit. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest and share it with family and friends!

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