Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a comforting bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s the kind of soup that combines tender broccoli and sweet carrots with a cheesy, velvety broth that just melts in your mouth. Every spoonful is rich yet light, savory yet fresh—making it a perfect year-round favorite, whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly day or a satisfying lunch any time. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup truly elevates simple ingredients into a dish you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each element plays a vital role: buttery onions build the base, fresh broccoli and carrots provide vibrant color and texture, and the mix of broth and half and half creates that irresistible creamy consistency. The spices round it out perfectly, and the cheddar cheese brings it all together with rich, melty flavor.

• 1 Tbsp butter: For sautéing onions and starting your soup with a lovely buttery flavor.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
• 1/4 cup salted butter: Used to create a smooth roux for thickening the soup.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the broth and giving the soup its creamy texture.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory, flavorful base.
• 2 cups half and half: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without overpowering richness.
• 12 oz fresh broccoli, roughly chopped: Brings freshness, green color, and its iconic flavor to the soup.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Offer a subtle sweetness and delightful texture.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 1/4 tsp paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and depth without overwhelming.
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory notes.
• 1/4 tsp dry mustard: Adds a tangy complexity; you can swap this with about 1/2 tsp regular mustard if needed.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle peppery kick.
• 2 cups cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that makes this soup creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the onions

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté them gently until they turn soft and translucent—this only takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, which forms a flavorful base for our soup.

Step 2: Create the roux

Add the 1/4 cup of salted butter to the pot and let it melt over medium heat. Then sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute. This little flour and butter mixture, called a roux, is the secret to thickening the soup and giving it that lovely creamy texture.

Step 3: Add broth and half and half

Slowly pour in about a cup of chicken broth, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Continue adding the rest of the chicken broth and the half and half the same way. Keep whisking until everything is smooth, and then let it cook for a couple of minutes to thicken up slightly. This creamy base sets the stage for all the delicious veggies and cheese.

Step 4: Add vegetables and spices

Toss in the broccoli and carrots, then sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything, lower the heat to medium-low, and gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli and carrots are tender and the soup has thickened beautifully. If it gets too thick, just add a splash more broth or half and half to loosen it up.

Step 5: Blend to desired texture

Using either an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transferring the soup to a traditional blender, blend until you reach your preferred consistency. Whether you like it completely smooth or a bit chunky, this step lets you tailor the soup to your taste.

Step 6: Melt in cheddar cheese

Now for the fun part: add the grated cheddar cheese little by little, stirring after each handful until it melts completely into the soup. This cheesy infusion is what transforms the simple broccoli soup into the iconic Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup we all adore. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings with salt or pepper if you like.

Step 7: Serve it up

Ladle your creamy masterpiece into bowls while it’s hot, and if you want, sprinkle on a little extra black pepper and shredded cheese on top. Get ready for some serious comfort food happiness!

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

Garnishes are a fun way to add texture and extra flavor. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and mild bite. Some crispy bacon bits, a drizzle of cream, or extra shredded cheddar also make great toppings that your friends and family will love.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, buttery garlic toast, or even a warm pretzel roll. If you want to add a bit more to your meal, a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion or just to wow your family, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a fun edible touch. You can also ladle it over baked potatoes or serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic pairing that never disappoints.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavor and creamy texture. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir to recombine any separated ingredients.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you want to save some for later. Make sure to cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep best for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it’s thicker than you like after chilled storage or freezing, add a splash of broth or half and half to loosen it up. Microwave reheating is convenient too—just stir every minute or so to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and you’ll still get delicious flavor without the meat base. The soup stays creamy and cheesy, just as comforting.

What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp or extra sharp cheddar is my favorite for maximum flavor, but mild cheddar works well too if you prefer a subtler taste. Just make sure to grate your cheese fresh for the best melting results.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch. Just add it a little earlier during the simmering step to ensure it cooks through and softens nicely.

How thick should the soup be?

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. If it gets too thick, simply stir in a little more broth or half and half until you reach your preferred consistency.

Is it okay to skip blending the soup?

Definitely! If you like a chunkier soup, you can skip the blending step or blend just a portion of the soup to keep some texture while making it creamy.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with a bowl of this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome veggies that make it both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or as a special treat, this soup is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with loved ones—you’re going to love how easy and satisfying it is!

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