Why You’ll Love this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
There are three irresistible reasons you’ll love this creamy broccoli cheddar soup on your dinner table tonight.
First, it’s incredibly simple to make—just sauté, simmer, and stir. Even on busy weeknights, I can have this ready in about 30 minutes.
Second, that velvety texture from the perfect blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack cheeses. Who can resist that stretchy cheese pull with each spoonful?
Finally, it’s wonderfully customizable. Want it thicker? Add more flour. Craving extra veggies? Toss in some carrots or cauliflower.
Perfect comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
This creamy broccoli cheddar soup requires just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
The magic of this recipe lies in how these everyday items transform into something so comforting and luxurious. When these ingredients meld together, they create that perfect balance of savory cheese, tender broccoli, and rich creaminess that makes this soup a family favorite in our house.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 crushed garlic clove
- 16 ounces frozen chopped broccoli
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups 2% low-fat milk
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated monterey jack cheese
- Salt to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your cheese makes a significant difference in the final flavor.
Look for blocks of cheese that you can grate yourself rather than pre-shredded options, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt. And while the recipe calls for frozen broccoli, which works perfectly fine, you can absolutely substitute fresh broccoli if you prefer—just chop it into small, bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
The combination of sharp cheddar and monterey jack creates the perfect balance of flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like gouda or colby if that’s what you have on hand.
How to Make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Making this soup is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a stock pot over medium heat, then add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. This creates the aromatic base of your soup—don’t rush this step, as properly softened onions provide a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
Once your onions are soft, add 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper and 1 crushed garlic clove, cooking for just a few more minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen should be smelling pretty amazing right about now.
Next comes the broccoli portion of our broccoli cheddar adventure. Add 16 ounces of frozen chopped broccoli and 3 cups of chicken broth to the pot. While the soup is cooking, you could use a premium bread machine to prepare a fresh loaf that pairs perfectly with this homemade soup.
Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer until the broccoli becomes tender, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour into 1 1/4 cups of 2% low-fat milk until completely dissolved—this is your thickening agent that will give the soup its creamy consistency.
Once the broccoli is tender, stir this milk mixture into the soup, making sure to stir frequently until the soup has thickened nicely. Ever had a lumpy soup? Not today, friend. Not with this careful stirring technique.
For the grand finale, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated monterey jack cheese until everything is smooth and heated through.
The gradual addition and low heat are essential here—dumping all the cheese in at once or having the heat too high can result in a grainy texture rather than the velvety smoothness we’re after.
Taste your creation and add salt to your preference. This recipe makes enough to serve 4-5 people, though in my house, it mysteriously disappears much faster than that.
Serve it piping hot with some crusty bread for dipping, and watch as everyone at the table suddenly becomes very, very quiet—except for the occasional appreciative murmur, of course.
This soup would be perfect to enjoy outdoors while planning your premium grill station for elevated backyard entertaining.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this soup is unquestionably delicious, one of the joys of home cooking is the ability to customize recipes to your own taste or dietary needs.
Don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian option.
Dairy-free? Try coconut milk instead of 2% milk and your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.
For a twist on flavor, swap the Monterey Jack for Gruyère or pepper jack if you’re craving some heat.
Fresh broccoli can absolutely replace frozen—just steam it first.
And why not add carrots, cauliflower, or potato for extra veggie goodness?
Endless possibilities, right?
What to Serve with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A good bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup deserves perfect companions to round out your meal. I love pairing it with a crusty sourdough bread for dipping into that velvety cheese goodness.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a revitalizing contrast to the soup’s richness.
For heartier appetites, grilled cheese sandwiches are practically mandatory, aren’t they? Try making them with the same sharp cheddar you used in the soup.
Crisp apple slices provide a sweet-tart finish that cleanses the palate after all that creamy indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This homemade broccoli cheddar soup has become my go-to comfort recipe whenever chilly weather arrives or I need something deeply satisfying.
There’s something magical about the combination of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and creamy broth that soothes the soul, don’t you think?
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the cheese ratio, add more garlic, or even throw in some carrots for extra color and nutrition. For a lighter alternative, consider pairing it with garlic mashed potatoes that use fat-free sour cream for fewer calories without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for meal prep too—it reheats beautifully and might even taste better the next day as those flavors continue mingling.
For a complete meal, serve this soup alongside a simple dinner featuring ground beef pasta with mushrooms and sour cream for a hearty and satisfying combination.
