Cheesy Broccoli Soup is a creamy and comforting bowl full of tender broccoli pieces and rich, melty cheese. It’s the kind of soup that’s both satisfying and a little bit cozy, perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and nicely cheesy.
I love making this soup because it’s super easy to put together, and it always reminds me of simple home-cooked meals. One trick I use is to cook the broccoli just until it’s bright green and tender but not mushy, so the soup ends up with little bursts of fresh broccoli flavor alongside the smooth cheese sauce.
My favorite way to enjoy this soup is with some crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. It’s such a friendly meal that everyone in the family usually asks for seconds, and I love how it sneaks in some veggies without anyone even noticing. This soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and I know you’ll feel the same way too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best flavor and texture, but frozen works too if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw and drain well before adding to avoid extra water in the soup.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor and melts smoothly. If cheddar isn’t your thing, gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a mild mozzarella can be good swaps.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk gives creaminess, but 2% or even unsweetened almond milk works for lighter versions. Adding heavy cream makes the soup richer but is optional.
Butter and Flour (Roux): These thicken the soup and give it a nice smooth base. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry instead.
How Do You Get Creamy Soup Without Lumps?
Making a smooth, creamy soup depends on making the roux and slowly adding liquids:
- Melt butter and cook onions, then add flour, stirring so it forms a smooth paste.
- Whisk in broth gradually while stirring to prevent clumps.
- Simmer gently to let the flour cook and thicken the soup.
- Partially blending the soup helps create body while keeping some broccoli texture.
- Add cheese slowly off the heat or on low to avoid graininess.
Patience helps—slowly adding liquids and stirring means no lumps and a silky soup you’ll love!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for cooking the soup evenly and giving you plenty of room to stir.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – great for stirring the roux without scratching your pot.
- Whisk – helps mix the flour and liquids smoothly to avoid lumps in the soup.
- Immersion blender – lets you blend part of the soup right in the pot for creamy texture without transferring hot soup.
- Cutting board and chef’s knife – for chopping onions, garlic, and cutting broccoli into bite-size pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use sharp white cheddar for a tangier flavor, or mix cheddar with Gruyère for a nutty twist.
- Add cooked bacon or ham bits for smoky, meaty flavor that pairs well with the cheese.
- Stir in cooked potatoes or cauliflower for more body and variety in texture.
- Swap broccoli for kale or spinach if you want a different green and softer texture.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half (optional for extra creaminess)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in about 30 minutes total, you’ll have a warm, cheesy bowl ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and stir occasionally until it softens and becomes translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is golden and slightly bubbly. This step helps thicken the soup later.
3. Add Broth and Milk:
Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken a bit. Then, pour in the milk and combine well. Bring everything back to a low simmer.
4. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
5. Blend to Your Liking:
Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup right in the pot, leaving some broccoli chunks whole for texture. If you don’t have one, blend half the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot.
6. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Lower the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Then add salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir in the heavy cream if you like it extra creamy, and warm the soup gently without boiling.
7. Taste and Serve:
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top and some crusty bread on the side if you want. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy broccoli soup!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well, just thaw and drain it before adding to the soup to avoid extra water. You might need to cook it a little less since it’s already softened.
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) to thicken the soup instead of making the roux.
Can I Make Cheesy Broccoli Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.
What’s the Best Cheese to Use?
Sharp cheddar is classic for flavor and meltability, but feel free to try gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a unique twist!
