Broccoli Cheddar Comfort Soup

Featured in: Cozy Dinner Bowls

This creamy dish combines tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting experience. Butter-sautéed onions and garlic build a savory base, enhanced by a smooth mix of milk and vegetable broth. A roux thickens the blend, while gradual addition of cheese melts in, creating velvety richness. Nutmeg adds subtle warmth, and seasoning is balanced for a satisfying finish. Perfect for cozy settings or quick nourishment.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:11:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup with melted cheddar, ready for a comforting dinner. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup with melted cheddar, ready for a comforting dinner. | lovelyserena.com

A creamy comforting soup featuring tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese—perfect for cozy nights or a quick satisfying meal.

I first made broccoli cheese soup on a chilly evening when I needed something tasty and fast, and now it's become one of my favorite go-to soup recipes at home.

Ingredients

  • Frozen broccoli florets: 500 g (1 lb)
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic cloves: 2, minced
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 200 g (2 cups), shredded
  • Unsalted butter: 60 g (1/4 cup)
  • Whole milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
  • Vegetable broth: 250 ml (1 cup)
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg (optional): 1/4 tsp

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot over medium heat melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Form Roux:
Sprinkle in the flour and cook stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
Add Liquids:
Gradually whisk in the milk and vegetable broth until smooth.
Simmer Broccoli:
Add the frozen broccoli salt pepper and nutmeg (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Blend Soup:
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency (chunky or smooth). Alternatively blend in batches in a countertop blender then return to the pot.
Add Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time mixing until melted and smooth.
Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
A close-up of a creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, showcasing the tender broccoli florets and sharp cheese. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, showcasing the tender broccoli florets and sharp cheese. | lovelyserena.com

My family loves sharing a big batch of this broccoli cheese soup after a busy day, and it always brings everyone to the table with smiles.

Notes

For a lighter soup substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk; or add diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.

Required Tools

Large soup pot wooden spoon immersion blender or countertop blender measuring cups and spoons cheese grater.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 330 calories 21 g total fat 18 g carbohydrates and 16 g protein.

Rich and flavorful Broccoli Cheese Soup, perfect for dipping crusty bread on a chilly evening. Save to Pinterest
Rich and flavorful Broccoli Cheese Soup, perfect for dipping crusty bread on a chilly evening. | lovelyserena.com

Enjoy this comforting soup with warm bread or a crisp salad for a simple delicious meal.

Ask About This Recipe

What is the best way to achieve a smooth texture?

Use an immersion blender or a countertop blender to puree the soup until smooth, adjusting consistency to preference.

Can I substitute the sharp cheddar cheese?

Mild or medium cheddar can be used, but sharp cheddar provides the richest flavor and depth to the soup.

How do I prevent the soup from curdling when adding cheese?

Add shredded cheese gradually over low heat while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth melt without separation.

What additional vegetables pair well with this soup?

Diced carrots or celery can be added during the sauté stage for extra flavor and texture variety.

Is it possible to lighten the dish without losing creaminess?

Substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk for whole milk to reduce fat while maintaining a creamy texture.

How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop while stirring to prevent scorching.

Broccoli Cheddar Comfort Soup

Smooth blend of broccoli and cheddar cheese creating a rich and warming dish, ideal for quick meals.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat

What You Need

Vegetables

01 1 lb frozen broccoli florets
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy

01 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
02 1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 2 cups whole milk
04 1 cup vegetable broth

Pantry

01 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
02 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
03 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 02

Create Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and cook while stirring constantly for 2 minutes to develop a roux.

Step 03

Incorporate Liquids: Gradually whisk in whole milk and vegetable broth until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 04

Simmer Broccoli: Add frozen broccoli, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until broccoli is tender.

Step 05

Blend Soup: Blend the soup to desired consistency using an immersion blender or in batches with a countertop blender, then return to the pot.

Step 06

Finish with Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 07

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, cheddar cheese) and gluten (all-purpose flour).
  • Verify all packaged ingredients for allergens if sensitive.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 330
  • Lipids: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 16 g