The Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything comfort food should be — warm, thick, cheesy, and packed with nourishing veggies. The combination of sweet broccoli florets, savory aromatics, and melty sharp cheddar transforms into a rich, dreamy soup that hugs you from the inside out.
Topped with homemade golden croutons and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is the perfect bowl of comfort for chilly nights. It’s a timeless classic made even better with the use of the whole broccoli and a balance of textures and flavors that make every spoonful a cozy delight.
Full Recipe:
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2 large heads of broccoli (30-32oz / 850-900g total), florets chopped, stems finely diced
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4 cups (1 litre) chicken stock (plus more if needed)
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2/3 cup (160ml) heavy/double cream, room temperature
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2 cups (200g) grated sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish if desired)
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1 large rib of celery, finely diced
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1 large carrot, finely diced
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp butter
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3/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
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1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Croutons (Optional):
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5oz (150g) baguette or other firm bread, cubed
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3–4 tbsp grated parmesan
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) if making croutons.
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Prepare the broccoli: remove florets and chop into bite-sized pieces. Trim and finely dice stems.
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Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add broccoli stems, onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté until softened and lightly golden.
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Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add broccoli florets and pour in chicken stock (just enough to barely cover the broccoli). Season with salt and pepper.
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Cover with a lid, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the broccoli is fork-tender.
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Meanwhile, make the croutons: toss cubed bread with olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
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When broccoli is tender, remove the pot from heat. Use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth and thick.
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Stir in the cream, then gradually stir in the grated cheddar until melted and fully incorporated. Thin with more stock if desired.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with croutons, extra cheddar, and parsley if using.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 415 kcal | Servings: 5 servings
The Classic Comfort of Broccoli Cheddar Soup
There’s a reason why broccoli cheddar soup has earned a timeless spot in the comfort food hall of fame. Creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced between rich cheese and earthy green vegetables, it strikes that ideal note between indulgence and wholesomeness. This soup isn’t just a winter favorite; it’s a year-round dish that can be made ahead, stored, frozen, and served in a pinch whenever that craving for comfort hits.
With the right balance of flavors and textures, broccoli cheddar soup transforms simple ingredients into something magical—creamy, cheesy, and soul-satisfying.
A History Rooted in American Cuisine
Though you’ll find variations around the world, broccoli cheddar soup is often attributed to American mid-century home cooking. It rose to popularity thanks in part to restaurant chains like Panera Bread, where it became a staple that many tried to replicate at home. It’s a dish that speaks to convenience without sacrificing depth of flavor, and its rise in popularity matches the evolution of American comfort food—simple, hearty, but endlessly adaptable.
Over the decades, home cooks and chefs alike have experimented with versions of the soup, tweaking the consistency, experimenting with seasonings, and exploring a variety of cheeses and toppings to elevate the humble combination of broccoli and cheddar into something memorable.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This particular recipe stands out because it uses the entire broccoli—both florets and stems. While many discard the stems, they’re actually a hidden treasure of flavor and fiber. Dicing them finely and sautéing them with aromatics like onion, carrot, and celery forms the flavor foundation of the soup. This technique not only minimizes waste but also enhances the soup’s nutritional value and texture.
The use of sharp cheddar cheese rather than a mild one gives the soup a strong, tangy profile that stands up against the naturally sweet and slightly bitter notes of broccoli. Sharp cheddar melts beautifully while maintaining a flavor punch, creating that iconic velvety finish that clings to your spoon.
What truly ties it all together is the addition of heavy cream at the end. Stirred in after blending, it provides that final touch of richness and helps unify the flavors while keeping the soup indulgently smooth.
The Role of Texture and Thickness
One of the unique traits of this soup is its adjustable texture. While some prefer a thinner broth, this version leans toward a thicker, creamier consistency. The initial blend is purposefully kept dense so that when the cheese is added, it melts in more effectively, creating that luscious finish.
If needed, the soup can be thinned out with extra stock, allowing for a fully customizable consistency depending on your preferences or how you plan to serve it. It can be a standalone dish, a starter, or even a side paired with bread or a fresh salad.
The use of a hand blender ensures control over the texture. You can blend it until completely smooth or leave some bits of broccoli for added body and mouthfeel. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of palates, from kids to adults.
Optional Toppings That Elevate the Dish
While the soup is delightful on its own, adding homemade parmesan croutons takes it up a notch. These croutons are more than just a garnish—they introduce a crunchy contrast that plays beautifully against the creamy base.
Tossed in olive oil, parmesan cheese, and seasoning, and then baked until golden, these croutons add both flavor and texture. You can also top the soup with a sprinkle of extra cheddar, fresh parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream for a little tang.
For those looking to cut carbs, the croutons can be swapped for roasted seeds or a keto-friendly topping like crispy bacon bits. The adaptability of this soup to suit various dietary needs is part of its enduring charm.
Make-Ahead and Storage Benefits
Another advantage of this recipe is its versatility in preparation. It stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or batch cooking. Once cooled, the soup can be kept in the fridge for several days, or portioned into containers and frozen for long-term use.
To reheat, simply warm it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up. It reheats without losing its creamy integrity, which is crucial for maintaining both flavor and texture.
These qualities make it an excellent choice for busy weekdays, cozy weekend dinners, or even a nourishing lunch option when served in a thermos.
A Nutritious Take on Comfort Food
Despite its richness, this soup can actually be nutrient-dense when made mindfully. Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. By using the whole vegetable, you’re maximizing its nutritional potential.
The base made with aromatics like onion, garlic, celery, and carrot adds layers of natural sweetness and depth, while also contributing to the soup’s overall vitamin content. Using cream and cheese in moderation allows the recipe to feel luxurious without being overly heavy.
For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the cream with whole milk or even a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great addition for those who are vegan but still want that cheesy flavor without using actual cheese.
Customizations for Every Palate
One of the reasons broccoli cheddar soup remains such a beloved recipe is its ability to be customized endlessly. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply switch to vegetable broth. Looking for extra protein? Add shredded chicken or crispy chickpeas on top.
You can even spice it up with a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or mustard powder for a more complex flavor profile. And for those who love heat, a drizzle of hot sauce or chili oil goes a long way.
This soup also pairs well with a variety of breads—from sourdough and baguette to a flaky biscuit. The creamy base is the perfect match for something that can soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort and Creativity
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is much more than a nostalgic comfort food—it’s a versatile, nutrient-rich, and crowd-pleasing dish that can be tailored to any diet or taste. This particular recipe stands out thanks to its use of the whole vegetable, the richness of sharp cheddar, and the final swirl of cream that makes it irresistibly smooth.
Whether you serve it as a main course or a starter, this soup is guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. With the flexibility to adjust texture, toppings, and ingredients, it becomes not just a recipe but a canvas for creativity.
So the next time you’re craving something hearty yet wholesome, reach for this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.