Hey y’all! If you crave comforting, cheesy goodness, you’re in the right place. This Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything you want in a cozy meal—smooth, decadent, and packed with vibrant broccoli and sharp cheddar. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight, meal prep Sunday, or a crowd-pleasing lunch, this soup delivers big flavor and velvety texture every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Rich and ultra creamy with perfectly melted sharp cheddar in every bite.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in under 40 minutes.
- Vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable for different diets.
- Makes delicious leftovers—tastes even better the next day!
- Satisfying enough as a main course or the coziest starter.
Ingredients for Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick
How to Make Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots; sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Base
Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Simmer
Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until broccoli is fork-tender but still bright green.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Reduce heat to low. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup in the pot until mostly smooth (leave some chunks for texture, if you like). Alternatively, carefully transfer in batches to a blender and blend until creamy. Learn how to safely use an immersion blender.
Step 5: Finish with Dairy and Cheese
Stir in milk, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese by the handful, stirring constantly until melted and ultra creamy. Season generously with salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes, but do not boil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle your ultra creamy broccoli cheddar soup into bowls, garnish with extra cheddar or a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve piping hot!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Notes for Perfect Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- For best results, grate your own cheddar—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream if desired.
- For an extra protein boost, stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken before serving.
Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Variations
- Vegan: Replace dairy with unsweetened plant-based milk and vegan cheddar; use olive oil instead of butter.
- Low-Carb: Swap flour for almond flour or skip thickener for a lighter soup.
- Extra Veggies: Add a handful of spinach or cauliflower in with the broccoli for more nutrients.
Required Equipment for Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or stand blender
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Cutting board and sharp knife
Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Storage Instructions
Allow soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Note: Freezing is not recommended as the dairy may separate and affect texture.
Serving Suggestions for Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Serve with crusty sourdough bread or warm baguette for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in vinaigrette for balance.
- Top with extra cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy croutons.
Pro Tips for the Best Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Toss the cheese with a little cornstarch before adding—it helps prevent clumping and keeps the soup ultra creamy. See detailed expert tips here.
- Do not let the soup boil after adding dairy or cheese, as this can cause curdling.
- For a chunkier texture, reserve some broccoli florets and stir them in after blending.
Ultra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes! Thaw and drain it first—frozen broccoli works well, though texture may be slightly softer.
- What’s the best cheddar to use?
- Sharp white or yellow cheddar, freshly grated, gives the most flavor and creamiest melt.
- How can I make this gluten-free?
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
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1In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
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2Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
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3Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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4Add the broccoli florets, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the broccoli is very tender.
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5Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or carefully blend in batches in a blender.
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6Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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