Creamy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender broccoli florets with a creamy, cheese-filled base. The sharpness of cheddar balances the earthy flavour of broccoli, while the smooth, velvety texture makes it hearty and satisfying. Often enjoyed with crusty bread or served in a bread bowl, this classic soup is a cozy favourite for chilly days and a delicious way to enjoy a warm, nourishing meal.
In this blog post, you will learn how to make broccoli cheddar soup.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
On your hob, place a large pot. Add the filtered water.
Next, add the diced broccoli, potato, garlic cloves, and onion. Add the butter, chicken stock cube, and salt.
Bring the pot to a boil. Once the pot has been brought to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for at least 10 minutes or until the vegetables have been tenderized.
In a small bowl, whisk the milk and all-purpose flour together. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the soup pot, stirring as you pour.
Cook the soup over medium heat until it just starts to thicken and has just reached a boil again.
Once the soup has reached a boil add the cheese to the soup and let melt.
Remove from the heat, let cool, and serve with an air fryer grilled cheese sandwich or a toasted ham sandwich.
Storage
To store broccoli cheddar soup, first let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup, though the dairy and cheese may separate slightly when thawed; to help prevent this, stir well when reheating and consider adding a splash of fresh milk or cream.
When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often, to maintain its creamy texture and avoid curdling.
What can I serve with broccoli cheddar soup?
Broccoli cheddar soup pairs perfectly with homemade cheese bread, buttermilk cornbread, crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a fresh cucumber salad. A warm piece of bread is especially delicious for dipping into the creamy soup.
You can even toss in some homemade air fryer croutons to this soup recipe!
Ingredients
Broccoli: broccoli is the star of the dish, adding freshness, earthy flavour, and texture to the soup.
Filtered Water: filtered water provides the liquid base, helping balance the richness of the soup.
Potato: potato adds natural creaminess and body when cooked and blended.
Onion: onion also brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour.
Butter: butter creates a rich, velvety base and helps sauté aromatics.
Garlic Cloves: the garlic cloves infuse the soup with a warm, savoury aroma and taste.
Chicken Stock Cube: the chicken stock cube enhances the broth with savoury, umami depth.
Salt: Salt balances flavours and sharpens the taste of the ingredients.
All-Purpose/Plain Flour: all-purpose/plain flour Used to make a roux, thickening the soup for a creamy consistency.
Milk: milk adds creaminess and a smooth texture, complementing the cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the key to the soup’s signature flavour, lending sharp, tangy richness.
Tips
- You can use pre-shredded cheese to make your prep time shorter!
Looking for other soup recipes? Try these recipes below!
Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 c. filtered water
- 4 c. chopped broccoli
- 1 large potato
- 1/2 c. onion diced
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 4 garlic cloves diced or 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cube chicken cube
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 c. all-purpose/plain flour
- 3 c. milk
- 2 c. grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the filtered water then add the chopped broccoli, large diced potato, diced onion, butter, diced garlic cloves, chicken stock cube, and salt.
- Bring the ingredients to a boil.
- Once the pot has been brought to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and flour together. Stir the milk mixture into the vegetables.
- Cook over medium heat until the soup has just thickened and has reached a boil again.
- Lastly, add the cheese, let it melt, then remove from the heat, and serve!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or frozen broccoli for broccoli cheddar soup?
Yes! Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well in broccoli cheddar soup. Fresh broccoli will give you a slightly firmer texture, while frozen broccoli is a convenient option when you want to make the soup quickly.
What kind of cheese is best for broccoli cheddar soup?
Sharp cheddar cheese is a great choice because it adds plenty of rich, cheesy flavor. You can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a more subtle flavor. For the smoothest soup, grate the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
Can I make broccoli cheddar soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Broccoli cheddar soup is a great make-ahead meal. Store it covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.
How do I make broccoli cheddar soup thicker?
If your soup is too thin, allow it to simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid. You can also use a little additional flour or another thickening method depending on your recipe.
Why did my cheddar cheese not melt smoothly?
Cheese can become grainy or separate if it is added to soup that is too hot. Reduce the heat before adding the cheese and stir gradually until it has melted. Using freshly grated cheddar can also help create a smoother texture.
Can I make broccoli cheddar soup without heavy cream?
Yes! Depending on the recipe, you can use milk, half-and-half, or another dairy option instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the texture and richness may vary.
Can I make broccoli cheddar soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian. Check your other ingredients as well to make sure they are suitable for your dietary needs.
Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheddar is usually the better choice for soup because it melts more smoothly. Some pre-shredded cheeses also contains ingredients that can prevent them from melting as evenly.
Can I make broccoli cheddar soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Broccoli cheddar soup can also be adapted for the slow cooker. However, dairy and cheese are generally best added toward the end of cooking to help prevent the soup from separating or becoming grainy.