Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

5 from 8 votes

Feb 12, 2024, Updated Feb 03, 2026

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is everything you want in a comfort meal: rich, creamy, and packed with tender veggies in every bite. It’s a classic for a reason, and this version keeps things simple while still delivering big, cozy flavour. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying on a cold night, this soup is going to be a real winner every time.

What I love most about this easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. A handful of everyday ingredients, one pot, and about 20 minutes is all it takes to turn fresh (or frozen!) broccoli, carrots, and sharp cheddar into an amazing soup. It’s perfect for a chilly evening when you want a familiar and warm dinner. Serve it with crusty bread and you’ll be all set! Want more comforting soup recipes? Try my Chicken Pot Pie Soup or Easy Chicken Noodle Soup.

😍 Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Classic comfort: creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli and carrots for that nostalgic, cozy flavour everyone loves.
Quick and weeknight-friendly: it comes together in about 20 minutes, making it an easy broccoli cheddar soup you can pull off even on the busiest nights.
Rich but balanced: sharp cheddar brings bold flavour while a touch of cream keeps the soup smooth.
One-pot simplicity: everything cooks in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy dinner.

🥦 Ingredients To Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Broccoli florets: roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly while staying tender and vibrant.
Carrots: shredded to melt seamlessly into the soup, adding natural sweetness and colour.
Yellow onion: finely chopped to build a savoury, flavourful base.
Garlic: minced and sautéed until fragrant.
Butter: forms the rich base of the soup and helps create that classic creamy texture.
All-purpose flour: whisked into the butter to thicken the soup and give it body.

Chicken stock (low sodium): creates the liquid base of the soup.
Half & half or heavy cream: adds richness and smoothness.
Parmesan cheese: finely grated for a salty, nutty layer of flavour that deepens the cheddar.
Sharp cheddar cheese: melts into the soup for that classic broccoli cheddar flavour.
Paprika: adds gentle warmth and subtle depth without heat.
Nutmeg: just a pinch enhances the creaminess and rounds out the flavours.
Salt & black pepper: added to balance everything and bring the soup together.
Croutons or Cheez-It crackers: optional, but highly encouraged for a crunchy, salty finish on top.

✔ How To Make This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Begin by preparing your broccoli, carrots, onion and garlic. Set aside until ready to use. Shred your cheddar cheese and grate your parmesan cheese. Set aside until ready to use.

To a medium size pot, set to medium heat, add your butter. Once melted, add your onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant. Next, add your seasonings and flour.
Continuously stir on low heat for 1-2 minutes until the flour has been incorporated into the butter mixture.

Slowly add in your chicken stock, mixing continuously. Bring to a light simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add your broccoli and carrots. Cover and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes tender.

Add your cheese and cream and mix to combine. Let simmer until the cheese has melted and the soup slightly thickens. Taste for any additional seasionings before dishing up.

Top with croutons or cheez it crackers. Enjoy with warm dinner rolls or crusty garlic bread.

🗒 Variations

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes along with the paprika for a subtle, warming heat that balances the richness of the cheese.
Extra cheesy: Stir in an additional handful of sharp cheddar at the end for an even cheesier finish.
Smooth & creamy: Blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a thicker, more velvety texture.

🗒 Substitutions

Vegetarian: Swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock with no other changes needed.
Cream option: Half & half works well, but the soup will be slightly lighter in texture compared to heavy cream.
Cheese swap: Sharp white cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Gruyère both melt great and more flavour.

🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.

If you have leftover broccoli cheddar soup, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since this is a creamy, cheese-based soup, it will thicken as it chills. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken stock to loosen it up and bring back that smooth, creamy texture.

🤔 FAQ’S

Can I make this broccoli cheddar soup ahead of time?

Yes. This soup reheats well and is great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove, stirring often.

Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

Because this soup contains dairy, freezing can slightly affect the texture. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cream and cheese. When reheating, add the dairy fresh for the best consistency.

How can I make this an easy vegetarian broccoli cheddar soup?

Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock. Everything else stays the same, and the soup will still be rich and flavourful.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Frozen broccoli works well in this. Add it straight to the pot and simmer just until tender.

How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.

👩🏻‍🍳 Hungry For More?

If you loved this broccoli cheddar soup recipe, then make sure to check out a few of my other favourites you may also love:

💌 Let’s Stay Connected

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest! If you do make this broccoli cheddar soup recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.