Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This comforting dish combines tender broccoli with sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy base, gently simmered for rich flavor. Onions and garlic build depth, while a butter and flour roux adds smooth texture. The soup can be blended to preferred consistency and seasoned to taste. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal, it pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete dining experience. Variations include adding carrots or celery, or using lighter milk options.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:40:00 GMT
Steaming hot bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup with melted cheddar, perfect for a cozy dinner. Save
Steaming hot bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup with melted cheddar, perfect for a cozy dinner. | ovenharmony.com

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

Every time we make this broccoli cheese soup, it's a hit at our dinner table. The way the cheese melts smoothly with the tender broccoli creates a comforting dish that always delivers smiles, especially on cold evenings.

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: 1/4 tsp (optional)

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.
Finish and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Creamy, homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup: full of tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar flavor. Save
Creamy, homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup: full of tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar flavor. | ovenharmony.com

My family loves gathering around the table with bowls of this soup, each of us topping it with extra cheese or enjoying it with hunks of crusty bread. It's become a welcoming meal for chilly nights when we want something simple and hearty.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, milk, cheddar cheese) and gluten (flour). Check all packaged ingredients for possible allergens if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 330, Total Fat 21 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 16 g.

A close-up shot of a rich, golden Broccoli Cheese Soup, ready to be served hot. Save
A close-up shot of a rich, golden Broccoli Cheese Soup, ready to be served hot. | ovenharmony.com

This soup comes together in just over half an hour and has all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave. It's a surefire way to brighten up a busy night!

Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup

Creamy blend of tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, ideal for comforting, cozy dining.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Vegetarian Picks

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Vegetables

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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Prepare Roux: Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux base.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to desired texture, either smooth or slightly chunky. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender and return to pot.

Phase 06

Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Phase 07

Finalize Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy products (butter, milk, cheddar cheese) and gluten (all-purpose flour).

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 330
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 16 g