Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a hearty, velvety soup that balances rich, melted cheddar with the natural freshness of broccoli and carrots. Inspired by classic Panera-style broccoli cheddar soup, this recipe elevates comfort food with a simple yet luxurious homemade touch.
Unlike lighter vegetable soups, this version emphasizes creaminess and depth of flavor without relying on processed ingredients. Fresh vegetables provide texture and nutrients, while the combination of milk, cream, and cheddar creates a silky, indulgent broth.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, lunch, or starter, this soup is easily adaptable for the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. It’s a go-to recipe for cozy nights, family meals, or when you want a restaurant-quality soup at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This soup succeeds because of careful attention to layering flavors and textures:
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Vegetable foundation: Onions, carrots, and broccoli provide natural sweetness, color, and crunch.
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Creamy base: Combining chicken broth, milk, and cream with flour forms a smooth, velvety texture.
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Cheese integration: Adding shredded cheddar at the end ensures it melts fully, without separating or becoming grainy.
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Balanced seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes enhance flavor without overpowering the vegetables or cheese.
The result is a cohesive, rich soup with tender vegetables, creamy texture, and comforting cheesy flavor in every bite.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Soup / Main Course / Comfort Food
Cuisine: American
Ingredient Breakdown
Butter
Provides a rich base for sautéing vegetables and contributes a silky mouthfeel to the soup.
Onion
Adds sweetness and aromatic depth. Both yellow and white onions work equally well.
Carrots
Shredded or finely diced carrots soften while cooking and impart natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Broccoli
The star of the dish. Use fresh or lightly blanched broccoli florets for best texture. Chopping into small, even pieces ensures tenderness.
Chicken Broth
Forms the soup base and adds savory depth. Low-sodium broth allows control over overall seasoning.
Milk & Heavy Cream
Milk and cream together create a rich, creamy texture while keeping the soup smooth. Whole milk is preferred for flavor, but any fat content works.
Flour
Acts as a thickening agent to stabilize the creamy base.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar provides robust flavor and smooth melting properties. Shredded cheese is preferred for even melting.
Seasonings
Salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes balance the richness of the cheese and cream while adding subtle heat if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
In a large saucepan or pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and aromas develop.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Thicken
Gradually pour in chicken broth, milk, and cream. Sprinkle in the flour and season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir constantly over medium heat until the soup thickens, about 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Serve
Ladle soup into bowls while hot. Garnish with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
Texture and Flavor Profile
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup delivers:
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Velvety base: Smooth and rich, coating each spoonful with cheesy goodness.
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Tender vegetables: Soft but not mushy, providing contrast and natural sweetness.
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Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth, meltiness, and comforting flavor.
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Subtle heat: Optional crushed red pepper flakes enhance complexity without overwhelming.
Each bite is warm, rich, and satisfying, making this soup ideal for chilly days or comforting weeknight meals.
Tips for Best Results
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Use freshly shredded cheddar for smoother melting.
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Stir continuously while thickening to avoid lumps.
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Cut broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking.
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Adjust cream and milk ratio to achieve desired richness.
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Optional: puree a portion of the soup for a smoother, restaurant-style texture.
Variations
Vegetarian Version
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Vegan Option
Substitute milk and cream with coconut or oat milk and use dairy-free cheddar.
Extra Veggies
Add cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrients.
Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Include crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce for a warming kick.
Slow Cooker Version
Sauté vegetables, then transfer to slow cooker. Add liquids and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Stir in cheese at the end.
Instant Pot Version
Sauté vegetables in the Instant Pot, add liquids and flour, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick-release and stir in cheese.
Serving Suggestions
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Crusty bread or garlic toast
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Soft sandwich rolls
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Light green salad
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Roasted vegetables on the side
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Sprinkled with extra cheddar or fresh herbs
This soup works as a main course or starter and pairs well with hearty, fresh-accompanied dishes.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add milk or broth to loosen if thickened.
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Freezing: Not recommended due to cream and cheese, which may separate when thawed.
Nutrition Overview
Per serving (approximate):
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Protein: 14 g
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Fat: 24 g
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Carbohydrates: 14 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sugar: 5 g
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Sodium: 720 mg
High in protein, calcium, and fiber; rich, filling, and ideal for comfort meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess water to avoid a watery soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Can I substitute cheddar with another cheese?
Yes, Gruyère, Colby, or Monterey Jack work well for different flavors.
Can this soup be thickened without flour?
Yes, blend part of the vegetables or use cornstarch slurry instead.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, portion into containers and reheat as needed.
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a classic comfort food that balances rich cheese, tender vegetables, and creamy broth for a satisfying experience. Perfect for cozy nights, family meals, or even entertaining, this soup is versatile, approachable, and indulgent.
Every spoonful delivers velvety texture, fresh flavor, and cheesy comfort, making it a must-have recipe in any kitchen. Whether served as a starter or main course, this soup exemplifies homemade, hearty, and comforting food at its best.
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup diced onion yellow or white
- 1 cup shredded carrots cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2½ –3 cups broccoli florets chopped small
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk any fat content
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes optional, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large saucepan or pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Liquids and Thicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, milk, and cream. Sprinkle in the flour and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly and heat over medium until the soup thickens, about 10–15 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy as a comforting lunch, dinner, or starter.
Notes
