Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe – Creamy, Rich & Better Than Any Restaurant

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is thick, velvety, and loaded with sharp cheddar and tender broccoli – made at home in just 30 minutes for a fraction of the restaurant price. Once you try this homemade version, you will never go back.

⏱ Prep: 10 min  |  🍳 Cook: 20 min  |  🍽 Serves: 6  |  ↓ Jump to Recipe

If you have ever stood in line at a restaurant just for a bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup, this recipe is about to change your life. This homemade version is every bit as rich and satisfying — and it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Freshly grated cheddar melts into the silkiest sauce
  • One pot — easy cleanup
  • Freezer-friendly for meal prep

Key Ingredients

You only need simple pantry staples. The most important tip: always grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the boldest flavor.

How to Make It

  1. Sauté: Melt butter, cook onion 5 min, add garlic 1 min.
  2. Roux: Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute.
  3. Base: Gradually add broth and cream, whisking constantly.
  4. Simmer: Add broccoli and cook 15 minutes until tender.
  5. Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar until melted. Season and serve.

Pro Tips

  • Blend half the soup for creamier texture while keeping broccoli chunks
  • Do not boil after adding cheese — it can turn grainy
  • Serve in a sourdough bread bowl for the full experience
  • Leftovers keep 4 days in the fridge

Serving Suggestions

Serve piping hot with crusty bread or inside a toasted sourdough bread bowl. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.


Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Recipe by SeeMeCook
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

380

kcal
Total time

30

minutes

A thick, velvety homemade broccoli cheddar soup loaded with sharp cheddar and tender broccoli, ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • For the Soup:
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 1/2 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder

  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

  • Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  • Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  • Add broccoli florets and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  • Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and nutmeg. Serve hot with crusty bread.