⏱ 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
- Sauté: Melt butter, cook onion 5 min, add garlic 1 min.
- Roux: Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute.
- Base: Gradually add broth and cream, whisking constantly.
- Simmer: Add broccoli and cook 15 minutes until tender.
- 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
6
servings10
minutes20
minutes380
kcal30
minutesA 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.

