Save It This loaded broccoli cheddar soup is pure winter comfort in a bowl, brimming with tender broccoli, creamy cheddar, and a hit of savory toppings. Whether you are craving something hearty during chilly weeks or want to make vegetables the star, this rich soup delivers a warming, family-friendly meal in under an hour.
I first whipped this up when my fridge was looking bare and cold weather made me crave comfort food. Now, it is the first thing I make when my family visits on Sunday—the pot never lasts long.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets: Choose vibrant green heads with tight crowns for maximum flavor and texture. Broccoli gives the soup its fresh, vegetal depth and thick body
- Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and color to balance the richness
- Small onion: Pick a firm onion for the best flavor base. This forms the aromatic foundation
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives mellow, savory undertones
- Celery: Opt for crisp, pale green stalks for the best crunch and aroma
- Unsalted butter: Look for high-quality butter for the richest taste. It forms the base of your roux for velvety texture
- Whole milk: Whole milk brings creamy body without heaviness
- Heavy cream: Look for fresh cream for luxurious mouthfeel
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Use your favorite sharp block and shred it yourself for better melt and fuller flavor
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a lusciously thick soup
- All-purpose flour: Unbleached flour works best to thicken without affecting taste
- Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Choose a low-sodium option to control saltiness and let flavors shine
- Smoked paprika: Adds gentle warmth and subtle smoke. Spanish smoked paprika gives a deeper color and flavor
- Freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked brings the most aromatic bite
- Kosher salt: A sprinkle highlights all the cheesy, creamy notes. Taste as you go
- Cooked bacon crumbles: Optional but brings irresistible crunch and savor
- Chopped green onions: For punchy color and freshness
- Sour cream: Adds tangy richness to every bite
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook gently for about five minutes, stirring often. Wait until the vegetables look softened and your kitchen smells savory. This base assures every spoonful has layered flavor
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle in the flour evenly over your softened vegetables. Stir constantly for two minutes so the flour coats everything and turns a pale golden color. Do not rush this step. This roux thickens your soup and prevents any pasty taste
- Add the Broth and Vegetables:
- Pour the broth in slowly, whisking to prevent lumps. Add broccoli pieces, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This infuses the liquid with broccoli’s sweetness and the paprika’s lift
- Cook Until Tender:
- Cover your pot and let the mixture cook for fifteen minutes. The broccoli should be fork-tender but still brightly colored. This step creates a foundation for creamy blending later
- Stir in Dairy:
- Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Mix slowly until everything is completely smooth and steamy but not boiling. This careful heating prevents curdling and turns the soup silky
- Melt in the Cheese:
- Add shredded cheddar a handful at a time. Stir carefully until each portion is melted in before adding more. This technique keeps the cheese smooth and luscious with no clumps or gritty texture
- Blending to Your Taste:
- For a creamier soup, partially blend with an immersion blender right in the pot. Leave some chunky pieces of broccoli for texture if you like. Stop blending when you reach your ideal consistency
- Taste and Adjust:
- Now is the time to taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed. The flavors should be bold and balanced
- Serve with Toppings:
- Ladle into bowls while steaming hot. Top with more cheddar, bacon crumbles, bright green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for extra luxury
Save It This soup has become my favorite way to get comfort on cold nights. The cream cheese brings extra body, which is the ingredient my mom always added to elevate a classic broccoli cheddar. Now, when I stir it in, I am back at her kitchen table, waiting for the cheese to melt.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before storing. I always use airtight containers and stash them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to freeze, portion the soup without toppings. It will keep its texture better and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to freshen it up.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap half and half for heavy cream to make it lighter. If you want the soup vegan, use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and your favorite vegan cheddar. For extra protein, stir in a handful of cooked white beans while blending.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is practically made for sharing. Serve with crusty bread or soft rolls to soak up every last bit. It also shines as a starter for a cozy dinner or paired with a fresh green salad for balance.
Cultural and Historical Context
Broccoli cheddar soup is an American classic, especially popularized by casual lunch spots and family kitchens. Its roots can be traced back to creamy English soups but with the robust addition of American cheddar and more robust vegetables. For many families, it brings echoes of childhood lunches or snow days at home.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring, stir in chopped asparagus in place of some broccoli for a fresh twist. In fall, blend in roasted butternut squash for a touch of sweetness and golden color. For a summer picnic, serve chilled as a creamy vegetable dip with fresh veggies.
Success Stories
Friends have met this soup for the first time at potlucks and asked for the recipe every time. One reader turned hers into a freezer meal for new moms in her neighborhood and shared how the creamy, cheesy change from standard fare brought wide smiles.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Pour cooled soup into freezer bags or containers, lay flat for space savings, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge and rewarm gently over low heat, adding milk if needed to keep things creamy. Hold toppings until serving for best texture.
Save It Spoon extra soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy every bite of this hearty, cheesy comfort dish!
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I make this with frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, though fresh offers a slightly better texture. Add frozen directly to the pot and adjust simmer time as needed.
- → How do I get a smooth soup texture?
For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend after adding the cheese. Leave some pieces for texture if preferred.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or additional whole milk can be substituted for a lighter result, though the soup will be less rich.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
It easily can be! Choose vegetable broth and skip the bacon topping for a fully vegetarian bowl.
- → How can I add extra flavor or spice?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or use smoked sharp cheddar for deeper flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- → What bread pairs well with this dish?
Crusty sourdough or a baguette complements the creamy texture and soaks up extra soup beautifully.