broccoli cheddar soup served in a round bread bow

Rich And Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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Craving something cozy and comforting? Our broccoli cheddar soup, a simple yet rich and creamy dish, is packed with tender veggies and melty cheese—all served up in a hearty bowl. You’ll get a quick and easy recipe that brings harvest flavor to your table in just 35 minutes.

Overhead view of broccoli cheddar soup in a round bread bowl, topped with extra cheese and surrounded by soup ingredients on a marble background.

When the weather turns crisp, and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. If you’ve been growing broccoli in your garden, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the harvest. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes the most of that fresh, homegrown flavor.

There’s something extra cozy about ladling this soup into a sourdough bread bowl or pairing it with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that hits the spot every time.

Ingredients

Flat lay of fresh ingredients for broccoli cheddar soup
  • Broccoli – The star of the soup, it brings hearty texture and earthy flavor.
  • Carrot – Adds a touch of sweetness and color to balance the richness.
  • Potato – Helps thicken the soup naturally and adds a creamy, comforting base.
  • Butter – Used to sauté the garlic and adds richness to the soup.
  • Garlic – Gives a savory depth and aromatic flavor.
  • Heavy cream – Makes the soup smooth, creamy, and extra comforting.
  • Vegetable or chicken broth – Provides the liquid base and infuses the soup with savory flavor.
  • Cheddar cheese – Melts into the soup to create a cheesy, velvety finish.
  • Salt and pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors together and adding balance.
Spoonful of creamy broccoli cheddar soup over a sourdough bread bowl, featuring visible pieces of broccoli, potato, and carrot.

Need more recipes to use up your garden harvest? Check out all our yummy recipes here.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garlic sautéed in melted butter inside a large pot, surrounded by fresh broccoli, potatoes, carrots, and shredded cheese.

Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Let it sizzle and bubble gently—it’s the start of something delicious.

Add the minced garlic and stir it around for a minute or two. As soon as your kitchen smells like cozy comfort, you’ll know it’s ready for the next step.

Broth is being poured into a pot over sautéed garlic and butter, serving as the base for the broccoli cheddar soup.

Pour in the heavy cream and the broth. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer—small bubbles are perfect here.

Chopped potatoes and broccoli florets are cooking in a creamy soup base, stirred with a wooden spoon.

Now toss in the chopped broccoli, grated carrot, and diced potato. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. The vegetables should be soft and tender, and the potato will naturally help thicken the soup.

The final stage of cooking broccoli cheddar soup in a pot involves adding shredded cheese for a creamy finish.

Once the veggies are cooked through, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. It’ll melt into the soup and turn everything into creamy, cheesy goodness.

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper until the flavors are just right. Don’t skip this part—it makes all the difference!

Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle a little more cheese on top. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or in a sourdough bread bowl, and enjoy every warm, comforting bite.

Learn how to make bread bowls here.

broccoli cheddar soup served in a round bread bow

Tips for Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Add cheese over low heat. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer before stirring in the cheese. High heat can cause separation or a grainy texture.
  • Like a thicker soup? Add 3 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of flour when cooking the onions and garlic. Slowly whisk in the liquid ingredients, stirring constantly.
  • Avoid boiling dairy. Once you add cream or milk, keep the heat low—boiling can cause the dairy to separate or curdle.
  • For a Lighter Version, skip the cream and use milk
Overhead shot of broccoli cheddar soup served in a round bread bowl, topped with shredded cheese and surrounded by fresh broccoli.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is rich, cheesy, and ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for a cozy homemade meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups of chopped broccoli
  • 1 carrot grated
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 potato diced

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  3. Add the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add the chopped broccoli, potato and grated carrot to the pot. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious broccoli cheddar soup!

Notes

  • Add cheese over low heat. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer before stirring in the cheese. High heat can cause separation or a grainy texture.
  • Like a thicker soup? Add 3 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of flour when cooking the onions and garlic. Slowly whisk in the liquid ingredients, stirring constantly.
  • Avoid boiling dairy. Once you add cream or milk, keep the heat low—boiling can cause the dairy to separate or curdle.
  • For a Lighter Version, skip the cream and use milk
Pin image with text overlay “Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup” showing soup served in a crusty bread bowl, surrounded by shredded cheese and fresh broccoli.

This broccoli cheddar soup is rich, creamy, and the perfect way to use up your garden veggies. Print the recipe and give it a try—you’ll be surprised how easy and satisfying it is to make at home. Don’t forget to save a pin so you can find your way back whenever a soup craving hits!

Pin image with text overlay “Broccoli Cheddar Soup” featuring a rustic bread bowl filled with cheesy broccoli soup and surrounded by fresh broccoli florets and shredded cheese.