Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe | Comforting, Nutritious
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich, creamy, and nutritious dish that has been a favorite for generations. Known for its velvety texture, deliciously savory flavor, and the perfect balance of earthy broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, this soup is a meal that satisfies both comfort cravings and healthy eating goals. Whether you are preparing it for a cozy family dinner or for meal prep, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is simple to make, incredibly tasty, and nourishing.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the broccoli and the cheesy richness that everyone loves, this soup makes for a perfect winter warmer or a wholesome lunch option. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile and go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Nutritional Breakdown of Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This creamy soup may be indulgent, but it also offers many nutritional benefits. Let’s take a look at the approximate nutritional profile of a serving of homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup (based on a 1-cup serving):
- Calories: 300–350 kcal
- Protein: 12–15g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3–4g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 600–800mg
- Calcium: 300–400mg (from cheddar cheese and broccoli)
- Vitamin A: 10–20% of the daily recommended intake (from cheese and broccoli)
- Vitamin C: 100% of the daily recommended intake (from broccoli)
This breakdown is based on typical ingredients, including whole milk or cream, cheddar cheese, and fresh broccoli. You can adjust the recipe to be lighter or higher in fat depending on your dietary preferences.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4–6 servings
Calories per Serving: 300–350 kcal (depending on the exact ingredients used)
Equipment Needed
To make the Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need the following basic kitchen tools:
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch oven
- Blender or Immersion Blender (if you prefer a smooth texture)
- Cutting Board and Knife for chopping broccoli and other ingredients
- Measuring Cups and Spoons for accurate ingredient measurements
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
To make the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken the soup)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth (for a vegetarian version)
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half (for a richer texture, use half-and-half)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for the classic flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for a warm, subtle flavor)
Garnish (optional):
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into florets, removing the thick stalks. If you like a smoother soup, you can also chop the broccoli into smaller pieces for easier blending later. Chop the onion and garlic finely.
- If you’re using carrots, peel and chop them into small pieces as well.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the broccoli florets and chopped carrots (if using). Let the vegetables cook for another 3-4 minutes to soften slightly.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired.
- Make the Soup Base:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine, cooking for another 1–2 minutes. This helps the flour cook off and prevents a raw taste in the soup.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes tender.
- Add Milk and Cheese:
- Pour in the milk (or half-and-half) and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Once the soup is hot and well combined, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted into the soup. You may reserve a little cheese for garnish if you like.
- Blend the Soup (Optional):
- For a creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, simply skip the blending step and enjoy the natural texture of the broccoli.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or a bit more cheese if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little extra milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a crack of black pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be served with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, try pairing it with:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of sourdough or baguette will soak up the creamy soup.
- Salad: A light mixed greens salad can balance the richness of the soup.
- Sandwiches: Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic, comforting meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: While you can freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the texture of the cheese may change upon reheating. To freeze, cool the soup completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if the soup is too thick.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that is easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy on a chilly day or looking for a healthy yet indulgent meal, this soup is the perfect choice. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.