I don’t know about you, but the moment the air turns crisp, I start craving all things warm, cheesy, and comforting. And nothing—absolutely nothing—hits the spot quite like a big, creamy bowl of broccoli cheese soup. This recipe is my go-to when I need something that feels like a hug in a bowl.
It’s rich, velvety, packed with cheesy goodness, and (bonus!) sneaks in a solid serving of veggies. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or something to impress your family, this soup delivers every time. Plus, it’s picky-eater approved—because let’s be honest, covering broccoli in cheese is basically magic. ✨
broccoli cheese soup recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
For the Cheesy Goodness
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated for the best meltability)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, but totally worth it for extra flavor)
For Serving
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Extra shredded cheese for garnish
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick (optional)
How to Make the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat up a large pot and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it’s soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Then, add the garlic and let it work its magic for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk, whisk, whisk! You want it to turn into a smooth paste (this helps thicken the soup). Give it about 1-2 minutes, but don’t let it brown.
Step 3: Add the Liquid
Slowly pour in the broth while whisking constantly—this helps prevent lumps. Once it’s smooth, add the milk and give everything a good stir.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Toss in the broccoli, shredded carrots, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Step 5: Blend (Optional, But Highly Recommended!)
If you love a super smooth soup, grab an immersion blender and puree part of it while leaving some chunky bits for texture. No blender? No problem! Just use a spoon to mash some of the broccoli.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese
Turn off the heat (this is important—high heat can make the cheese grainy). Slowly add the cheddar and Parmesan, stirring constantly until it melts into a silky, dreamy soup.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle that goodness into bowls, top with extra cheese, and maybe even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve with warm crusty bread and enjoy every cheesy bite. 😍
Delicious Variations & Customizations
Because we all love a little variety, here are some fun ways to switch things up:
✅ Make it Healthier – Use low-fat milk, reduce the cheese (I know, it’s hard), and add extra veggies like spinach or cauliflower.
✅ Add Protein – Toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, or even crumbled sausage for a heartier meal.
✅ Spice It Up – A pinch of cayenne or a few diced jalapeños will bring the heat!
✅ Go Dairy-Free – Swap the milk for almond or coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
✅ Extra Creamy – Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for that ultra-luxurious finish.
What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup?
If you want to level up your meal, try pairing this soup with:
🥖 Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast – Because dipping is a must.
🥗 Fresh Side Salad – A light arugula or Caesar salad balances out the richness.
🥓 Crispy Bacon or Ham – Adds smoky flavor and a bit of crunch.
🌶️ Roasted Vegetables – Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers make a perfect side.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
✔ One-Pot Wonder – Easy to make and even easier to clean up!
✔ Rich, Creamy, & Comforting – Like a warm hug on a chilly day.
✔ Nutritious & Satisfying – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein.
✔ Kid-Approved – Even the picky eaters won’t say no to this one!
Approximate Nutrition for One Serving
These values are estimates based on standard ingredients. Actual numbers may vary depending on brands and portion sizes.
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~15g
- Carbs: ~25g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: ~3g
Nutrition Disclaimer
The number of total servings is approximate. Actual servings will depend on your portion sizes. Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, excluding optional ingredients. Macros may vary slightly based on specific brands used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed, weigh the finished dish (excluding the container), then divide by the number of servings.
Let’s Talk Soup!
Now that you’ve got this broccoli cheese soup recipe in your back pocket, I want to hear from you! Did you try it? Did you put your own spin on it? Let’s chat in the comments on Pinterest—because there’s nothing better than sharing food (virtually and in real life)! 🍲💛
