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Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

4.2 from 74 reviews

This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting classic that’s perfect for a quick meal. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich milk-based broth, it’s packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. Whether served as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main course, this soup is sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • ⅓ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 2½ cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1 cup plus additional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Place a large pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sweat it gently for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Make the Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
  3. Add Stock and Season: Gradually stir in the chicken stock while whisking to avoid lumps. Season generously with salt and pepper to build the base flavor.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Stir in the finely diced celery and chopped broccoli. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
  5. Add Milk and Thicken: Pour in the whole milk and continue to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the soup thickens slightly, just enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon while retaining a soupy texture.
  6. Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, allowing each portion to melt fully before adding more to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese for garnish.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup before adding cheese.
  • Substitute vegetable stock for a vegetarian version, and use a plant-based cheese alternative to make it vegan.
  • This soup can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding extra milk to loosen if it thickens too much.
  • Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, easy broccoli soup, creamy broccoli soup, cheese soup, quick soup recipe, comforting soup