Close-up of creamy broccoli cheddar soup in a rustic bowl topped with melted cheese and black pepper

Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Creamy, Cheesy & Easy to Make

by

Rich, velvety & irresistibly comforting

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything you crave in a cozy bowl thick, creamy, cheesy, and full of tender broccoli in every bite. It’s a warm and comforting classic that comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or easy meal prep. With no bacon and no alcohol, this Emma’s Cake Studio version is wholesome, family-friendly, and bursting with flavor thanks to sautéed aromatics, rich cheddar, and a velvety cream base. Serve it with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for the ultimate comfort meal. Pure cozy goodness!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, shredded or finely chopped

Broth & Cream

  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk

Cheese & Thickener

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of paprika (optional)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Grater
  • Ladle
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Sauté veggies:
    Melt butter with olive oil in a pot. Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add flour:
    Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir for 1 minute to create a base for thickening.
  3. Add liquids:
    Pour in broth, milk, and cream. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Cook the broccoli:
    Add broccoli florets and simmer 10–12 minutes until tender.
  5. Blend slightly (optional):
    For creamier texture, blend 1–2 cups of the soup and return to the pot.
  6. Add cheese:
    Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and silky.
  7. Season & serve:
    Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Serve warm with bread or croutons.

Pro Tips

  • Freshly shredded cheese melts best (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents).
  • Don’t boil after adding cheese simmering ensures a smooth texture.
  • Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
  • Make it heartier: Add cooked chicken, rice, or potatoes.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl42018g22g30g3g7g