Rich and creamy broccoli cheese soup with fresh broccoli and carrots

The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe | Better Than Panera!

5.0 from 1 vote
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Make the best Broccoli Cheddar Soup in 30 minutes at home. Creamy comfort in a bowl with tender broccoli, cheddar cheese, and so much flavor, great for chilly nights

Broccoli cheddar soup better than Panera served warm in a bread bowl

Since our most recent trip to Hershey Park this broccoli cheddar soup recipe has quickly become a family favorite, right after our much-loved lasagna soup.

On a chilly weekend, my family was craving comfort food, so my daughter stepped up to make it. After couple of attempts and experiments, she finally, perfected the creamy, cheesy broccoli cheddar soup that everyone loved—including my youngest daughter, who usually avoids vegetables. As a result, this easy broccoli cheddar soup is now a go-to recipe for cozy days at home.

Table Of Contents

Ingredients For Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Broccoli, of course! To get every bite, cut the broccoli into small pieces.
  • Onion and garlic This will give the flavor a nutty and savory depth.
  • Butter: for the best flavor, use butter instead of oil
  • All-purpose flour: used to thicken the gravy
  • Milk and heavy cream: This adds more richness. I like to use a half-and-half mixture of whole milk and cream, but you can also use whole milk exclusively or substitute low-fat or almond milk.
  • Broth: I usually use store-bought, but you can also use homemade chicken or vegetable broth of your choice.
  • Carrots: They give tons of flavor in addition to adding extra color. I prefer to use a Julián cut on my carrots.
  • Cheddar cheese: Although, Broccoli soup would be incomplete without cheddar cheese. Not only it gives bold flavor of cheddar cheese, but also, helps create a creamy, heavenly texture and taste.
  • Salt and pepper: Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!

How to Make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Step-by-Step)

Prep Your Vegetables

First, wash and chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces and then, dice an onion, It will enhance the flavor. Mince a little garlic as well.

Cook the Soup Base

In a pot melt the butter over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Then, sprinkle in flour and stir for a couple of minutes. Next, slowly add milk, cream, and broth, then, letting it simmer for few minutes. Mix broccoli and carrots and cook until tender.

Add Cheese and Blend

Add the cheese and spices, stirring until everything melts together and the texture is smooth. The soup will thicken as it cools off the heat.

How To Serve Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

You can savor your broccoli cheddar soup in a variety of ways. I love to enjoy my BCS in a homemade bread bowl! Tearing the bread piece and soaking it in the soup is so satisfying when the soup seeps into the crust. You can also serve your soup with your favorite bread aside. As a garnish, top with shredded cheese and sour cream.

Creamy homemade broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl topped with shredded cheese

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Can I make this broccoli chaddar cheese soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can absolutely prepare the soup in advance and keep it refrigerator for up to 3 days. I would suggest to reheat on the stovetop, if you fell it’s too thick add splash of milk for desire consistency.

2. Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

Absolutely. BCS can be freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Make sure thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly, stir well before serving.

3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

4. How can I make this soup vegan?

Substitute butter with vegan butter, milk and cream with plant-based alternatives (like oat or cashew cream), and use vegan cheddar cheese.

5. What cheese works best for broccoli cheddar soup?

Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor. You can also combine mild cheddar with a bit of Parmesan for extra depth.

6. Can I use frozen broccoli? If so how?

Yes definitely, just thaw it before adding it to the soup. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you may only need to simmer the soup for about 10 minutes, since the broccoli is already partially tender.

Looking For More Delicious Soup Or Pasta Recipes?

If you like soup and pasta and enjoy new recipes, try these recipes, which I am sure you will enjoy.

lasagna Soup ,

Creamy pasta with feta cheese

Pasta salad with ranch

I Love Seeing Your Reviews

If you have given this recipe a try or any other recipe from MasalaSecret.com, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback will assist others who are considering making the recipe. I am eager to hear about your personal experience while preparing it, and if you took any pictures, feel free to share them on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us @masalasecret or on Facebook, so we can repost them on our stories.

The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup | Better Than Store Brought

Recipe by Rimsha And Urooj
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings: 6

6

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Make the best soup at home in 30 minutes. Creamy comfort in a bowl with tender broccoli, cheddar cheese, and so much flavor, great for chilly nights

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese

  • 1.3 cup flour

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic

  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 cup milk

  • 2.5 cups rough-cut broccoli

  • 2 cup shredded carrots

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt as per taste

  • Pepper as per taste

Equipment

  • Heavy Bottom Pot
    Lodge Dutch Oven

Directions

  • Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add diced onion and chopped garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is golden brown.
  • Add 1/3 cup of flour and stir for about 3 minutes. Hence, the flour cooks.
  • Next, add 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, and 2 cups of your desired broth. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes on medium heat.
  • Once simmering, add 2 1/2 cups of broccoli and 1 cup of carrots. Let it continue to simmer for another 15 minutes. Or until the broccoli and carrots are cooked. If desired, lightly blend with a hand blender.
  • Add Cheddar cheese and teaspoon of salt and pepper. Also, add a tablespoon of onion and garlic powder. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Once the stove is off, add the cheese. Serve in a bread bowl if desired, and enjoy!
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