Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious, made with sharp cheddar, tender broccoli, and a few seasonings that take it to the next level!
author’s note
Broccoli Cheddar Soup You Can Make Faster Than a Panera Run!
I still remember the first time I tried Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It was love at first bite! Creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender broccoli, it instantly became my go-to comfort food on chilly days. But after one too many trips through the drive-thru, I knew I needed to create my own version at home.
This recipe is my homemade take, and honestly? I think it’s even better than the original. I’ve tested it again and again, tweaking the spices, the cheese, even the way the broccoli is cut. It’s thick, flavorful, and exactly the kind of soup I crave when it’s cold outside. Plus, you can make it in about 30 minutes, way faster than waiting in line.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Why It’s Important / Tips & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Cut into very small florets so it cooks quickly and blends into the soup. If you like it extra creamy, blend some of the broccoli into the base. |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | Always grate your own, bagged cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. |
| Carrots | Shredded carrots add color and sweetness. Use pre-shredded to save time. |
| Onion & Garlic | The flavor foundation. Cook until soft so there’s no crunch left in the soup. |
| Flour & Butter | This makes the roux, which thickens the soup. |
| Half & Half | Creamy but not too heavy. Swap with whole milk for lighter or with heavy cream for extra richness. |
| Seasonings (Smoked Paprika, Ground Mustard, Cayenne) | These seem small, but they make a huge difference. |
How To Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Cook Onion: Cook onion in butter and oil until tender.
- Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in garlic, spices, and seasoning; cook until fragrant.
- Make Roux: Melt more butter, add flour, and cook until thick.
- Add Liquids: Whisk in broth, then half-and-half; simmer with bay leaf.
- Add Veggies: Stir in broccoli and carrots; simmer until tender.
- Add Cheese: Turn off heat; stir in cheese until melted. Serve and enjoy!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Tips
- To Thicken Further: Blend part of the soup, or simmer longer to reduce liquid.
- Cheese: Use an extra-sharp cheddar cheese for richer flavor.
- Onions: Cook until fully soft to avoid crunch in the final soup.
Storage
Store leftover soup in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on low to avoid separation. Add a splash of half-and-half or broth if it needs thinning.
More Delicious Soup Recipes:
Soups And Stews
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Soups And Stews
Cheeseburger Soup
Soups And Stews
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Soups And Stews
Butternut Squash Soup
Cheddar Broccoli Soup
This creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is easy, all in one pot! Bursting with flavor and made in no time, the secret to its deliciousness is all in the spices!
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion 1 onion
- 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika I like smoked
- 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 32 ounces reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 3 cups half-and-half see note 1
- 1 bay leaf optional
- 6 cups chopped broccoli to bite-size pieces
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 12 ounces freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese 3-1/4 cups
- Hearty buttered bread optional, or serve in bread bowls
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden (3–5 minutes). Add garlic, paprika, mustard, cayenne, and pepper to taste (I add 1/2 teaspoon). Cook, stirring constantly, for 45 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the remaining 6 tablespoons butter and melt. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it thickens.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth. Once combined, slowly add half-and-half, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low, add bay leaf, and simmer for 15 minutes, whisking occasionally or until nicely thickened.
- While the soup simmers, chop broccoli and shred cheese. Add broccoli and carrots to the soup.
- Let the soup cook on low for 10–15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender to your liking, stirring occasionally. Blend some of the soup for a smoother texture if desired, or leave it chunky. (I don’t blend it!)
- Turn off the heat. Stir in cheese gradually, a handful at a time, until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. (I’ll add 1/2 up to 1 teaspoon here!)
- Enjoy immediately in bread bowls or with hearty buttered bread on the side for dipping.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Half-and-half is a blend of milk and cream, usually found near the milk section in grocery stores.
Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storage: Keep leftover soup in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on low to avoid separation. Add a splash of half-and-half or broth if it needs thinning.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 566kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 766mg | Potassium: 902mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 8850IU | Vitamin C: 84mg | Calcium: 585mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup with:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the soup.
- Side Salad: A light green garden salad or Caesar salad for balance.
- Fruit: Serve with any fruit that’s in season, or try my favorite winter fruit salad!
- Baked Potatoes: A filling side that pairs well with the flavors.
- Grilled Cheese: The best sandwich for dipping in soup!
Variations
Change Things Up!
- Add Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits on top or stir into the soup for extra flavor.
- Add Potatoes: Try this delicious Broccoli Potato Soup.
- Chicken Broccoli Cheddar: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken for added protein.
- Lighten It Up: Substitute half-and-half with whole milk for a lighter version.
This turned out fantastic! Great simple fall soup!
So thrilled to hear this!
Can I use frozen broccoli?
I haven’t tested with frozen broccoli, but I personally don’t love the flavor of defrosted broccoli, so I probably wouldn’t recommend it.
This is the best BEST broccoli cheddar soup! As I perused recipes to make, I chose yours because it had lots of seasonings, lots of vegetables. It is so flavorful! It is going into my recipe box. 10 STARS ⭐️!!!
I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much for your kind comment, Kristine!
This was amazing! So creamy and delicious! Made the double batch and froze half. This recipe will go in my favorites!
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Pam!
Too much brocoli, for amount of liquid.
You can definitely scale back if you’re not a huge broccoli person! 🙂
Can you use a non gluten containing flour like almond or chickpea flour?
Sorry I’ve never tried that in a soup! I don’t know how well they’d thicken
The best broccoli cheddar soup I have ever eaten !!! The first time I have ever attempted to make this soup also. Thanks for the best recipe.
I am so thrilled to hear this! What a compliment! Thanks Cheryl! 🙂
Delicious soup, made this today and absolutely loved it, thank you for this recipe.
Yay! SO thrilled to hear this! Thanks Serena! 🙂
This recipe is AMAZING.
It blows Panera—the standard by which I judge all broccoli cheddar soups—out of the water.
Arguably my family’s No. 1 go-to comfort year-round. Also, one of few recipes I don’t change or tweak at all.
THIS MADE MY DAY! I’m so thrilled to hear this! What a compliment! Thanks Alex! 🙂
This is my go-to broccoli-cheddar soup! I’ve made this at least 5 times now and the husband and 5 year old both love it. I love using Trader Joe’s unexpected cheddar in this–parmy-cheddary heaven.
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Anna! 🙂