There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of smooth, cheesy soup on a chilly day. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe brings together tender broccoli, rich cheddar, and just the right amount of creaminess that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a little celebration of cozy evenings.

A white bowl filled with thick, yellowish soup with visible small bits of green broccoli and orange carrot mixed inside. On top, there are broken pieces of light beige crackers with some melted orange cheese. A silver spoon is partially dipped in the soup, resting inside the bowl. Around the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there are round light brown crackers and some green broccoli and orange carrot sticks blurred in the background. Another white bowl of soup is partially seen behind the main bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t count the times I’ve turned to this soup when I need something quick, satisfying, and gluten free. It hits that perfect balance of creamy and cheesy without being too heavy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies when you’re after that comfort food feeling.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need right in your kitchen.
Velvety Texture: Blending the soup creates that dreamy creamy feel we all crave.
Gluten Free Friendly: Perfect if you’re avoiding gluten—no compromises on flavor here.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with extra veggies or protein if you want to mix it up.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients that naturally complement each other. From using broccoli stalks to Greek yogurt, every component brings flavor, texture, and nutrition to the table. Here’s why I stick to these staples:

Flat lay of a small pat of golden butter, one whole yellow onion, three fresh garlic cloves, a large head of bright green broccoli with stalks, one whole Yukon gold potato, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of paprika powder, a small white bowl filled with clear vegetable broth, a small white bowl of thick creamy Greek yogurt, a small pile of shredded bright orange carrots, and a small mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds richness and a great base flavor when sautéing onions and garlic.
Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth when cooked until translucent.
Garlic: A punch of savory aroma that brightens the soup.
Broccoli (including stalks): Using the stalks reduces waste and gives the soup a natural earthiness and wonderful texture after blending.
Yukon Gold Potato: Provides body and creaminess without needing cream.
Salt, Pepper & Paprika: Essential seasoning to bring all ingredients together harmoniously.
Vegetable Broth: The flavorful liquid that carries everything in the pot — homemade or store-bought works.
Greek Yogurt: A tangy and creamy ingredient that lightens the soup while boosting protein.
Shredded Carrots: Adds a bit of natural sweetness and color for visual appeal.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty, and the star that makes this recipe irresistible.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What’s fun about this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it yours. I often switch up the veggies or spice it up with a pinch of cayenne. You can keep it classic or get adventurous — the base is flexible enough!

Add Protein: I sometimes toss in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits for a heartier bowl.
Dairy Swap: Greek yogurt keeps it lighter, but cream or a non-dairy option work if that’s your jam.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some cauliflower or zucchini for a nutrient boost without changing the flavor too much.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick yellow soup, with visible chunks of green broccoli and small bits of orange carrot mixed inside. The soup has crushed crackers on top that are pale golden and crumbly. A silver spoon is partially submerged in the soup inside the bowl. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are whole round golden crackers, some broccoli florets, and another white bowl with shredded cheese partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter's melted and shimmering, add the diced onion and pressed garlic. Sauté them until the onions go translucent and you can smell that sweet, garlicky fragrance—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Veggies and Spices

Next, toss in the chopped broccoli stalks (don’t toss those! They’re full of flavor), diced potato, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir so the spices coat the veggies evenly. This little sprinkle of paprika gives a subtle smoky warmth that’s just lovely.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in your vegetable broth and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook until the broccoli stalks and potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork — this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for that perfect soft texture that blends beautifully.

Step 4: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Once everything’s soft, carefully transfer the hot soup to a high-powered blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until silky smooth. This is where the soup turns into that luscious creamy base that feels indulgent but is actually packed with veggies.

Step 5: Stir in Yogurt, Florets & Carrots

Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the Greek yogurt. Then add in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Let it simmer on low, stirring often until the florets soften just right — tender but not mushy. This little bit of texture keeps the soup exciting.

Step 6: Finish with Cheddar Cheese

Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. The cheese gives it that signature tangy, melty deliciousness that makes you want seconds (and thirds!). If you like, top with crushed gluten free crackers for some crunch.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to nail this soup every time and keep it tasting fresh and creamy, no matter when you make it. Here are some insider tips to help you get the best results:

Use the Broccoli Stalks: Don’t discard the stalks! They blend down nicely and add an earthy flavor and great nutrients.
Don’t Skip the Potato: It’s the natural thickener here; if you leave it out, the soup can feel a little watery.
Add Cheese Last: Stir cheese in off the heat or with gentle warmth to avoid it getting grainy or oily.
Blend While Hot: For a super smooth texture, blend the soup while it’s hot but be careful to vent your blender lid to avoid pressure build-up.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For me, a little garnish brightens each bowl. I like to top mine with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar for that gooey melty touch, a handful of freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor, and occasionally a dollop of sour cream or extra Greek yogurt if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty gluten free bread or lightly buttered gluten free crackers. I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted garlic bread for a perfectly balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this soup inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins for autumn gatherings and it’s always a showstopper. You can also ladle it into rustic mugs for an informal lunch or layer it with crumbled bacon and a drizzle of chili oil for a more elevated dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and it stays delicious for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I like to give it a good stir—sometimes it thickens in the fridge, so adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen it up.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well. Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and pop into the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I recommend adding the cheese fresh when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it’s thickened too much, stir in a splash of broth or water to get things back to that creamy consistency. Avoid high heat to keep the cheese from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk or cream instead of Greek yogurt?

Absolutely! If you prefer a richer soup, cream works beautifully, and for a lighter version, milk is fine too. Just add it toward the end and avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth. Greek yogurt adds a nice tang but isn’t mandatory.

How do I make this soup vegan?

To make this soup vegan, swap butter for olive oil and use your favorite plant-based cheddar alternative. Replace Greek yogurt with coconut cream or cashew cream. Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly as well.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! You can make this soup a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently and add the cheese at the last minute for the freshest taste and smoothest texture.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with gluten free bread, a crisp salad, or even some roasted vegetables. For extra protein, a side of grilled chicken or warm beans would round out the meal nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s just so reliable and comforting. It’s the kind of dish I can wrap up in a big cozy blanket and savor every spoonful. I truly hope you give it a try — it’s a winner every single time and perfect for warming up any day of the year.