There’s nothing quite like a cozy bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out, and this Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with vibrant broccoli flavor—all without the heavy cream or extra calories that often weigh down traditional versions.

A close-up view of creamy broccoli soup in a white bowl with a wooden ladle scooping it up. The soup has a thick, smooth light beige base with visible small green broccoli florets and specks of black pepper mixed throughout. The broccoli pieces add texture with their small bump-like shapes, and the soup surface has slight shiny highlights from the creamy liquid. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. 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 Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have made this Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe countless times on chilly nights, and every time it’s a hit. It manages to feel indulgent but still light, making it my go-to whenever I want comfort without the guilt. Plus, the homemade taste blows canned or restaurant soups out of the water!

Simple, Real Ingredients: You won't find any heavy creams or mystery additives here—just wholesome, fresh broccoli and quality cheeses.
Light Yet Creamy: The secret blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar creates richness without the usual heaviness.
Customizable and Flexible: I’ll share how you can tweaks spices, cheeses, or milk to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Family-Friendly Comfort: My kids and guests never guess this is a healthy version—just pure deliciousness.

A large white pot with a blue rim holds a thick light green soup with visible small broccoli pieces and specks of black pepper. A wooden ladle inside the pot scoops some soup, showing the creamy texture and broccoli chunks clearly. In the blurred background are slices of toasted bread on a white plate and shredded cheddar cheese in a white bowl, all set on a white marbled surface with a blue-striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe plays a role to keep it light but tasty. From the olive oil and butter that start the flavor base, to the spices that give subtle warmth and depth, you've got a well-balanced lineup here.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets chopped into small pieces, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a few cubes of pale unsalted butter, half a large white onion diced, a small white bowl filled with fine all-purpose flour, four whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl of rich golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of creamy white milk, a white bowl containing crushed chicken bouillon powder, small heaps of ground mustard, paprika, black pepper, and ground cumin arranged neatly in white ceramic bowls, a small white bowl holding softened cream cheese, a small white bowl piled with freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all ingredients symmetrically arranged 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

Broccoli florets: Fresh is best—chop them small for quicker cooking and smoother blending later.
Olive oil and unsalted butter: A perfect combo for sautéing aromatics without overpowering fat content.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth—don’t rush this step; soft, translucent onions make a big difference.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup naturally when cooked with fat—think of it as your base for a silky texture.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic amps up flavor without overwhelming the gentle broccoli notes.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Provides savory background while keeping salt in check—great for tweaking flavor to your liking.
Milk (any kind): Using regular milk keeps the soup creamy and light; I often use 2% for a nice balance.
Chicken bouillon: Just a bit enhances umami without adding too much saltiness.
Spices—ground mustard, paprika, pepper, cumin: These subtle spices take the soup from ordinary to unforgettable; they’re small but mighty.
Cream cheese: Softens the flavor and adds creaminess with less fat than heavy cream.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show—freshly shredded melts smoothly and delivers that classic cheesy punch.

📝

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

I like to make this Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe my own depending on the season or what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap sharp cheddar for a smoky gouda or toss in a pinch of cayenne for heat. Feel free to play with it—this soup is a forgiving canvas!

Variation: Adding cooked chicken or turkey sausage turns it into a filling meal. I’ve done this when I needed a quick dinner—works like a charm.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use plant-based milk and omit cream cheese, then blend in nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Extra Veggies: Carrots or cauliflower can be subtly added for extra nutrients. I sometimes sneak these in to stretch the soup without losing richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the butter in the olive oil over medium heat in a heavy pot. Once melted, toss in the diced onion and cook for about three minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and stir constantly for two minutes—this cooks out the raw flour taste and helps your soup thicken later. Finally, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two, making sure not to let it burn.

Step 2: Combine and Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the chicken broth and two cups of milk, making sure the mixture is smooth. Stir in the chicken bouillon and all your spices—this is where the real flavor builds. Add the broccoli florets and bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently as it thickens to avoid sticking or lumps. Once it starts to thicken, cover and let simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.

Step 3: Blend and Finish with Cheese

Remove about half the soup and the softened cream cheese to a blender. Blend until smooth—careful to let steam escape by holding the lid slightly ajar and covering it with a paper towel to avoid splatters. Pour this creamy base back into the pot and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time—this helps it melt evenly without clumping. Add the remaining milk to loosen the texture to your liking. Warm through on low heat but don’t let it boil, or your cheese might seize up.

Top Tip

From my own kitchen adventures with this recipe, I’ve found a few little tricks that make a big difference—these tips will help you get that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor every time.

Slow and Steady Thickening: Don’t rush the flour cooking step or the simmering—these build a velvety base.
Blending Safety: Always vent your blender when pureeing hot soup to avoid messes or burns—I learned this the hard way!
Grate Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting; freshly shredded yields a silky soup.
Season Last: Wait until the end to adjust salt and pepper for better control over the final flavor balance.

How to Serve Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheese Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a little extra sharp cheddar to up the cheese factor and sprinkle on freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle kick. Sometimes I add crispy bacon bits or toasted croutons for crunch—they’re my go-to garnishes that guests always ask for.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a hearty crusty sourdough bread to dunk and sop up every last drop. For something extra comforting, grilled cheese sandwiches are an old favorite on soup nights at my house.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful touch. Garnish with edible flowers or chives to impress family or friends with your clever presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store this soup in airtight containers in the fridge—it keeps well for up to 4 days. When you reheat it gently on the stove, add a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

This Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just be sure to stir often as it warms up, and add milk if it feels too thick.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving at high power as the cheese can get grainy. A slow simmer with a splash of milk keeps the texture smooth and fresh-tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth and bouillon for vegetable broth and vegetable bouillon to keep things meat-free without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best type of cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is my favorite because it melts beautifully and adds a nice tang. You can also try a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack or gouda for a creamy twist. Avoid pre-shredded cheese to prevent clumping.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! The soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just warm gently and add milk as needed when reheating.

How do I keep the broccoli bright green?

Don’t overcook during the simmer stage—20 minutes covered is usually perfect. Also, stirring occasionally lets it cook evenly without getting mushy. If worried, you can blanch broccoli first, but I find this extra step isn’t necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is one of those kitchen winners that I keep coming back to because it’s just so satisfying and straightforward. It’s the perfect mix of cozy and nourishing, and I’m confident you’ll find it becoming a family favorite, too. Give it a try—you might just end up making it your signature soup!