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Bowl of creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup topped with shredded cheddar and black pepper

Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Emily Wilson
This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is rich, cozy, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a smooth homemade base, it delivers classic comfort food flavor with easy healthy swaps included. Perfect for bread bowls, weeknight dinners, or meal prep lunches.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 bowls
Calories 440 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Box grater

Ingredients
  

Soup Base

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Vegetables

  • 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced

Cheese

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup extra shredded cheddar for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
    Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
    Slowly pour in chicken stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Season with salt and pepper.
    Add celery and broccoli. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
    Stir in milk and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
    Remove from heat and add shredded cheddar in small handfuls, stirring until fully melted before adding more. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese fresh to prevent a grainy texture. Always remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to keep the soup smooth. For a lighter version, use 2 percent milk and slightly reduce the cheese. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition Facts:
• Calories: 440 kcal 
• Carbohydrates: 17 g 
• Protein: 20 g 
• Fat: 32 g 
• Saturated Fat: 19 g 
• Cholesterol: 95 mg 
• Sodium: 520 mg 
• Potassium: 410 mg 
• Fiber: 2 g 
• Sugar: 8 g 
• Vitamin A: 1250 IU 
• Vitamin C: 35 mg 
• Calcium: 540 mg 
• Iron: 1 mg