Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy 30-Minute Comfort Recipe

Name: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy 30-Minute Comfort Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tbsp butter; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 carrots, shredded or finely chopped; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 cups half and half cream; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp dry mustard; 1/4 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Creamy broccoli cheddar soup is pure comfort in a bowl. There’s something magical about the smell of a bubbling pot wafting through the kitchen on a chilly evening. It takes me straight back to my grandmother’s tiny but mighty Italian kitchen, where comfort food was a daily ritual and no one ever left hungry.

Inspired by the beloved Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup, this stovetop version is rich, thick, and filled to the brim with cheesy, velvety goodness and tender-crisp broccoli. Even better? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling homework and dinner or just craving a bowl of nostalgic comfort food after a long day, this creamy broccoli cheddar soup is your new weeknight go-to.

Bowl of Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Melting Cheese and Fresh Broccoli — Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy 30-Minute Comfort Recipe 11

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In This Guide

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

For an ultra-smooth, flavor-packed soup, here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

Chop broccoli florets small so they cook evenly.
Par-cook your broccoli and carrots for faster simmering.
Always shred cheese from a block for a smoother melt—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.
Add cheese off the heat to avoid graininess.
Garnish like a pro: a sprinkle of black pepper, more cheddar, or golden croutons adds crunch and color.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup

Turn your soup into a hearty dinner with these cozy companions:

Side Dish	Why It Works
Crusty Artisan Bread	For dunking and scooping every last bite
Caesar Salad	Fresh, tangy crunch to balance the richness
Ham and Cheese Sliders	A warm and savory bite to complement the soup

You can also serve it in a bread bowl for the ultimate cozy comfort meal—hello, winter warm-up heaven.

Other Recommended Soup Recipes

Craving more cozy bowls of comfort? Check out our other reader favorites:

And for endless weekday inspiration?
Discover weeknight favorites on our Dinner Magic board—perfect for quick and hearty meals like this soup.

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Essential kitchen tools to make your creamy dream a reality:

Immersion blender – For quick, no-fuss pureeing
Dutch oven – Ideal for stovetop soup recipes
Soup ladle – A must for serving up thick, cheesy ladles
Box grater – Shreds cheddar beautifully

Main Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

4 tbsp butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 carrots, shredded or finely chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups half and half cream
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Sauté onion and carrots in butter over medium heat until softened.

Stir in flour to make a roux; cook 1–2 minutes while whisking.

Slowly pour in broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Add broccoli and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender (about 15 minutes).

Use an immersion blender to puree until desired texture is reached.

Ladle scooping creamy broccoli cheddar soup from a pot, showing melted cheese, fresh broccoli, and black pepper seasoning.

Turn off heat and stir in cheddar and cream until smooth and melty.

Season with salt and pepper. Garnish and serve warm!

Alternative Cooking Methods

Want a set-it-and-forget-it version? No problem:

Slow Cooker: Combine everything except dairy and cheese. Cook LOW 4–5 hrs. Stir in cheese and cream at the end.
Instant Pot: Sauté, then pressure cook broccoli and carrots for 3 minutes. Quick release and stir in dairy off-heat.

Overhead view of a bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli florets, cheddar shreds, and a spoon, served on a gray background.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you make broccoli cheddar soup thicker?

The base of this soup is thickened with a butter roux—a simple blend of butter and all-purpose flour cooked until golden. This creates a luxurious base that gets its final richness from shredded cheddar and half and half cream.
If you want an extra thick broccoli soup, try:
Adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water)
Tossing in more cheese (no complaints there!)
Letting it simmer longer uncovered

How long does broccoli cheddar soup last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, homemade broccoli cheddar soup will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best flavor, reheat gently over medium-low heat and stir frequently.

Can you make it in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! This is a flexible one-pot soup recipe:
Slow Cooker: Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots first. Add broth and broccoli, cook on LOW 4–5 hours. Add cream and cheese at the end.
Instant Pot: Use sauté mode for aromatics, then pressure cook the veggies for 3–4 minutes. Stir in cream and cheese after depressurizing.

Can you freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

You can—but with a small tweak. Dairy doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to freeze the soup before adding cream and cheese. When reheating, stir in the dairy as it warms up for a fresh and creamy texture.

How do you puree broccoli cheddar soup safely?

Whether you like it chunky or smooth, you’ve got options:
Immersion blender: Quick and easy, blend right in the pot.
Traditional blender: Blend in batches, leaving a steam vent open to avoid pressure build-up.