Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy 30-Minute Comfort Recipe

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.

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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:

• marry me chicken soup recipe
• creamy mac and cheese alternative
• hearty Italian penicillin soup
• slow cooker chicken and dumplings

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

Shop the Recipe

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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