There’s something undeniably cozy about a bowl of warm, cheesy soup that still feels light and fresh. This Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe hits that perfect balance—rich flavor without the heaviness, making it a satisfying go-to any day of the year.

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 Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly a soup fan all year round, and this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites because it feels indulgent without the guilt. It manages to taste like the comfort-food classic you remember but skims the cream and heaviness.

Creamy without the cream: It uses cream cheese and milk to get that velvety texture, not heavy cream.
Fresh broccoli flavor: The broccoli is cooked just right, maintaining its bright, vibrant taste and color.
Cheesy and sharp: The sharp cheddar brings a bold punch, so you don’t miss the fat.
Simple pantry staples: No fancy ingredients, making it easy to pull together anytime.

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

This soup’s magic lives in the balance of fresh vegetables, gentle aromatics, and layers of cheese flavor that build as you cook without ever feeling heavy. Here’s a quick guide to the key players:

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: I like chopping these small for even cooking and easier blending later.
Olive oil & unsalted butter: The combo adds richness and helps soften the onions without overpowering.
Onion: Provides a sweet base note that balances the savory cheese.
All-purpose flour: This is your thickener, working with milk and broth for that classic soup body.
Garlic cloves: Adds a warm depth—fresh minced garlic really shines here.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps salt in check while adding savory umami.
Milk (any type): Divided use gives body and creaminess without heaviness.
Chicken bouillon: Just a touch amps up the soup’s savory notes without extra salt.
Spices (mustard, paprika, pepper, cumin): Each adds complexity—mustard cuts sharpness, paprika gives warmth, cumin adds subtle earthiness.
Cream cheese (light if preferred): Our secret weapon for creaminess without cream.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts smoothly and packs flavor.

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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 I really love about this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re more into veggie-packed soups or want a bit more kick, this recipe welcomes your tweaks.

Variation: Once, I swapped half the cheddar for smoked gouda—totally transformed the flavor and got rave reviews.
Dietary tweak: Use vegetable broth and a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegetarian spin that’s just as creamy.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce never fails to perk things up without losing the cheese vibe.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by melting butter in olive oil over medium heat in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Toss in diced onions and cook until they’re translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste. Finally, add minced garlic, stirring for another minute or two—just until everything’s soft and smelling amazing.

Step 2: Build the Broth and Add Broccoli

Turn the heat down to low and slowly whisk in the chicken broth with 2 cups of milk, making sure to incorporate the roux evenly. Toss in the chicken bouillon and spices—trust me, these little touches make the whole soup sing. Add your chopped broccoli, give it a good stir, and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften the Broccoli

As the soup thickens, stir regularly and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until your broccoli reaches your perfect tenderness. I like mine just soft enough to blend smoothly but with a little texture—not mushy.

Step 4: Puree Half the Soup for Creaminess

Carefully scoop out about half of the soup into a blender along with the softened cream cheese. Puree until silky smooth, but don’t seal the blender lid tightly—steam needs a way to escape, or you’ll have a messy explosion. I usually cover with a paper towel for safety. Pour this luscious puree back into the pot and stir to combine.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese & Adjust Consistency

Add shredded cheddar little by little, stirring well after each handful so it melts evenly without clumping. Use your remaining milk to loosen the soup to your liking. Warm through gently—don’t boil once the cheese is added to avoid separation.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and tweak with salt or pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve with an optional sprinkle of extra cheese on top for that cheesy finish.

Top Tip

After making this soup a few times, I’ve learned a couple of tricks that really elevate the final bowl—things that make it easier and tastier.

Slow Sauté for Depth: Taking the time to properly cook the onions and garlic in butter and oil adds a richness you won’t get from just dumping everything in at once.
Don’t Skip the Puree: Blending half the soup creates a creamy texture that feels indulgent, but keeping some broccoli chunkier adds great mouthfeel and variety.
Cheese Timing Matters: Adding cheese gradually and off the boil prevents gritty texture, giving you that smooth, melted goodness.
Watch the Steam: When pureeing hot soup, vent your blender lid to avoid that classic “soup explosion” mess I’ve sadly experienced first-hand more than once!

How to Serve Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheese Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a little extra shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add crisp bacon bits or chopped chives for that pop of color and a hint of savory crunch.

Side Dishes

For a cozy meal, pair this soup with warm crusty bread or garlic toast. A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness nicely. If you want to keep it light, sliced apples or pears on the side add a sweet freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or colorful ramekins, topped with a swirl of Greek yogurt and sprinkle of smoked paprika. It instantly makes the dish feel a bit more festive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to wait until it cools completely, then pop it in the fridge so the texture stays just right.

Freezing

I've frozen this soup successfully in portioned containers. When freezing, leave out the cheese and add it fresh when reheating for the best melt and flavor. It keeps well for about 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk if it’s gotten too thick. Avoid microwaving where possible, as it can cause separation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth and bouillon for vegetable-based versions. The richness from the cream cheese and cheddar will keep it satisfying and flavorful.

What type of cheddar cheese is best for this soup?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it delivers bold, tangy flavor that shines in this soup. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and can be a convenient substitute. Just be mindful not to overcook it, as it can get mushy faster than fresh.

Is it okay to use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use any kind of milk—whole, skim, or even plant-based milk like almond or oat. Just keep in mind that dairy alternatives may slightly alter the texture and flavor, but the soup will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe feels like a comforting hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel special without requiring hours or complicated ingredients. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or wanting a lighter lunch option, give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for it again and again like I do!