Nothing beats the warm, cheesy goodness of a bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe truly hits the spot. It’s cozy, wholesome, and packed with fresh flavors that just feel like home.

A white bowl filled with thick, yellowish soup with visible small bits of green broccoli and orange carrot mixed inside. On top, there are broken pieces of light beige crackers with some melted orange cheese. A silver spoon is partially dipped in the soup, resting inside the bowl. Around the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there are round light brown crackers and some green broccoli and orange carrot sticks blurred in the background. Another white bowl of soup is partially seen behind the main bowl. 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 Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t resist sharing this soup because it’s one of those recipes that’s both comforting and surprisingly simple to make. Every time I whip up this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Rich, Creamy Texture: Thanks to Greek yogurt and sharp cheddar, this soup is velvety-smooth without being too heavy.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Using naturally gluten-free ingredients and optional gluten-free toppings means no one misses out.
Fresh Veggie Boost: Including broccoli stalks and shredded carrots adds flavor and nutrients you’ll feel good about.
Easy and Quick: You can have a delicious pot simmering in under an hour – perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. Each one plays a key role — from the buttery base to the tangy yogurt and sharp cheddar cheese — creating layers of flavor that balance perfectly.

Flat lay of a small pat of golden butter, one whole yellow onion, three fresh garlic cloves, a large head of bright green broccoli with stalks, one whole Yukon gold potato, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of paprika powder, a small white bowl filled with clear vegetable broth, a small white bowl of thick creamy Greek yogurt, a small pile of shredded bright orange carrots, and a small mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged symmetrically 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

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a flavorful foundation.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed, building savory flavor.
Garlic: Brings a subtle warmth and aroma that wakes up the soup.
Broccoli (including stalks): The stalks often get tossed, but here they’re pureed for extra nutrients and a smoother texture.
Yukon gold potato: Acts as a natural thickener and adds subtle creaminess.
Salt, black pepper & paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance and brighten the entire soup.
Vegetable broth: Keeps the soup light and flavorful; you can swap with chicken broth if you prefer.
Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang without overpowering, plus a protein boost.
Shredded carrots: Sneaked in for sweetness and a nice color contrast with the green broccoli.
Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for full flavor, melting beautifully to finish this soup just right.

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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

This soup is a great base to experiment with! I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or whether I want it extra cheesy, spicier, or lighter. Don’t be shy to personalize it.

Variation: Once, I swapped Greek yogurt for coconut cream to make it dairy-free and it was surprisingly delicious with a subtle coconut twist.
Add some heat: You can sprinkle in cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for a warming kick.
Make it meaty: Toss in cooked bacon or ham bits at the end if you're not vegetarian.
Extra veggies: I sometimes add corn or peas for a touch of sweetness and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick yellow soup, with visible chunks of green broccoli and small bits of orange carrot mixed inside. The soup has crushed crackers on top that are pale golden and crumbly. A silver spoon is partially submerged in the soup inside the bowl. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are whole round golden crackers, some broccoli florets, and another white bowl with shredded cheese partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Until They’re Fragrant

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s nice and melted, toss in the diced onion and pressed garlic. I like to stir gently and watch as the onions turn translucent — that moment means you’re unlocking lots of flavor. Avoid browning them too much; you want sweetness here without bitterness.

Step 2: Build Your Soup Base

Add chopped broccoli stalks, diced potato, salt, pepper, and paprika to the pot. Give everything a good stir, then pour in your vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the broccoli stalks and potatoes are fork-tender — about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is key: you want those veggies soft enough to blend smoothly.

Step 3: Blend to Perfection

Pour the softened veggies and broth into a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until the soup is silky and smooth. Trust me, the creaminess here is what makes this recipe stand out, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess and Fresh Veggies

Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in Greek yogurt, and then add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Let everything simmer gently while stirring frequently until the broccoli florets are tender but still vibrant green. This adds a lovely texture contrast and fresh flavor.

Step 5: The Final Cheese Meltdown

Lower the heat and stir in your shredded cheddar cheese a bit at a time, letting it melt smoothly into the soup. Once it’s fully incorporated, the soup is ready to enjoy. For extra crunch, sprinkle with crushed gluten-free crackers if you like!

Top Tip

After making this creamy broccoli cheddar soup a bunch of times, I've learned little things that make a big difference in how it turns out—so here are my go-to tips to ensure your soup is always a hit.

Don’t Skip the Broccoli Stalks: They might seem tough, but when blended, they add amazing body and a subtle sweetness. Just peel the thicker outer skin if it feels too fibrous.
Watch Your Heat: When melting cheese, keep the soup on low heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating — patience pays off.
Use Sharp Cheddar: It gives the best balance of flavor and meltability. Mild options just won’t give you that classic punch.
Blend in Batches if Needed: If your blender is small, do multiple batches to avoid spills and get a perfectly smooth texture every time.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top my bowl with a little extra shredded cheddar and some crushed gluten-free crackers for crunch. Freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a nice finishing touch that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

A warm, crusty gluten-free bread or a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully here. I especially love serving this soup alongside roasted garlic bread sticks or even a light quinoa salad to keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy gatherings, I like to serve this soup in mini bread bowls — it feels festive and makes the meal extra special. Pouring the soup into colorful mugs with a swirl of yogurt on top also makes for a cheerful presentation that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge — it keeps well for up to 4 days. Before reheating, give it a quick stir because sometimes the soup thickens as it chills.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe jars or bags, leaving space for expansion. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently — it’s perfect for busy days when you want a quick, homemade meal.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your soup slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving too long without stirring, since the cheese can clump if overheated.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can replace the Greek yogurt with coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheddar-style cheese. Keep in mind this will shift the flavor profile, but the soup will still be creamy and delicious.

Is it okay to use pre-cut broccoli florets only?

Absolutely, but don’t toss the stalks! Peeling and chopping them to add in the soup boosts the flavor and nutrition while thickening the soup naturally when blended. Using florets alone is fine, but the texture won’t be as smooth and rich.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the entire recipe, refrigerate it, and reheat later with ease. Just store in an airtight container, and it holds up beautifully for several days.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too watery?

If your soup needs thickening, cooking it a bit longer uncovered lets some liquid evaporate. Alternatively, blending in a little extra diced potato before pureeing can help add natural thickness. Adding less broth to start also allows more control over soup consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is one of my favorite ways to warm up and eat healthfully without sacrificing comfort or flavor. It’s flexible, forgiving, and just plain delicious. I hope you’ll try it out soon and feel that same cozy satisfaction I do every time I take a spoonful.