healthy broccoli cheddar soup is my official excuse to call soup “dinner” on a chilly night and not feel an ounce of regret. Ever find yourself craving something cheesy and creamy—but not in the mood for a gut bomb? Yep, been there. This is the bowl that changed my mind. I started playing around after I saw a {deliciously creamy broccoli cheese soup you’ll love} recipe, and before you know it, I was hooked. If you’re on a hunt for more cozy ideas, check out the full lineup in this {soup} section too. Nothing too fancy or fussy here, just real food that hits the spot.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Let’s be honest, people stress way too much about making soups. Relax. This is not rocket science. Broccoli, a bit of onion, carrot for sweetness (or skip if you hate carrots, nobody’s judging), garlic, and a good handful of shredded cheddar—yup, that’s most of it. I like to use fresh broccoli, but in a pinch, frozen totally works. Promise.
So, start by sautéing onion and carrot in a splash of olive oil until the kitchen smells amazing. Toss in your garlic—watch it, garlic burns fast if you get distracted. Then it’s time for the broccoli and pour in low-sodium broth. Let it bubble gently until the veggies are soft, then comes the magic: blend! Use an immersion blender if you have one. Or just mash it up right in the pot if you like it chunky. Stir in the cheese and a surprise—just a splash of milk (or even Greek yogurt for extra protein). Salt, pepper, and, if you’re me, a dash of nutmeg for something special.
Don’t sweat the details. This healthy broccoli cheddar soup lets you be messy and it still comes out delicious. For real, I’ve forgotten to add the cheese until the last second and it was still five-star restaurant tasty.
“This soup tastes like comfort in a bowl. I keep coming back to it, even my picky kid asks for seconds. So easy and yum!”
— Amy P., Tampa
Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
There’s honestly no wrong way to serve this healthy broccoli cheddar soup, but these are the hits in my house:
- Crusty bread for dunking is basically required. No fancy “artisanal” loaf needed—use what you’ve got.
- Sprinkle a little extra cheddar or fresh cracked pepper on top if you’re feeling wild.
- Add a handful of roasted chickpeas for crunch and a smidge of protein.
- Pair with a quick salad to make yourself feel like you made a “complete meal.”
Soup night = best night, especially with a bowl of this, right? Sometimes if I’m feeling extra, I’ll even whip up this {hearty creamy Italian white bean soup for cozy nights} as a bonus soup. Go wild.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Don’t worry if you made a mountain of soup by accident (happens to the best of us). This healthy broccoli cheddar soup holds up like a champ. Pour leftovers into a container once the soup cools down a bit—nobody wants steamy fridge condensation. Store it in the fridge up to four days, then just reheat gently on the stove or, let’s be honest, in the microwave.
Now for freezing—yes, you can! But be aware, the cheese texture can get a little interesting when thawed. Doesn’t bother me one bit though. Just thaw in the fridge overnight, stir well, and heat gently the next day. Stir in a splash of milk to perk it up if things get thick.
My friend once left a batch in her freezer for two months and swore it still tasted dreamy. If you want to stash meals ahead, this is your soup.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting the Soup
First off, don’t be afraid to play around. Soup rewards experimenting (not like baking, thank goodness). I’ll say it: fresh cheese melts smoother, but I’ve used bagged shredded cheddar more times than I care to admit. The soup is always slurpable.
Cut broccoli into small pieces—it cooks faster, and you’re less likely to end up with chunky bits after blending. Want “wow” flavor? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a spoonful of Dijon mustard. Oh, and don’t skip salting as you go. Soup needs salt or it’ll taste, well, like bathwater.
If your soup turns out too thick, thin it with broth. Too thin? Toss in a couple extra handfuls of broccoli or just a bit more cheese. Let your taste buds decide! And if you’re hunting for more unique flavors, give this {warm and cozy tomato florentine soup you can whip up fast} a try for your next cozy craving.
Suggested Adaptations for Healthier Versions
Alright, you health-hustlers, listen up. There are easy ways to lighten up this healthy broccoli cheddar soup without sacrificing flavor. Sometimes I use low-fat milk or even a splash of unsweetened almond milk to cut calories—totally works. Greek yogurt makes the soup creamy, tangy, and gives extra protein punch.
You can add cauliflower for volume, or switch out half your cheese for nutritional yeast if dairy isn’t your best friend. If you want to add some veggies, spinach wilts in right at the end. Or toss in some white beans like I spotted in another soup recipe once—makes it so filling.
I’ve seen friends go full veggie by swapping out the cheese for non-dairy options. It’s not classic, but if it works for your crew, go for it.
Common Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Easy—just use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this gluten-free?
If you skip regular flour (or use a gluten-free blend for thickening) you’ve got a gluten-free soup on your hands. Always check your broth labels though.
Can I make healthy broccoli cheddar soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavor gets even better the next day.
What’s the best cheese for the soup?
A sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but seriously, use what you have. I’ve even used a bit of Parmesan for fun.
Do I have to blend the whole soup?
No rules. Blend it smooth or leave it chunky. Sometimes I do half and half just to keep things interesting.
Ready to Cozy Up? Here’s Your Go-To Soup Night
There you have it—healthy broccoli cheddar soup that anyone can make, even if you forget an ingredient or two. Just warm, rich, and not even a little bit boring. Looking to riff on the classic? Take a look at these spins for more ideas like the {Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Skinnytaste}, {Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup – All the Healthy Things}, or whip it up in one pot following this {One-Pot Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup – The Natural Nurturer}. You’ve got options, trust me. Now, go throw a pot on the stove. The couch and cozy blanket are calling.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Sauté onion and carrot in a splash of olive oil until fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, watching to avoid burning.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and pour in the low-sodium broth.
- Let the mixture bubble gently until the vegetables are soft.
- Blend using an immersion blender or mash for a chunkier texture.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk or Greek yogurt.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
