I always find something incredibly comforting in a warm bowl of soup that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome veggies. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe really hits that cozy spot, and I’m excited to share it with you—trust me, it’s worth the little effort it takes!

A white bowl filled with thick yellow soup with small pieces of green broccoli and orange carrot bits mixed inside, topped with broken light orange and white crackers in the center, a silver spoon partially dipped in the soup on the left side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with round light golden crackers scattered near the bowl. In the background, out of focus, are some steamed green broccoli florets and orange carrot sticks on the right side, another white bowl with more soup on the top left side. 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

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe isn’t just your everyday soup—it’s a blend of rich, velvety textures and fresh, vibrant flavors that remind me of those chilly evenings when nothing else will do but comfort food. It’s easy, nourishing, and so adaptable, you’ll want to make it your own staple.

Perfectly creamy texture: The mix of Greek yogurt and melted cheddar cheese creates a creamy depth without being too heavy.
Gluten-free goodness: You can enjoy every spoonful without worrying about gluten, making it great for sensitive bellies.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: Using whole broccoli stalks and Yukon Gold potatoes adds natural sweetness and body.
Quick to make: You’ll have it on the table in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe serves a special purpose, working together to build layers of flavor and a satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll want to look for when shopping and prepping.

Flat lay of fresh large head of broccoli with stalks, diced yellow onion, three whole garlic cloves, diced Yukon gold potato, a few shredded bright orange carrots, two whole uncracked brown eggs, small white ceramic bowl of golden butter, small white ceramic bowl of creamy Greek yogurt, small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese, small white ceramic bowl of vegetable broth, small white ceramic bowl with salt, small white ceramic bowl with black pepper, small white ceramic bowl with paprika, 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 and garlic to start your soup base perfectly.
Yellow Onion: Its natural sweetness adds a savory backbone without overpowering the soup.
Garlic: Just three cloves bring a subtle punch of garlic flavor that makes all the difference.
Broccoli (including stalks): Don’t toss those stalks! They offer extra nutrients and help thicken the soup naturally.
Yukon Gold Potato: These give that velvety creamy body to your soup when blended—plus a bit of sweetness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Paprika: Brings a hint of warm smokiness, elevating the overall taste.
Vegetable Broth: The flavorful liquid base adds depth without heaviness.
Greek Yogurt: Offers creaminess with a slight tang—healthier and lighter than heavy cream.
Shredded Carrots: Add a subtle sweetness and lovely color contrast.
Cheddar Cheese: Use a good quality sharp cheddar for that classic cheesy flavor and smooth melt.

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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

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. It’s a forgiving base that welcomes your personal touch, whether that’s extra cheese or a touch of spice.

Variation: When I’m feeling bold, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give it a little kick—my family loves it this way!
Dairy-Free: You can swap Greek yogurt for coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheddar to make it vegan-friendly.
Seasonal Swap: In spring, try adding peas or asparagus tips for a fresh twist.

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

A white bowl filled with thick yellow soup that has small pieces of green broccoli and orange carrot bits throughout. On top of the soup, there are crumbled pieces of light orange crackers and shredded cheese mixed in. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the left side. Around the bowl, there are whole round yellow crackers placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, some fresh green broccoli pieces are visible near the top right corner, and part of another white bowl with similar soup is at the top left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Build your aromatic base

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot and bubbling, toss in diced onions and pressed garlic. Saute these until the onions turn translucent and you can smell that fragrant garlic aroma, about 3-4 minutes—don’t rush this step because it sets the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add the hearty veggies

Throw in the chopped broccoli stalks, diced Yukon Gold potato, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything to coat the veggies in butter and spices, then pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the pot to a simmer, cover it, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes or until the broccoli stalks and potato are fork-tender.

Step 3: Blend until smooth

Once your veggies are perfectly soft, transfer the soup in batches to a high-powered blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until smooth and silky—this gives you that signature creamy body.

Step 4: Add the bright finishers

Return the soup to the pot and stir in Greek yogurt, broccoli florets, and shredded carrots. Let it simmer gently, stirring often, until the florets soften but still hold their shape nicely.

Step 5: Melt in the cheddar

Finally, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and luscious. Once the cheese has fully incorporated, your soup is ready to enjoy. I like topping mine with crushed gluten-free crackers for a little crunch.

Top Tip

Making this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe has been a little culinary adventure for me, especially perfecting the blending stage and the balance of flavors. These tips will help you get a silky soup with deep flavor every time.

Don’t skip the broccoli stalks: They add natural thickness and sweetness—just chop them small so they soften evenly.
Slowly melt your cheese: Add it off the heat or on very low to avoid clumping or graininess.
Use Greek yogurt, not sour cream: Greek yogurt adds creaminess with a fresh tang, plus more protein.
Blending safety: If using a blender, cool the soup slightly and blend in batches to avoid splatters.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to top my soup with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar, a little fresh cracked black pepper, and sometimes chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Crushed gluten-free crackers add a nice texture contrast that I’ve come to adore.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a simple green salad, some crusty gluten-free bread, or even a light sandwich for a satisfying meal. I especially love serving it alongside a crisp apple slaw for a refreshing bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or ceramic soup crocks for that charming, warm vibe. Adding a swirl of extra yogurt or drizzling a little chili oil gives it a gourmet touch that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It stays creamy and delicious, though sometimes I find I need to stir in an extra splash of broth when reheating if it thickened up too much.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a few times with success—just cool it completely, then portion out into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, stirring often to bring back that smooth texture.

Reheating

Reheat your soup over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of vegetable broth or water helps prevent it from sticking or becoming too thick, keeping that creamy richness intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this soup, especially if you're short on time or out of fresh broccoli. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to avoid watering down your soup.

Is this soup dairy-free or can it be made vegan?

This recipe uses cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt, so it's not dairy-free as written. However, you can substitute dairy-free cheese and use a plant-based yogurt alternative to make it vegan and dairy-free. The texture will remain creamy but with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the soup a day in advance, refrigerate it, and gently reheat before serving. Just stir in a little broth or water if it seems too thick after chilling.

What’s the best cheese to use for this soup?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and adds that classic tangy flavor that defines broccoli cheddar soup. Feel free to use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a less intense cheesy taste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comforts during cooler months. It’s simple, nourishing, and, most importantly, it just tastes fantastic—like a warm hug in a bowl. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do and find it brings a little extra coziness to your kitchen.