Broccoli cheese soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch, this recipe delivers cheesy goodness with a healthy twist.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Is broccoli cheddar soup good or bad for you?
✔ How to make broccoli soup like Jamie Oliver?
✔ Will cheddar cheese melt in soup?
✔ How to thicken broccoli cheddar soup?
Let’s dive into this delicious, creamy, and easy-to-make soup!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Soup
What Makes This Recipe Special?
✔ Ultra-Creamy & Cheesy – Perfectly smooth texture with melted cheddar.
✔ Loaded with Flavor – Fresh broccoli, sharp cheese, and savory seasonings.
✔ Healthier Alternative – Made with real ingredients, no processed cheese!
✔ One-Pot Recipe – Easy cleanup and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients for the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
Essential Ingredients
✔ 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped)
✔ 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
✔ 1 small onion, diced
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
✔ 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
✔ 2 tablespoons butter
✔ 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔ ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Step by Step
Making homemade broccoli cheese soup is easy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Follow these simple steps to achieve a rich, velvety texture with perfectly melted cheese.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Broccoli Cheese Soup
Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics
✔ Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat.
✔ Add diced onion and minced garlic—sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 2 – Make the Soup Base
✔ Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly.
✔ Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
✔ Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
Step 3 – Add Broccoli & Simmer
✔ Add 4 cups of chopped broccoli florets to the pot.
✔ Bring to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Step 4 – Blend for a Creamy Texture (Optional)
✔ Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup while leaving some broccoli chunks.
✔ If you prefer a chunkier soup, simply mash some broccoli with a spoon.
Step 5 – Add the Cheese & Cream
✔ Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk.
✔ Gradually add 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth.
Step 6 – Season & Serve
✔ Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika.
✔ Ladle into bowls and serve hot!
Pro Tip: Garnish with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or croutons for added texture!
How Long Does Broccoli Cheese Soup Last?
✔ In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ In the freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months—reheat on the stove for best results.
Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup Good or Bad for You?
Broccoli cheddar soup is rich, creamy, and satisfying, but is it a healthy choice? The answer depends on the ingredients and portion size. Let’s break it down!
Health Benefits of Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1. Packed with Nutrients from Broccoli
✔ High in fiber – Supports digestion and gut health.
✔ Loaded with vitamins C & K – Boosts immunity and bone health.
✔ Contains antioxidants – Helps fight inflammation.
2. Good Source of Protein & Healthy Fats
✔ Cheddar cheese and milk provide protein to support muscle health.
✔ Healthy fats from cheese and cream help with energy levels.
3. Can Be Made Healthier with Simple Swaps
✔ Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
✔ Replace flour with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
✔ Use sharp cheddar cheese to get more flavor with less cheese
When Can Broccoli Cheese Soup Be Unhealthy?
❌ Too much cheese & cream → High in saturated fat and calories.
❌ Restaurant versions often contain processed ingredients.
❌ Adding too much salt can increase sodium intake.
How to Make a Lighter, Healthier Version
✔ Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
✔ Reduce the cheese by 25% and use a sharper variety for more flavor.
✔ Skip flour and use cornstarch for a low-carb option.
Looking for another healthy comfort meal? Try this Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe for a nutritious and delicious dish!
How to Make Broccoli Soup Like Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver’s broccoli soup recipe is known for being simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. His method focuses on using natural ingredients to create a healthy and creamy soup without heavy cream.
Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Soup – The Key Ingredients
✔ 1 large head of broccoli (chopped into florets)
✔ 1 onion, finely chopped
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 medium potato (for natural thickness)
✔ 4 cups vegetable broth
✔ ½ cup grated cheese (optional – cheddar or parmesan)
✔ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✔ Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Soup
Step 1 – Sauté the Onion & Garlic
✔ Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
✔ Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Step 2 – Add the Potato & Broccoli
✔ Dice 1 medium potato and add it to the pot.
✔ Add 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
✔ Let simmer for 5 minutes, then add the chopped broccoli.
✔ Cook for another 10 minutes until everything is tender.
Step 3 – Blend Until Smooth
✔ Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
✔ If using a regular blender, blend in batches for safety.
Step 4 – Add Cheese & Seasoning
✔ Stir in ½ cup of grated cheddar or parmesan cheese (optional).
✔ Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Why Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Soup Is Healthier
✔ Uses potato instead of cream for a natural thickness.
✔ No processed cheese or flour, making it gluten-free.
✔ Lower in calories and fat compared to traditional broccoli cheese soup.
Looking for another healthy, home-cooked dish? Try this Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipe for a crispy, high-protein meal!
Will Cheddar Cheese Melt in Soup?
Yes! Cheddar cheese melts in soup, but it requires the right technique to prevent it from becoming grainy or clumpy. The key is to use real cheese, add it slowly, and control the temperature.
How to Properly Melt Cheddar Cheese in Soup
1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
✔ Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent smooth melting.
✔ Always grate fresh cheddar for the creamiest texture.
2. Choose the Right Cheese
✔ Sharp cheddar melts well and provides a bold flavor.
✔ Mild cheddar melts the smoothest but has a milder taste.
✔ Avoid low-fat cheese, as it doesn’t melt as well.
3. Reduce Heat Before Adding Cheese
✔ Never add cheese to boiling soup!
✔ Turn the heat to low and stir in cheese gradually to prevent separation.
4. Stir Constantly for a Smooth Texture
✔ Slowly add small handfuls of cheese while stirring continuously.
✔ Stir until fully melted before adding more cheese.
5. Add a Thickener If Needed
✔ If the cheese starts to separate, stir in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to stabilize it.
✔ A splash of milk or cream can also help smooth out the texture.
What to Avoid When Melting Cheese in Soup
Adding cheese too quickly → Results in clumps.
Boiling the soup after adding cheese → Causes separation.
Using pre-shredded cheese → Contains starches that affect texture.
Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, mix cheddar with a bit of parmesan or cream cheese!
Want another cheesy comfort meal? Try this Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe for a rich, indulgent dessert!
How Do You Thicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
A creamy, thick broccoli cheddar soup is rich, comforting, and satisfying. If your soup is too thin, there are several easy ways to thicken it while keeping the texture smooth.
Best Ways to Thicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1. Use a Flour or Cornstarch Slurry
✔ Mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
✔ Stir the slurry into the soup and let it simmer until thickened.
Pro Tip: Cornstarch is gluten-free and thickens faster than flour!
2. Blend Some of the Broccoli
✔ Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup while leaving some chunks.
✔ This makes the soup naturally thick without adding extra ingredients.
Pro Tip: If using a regular blender, blend in small batches to prevent splattering.
3. Add More Cheese
✔ Stir in extra shredded cheddar cheese for a thicker, creamier consistency.
✔ Make sure to add cheese over low heat to prevent it from separating.
Pro Tip: A mix of cheddar and parmesan creates an even richer texture!
4. Stir in Heavy Cream or Greek Yogurt
✔ Replace some broth with heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt for extra richness.
✔ This enhances the creaminess while keeping the soup smooth.
Pro Tip: Greek yogurt adds protein and a slight tang for extra flavor!
5. Add Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower
✔ Stir in ½ cup of mashed potatoes for a natural thickener.
✔ For a low-carb option, use mashed cauliflower instead!
Pro Tip: Cook and mash the potatoes before adding them to the soup for an even consistency.
Common Mistakes That Make Soup Too Thin
❌ Adding too much broth → Start with less and add as needed.
❌ Not simmering long enough → Let the soup reduce naturally for 5-10 extra minutes.
❌ Over-blending → Can make the soup too watery if all the broccoli is pureed.
Pro Tip: For an extra thick and creamy soup, combine two or more thickening methods!
Looking for another comforting meal? Try this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe for a protein-packed dish!
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Broccoli cheese soup is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ultra-Creamy & Cheesy – Perfectly smooth with rich cheddar flavor.
✔ Easy to Make – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Customizable & Healthy – Can be made gluten-free or low-carb with easy swaps.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge and freezes well.
Final Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
✔ Use freshly grated cheddar for smooth melting.
✔ Blend part of the soup for a creamy but slightly chunky texture.
✔ Add a thickener like cornstarch or heavy cream for extra richness.
✔ Season well with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread, croutons, or crispy bacon bits for added texture!
Try It & Share Your Results!
✔ Experiment with different cheeses like gouda, gruyère, or parmesan.
✔ Pair it with a protein like grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
✔ Share your broccoli cheese soup creations with us—tag us on social media!
Have any questions or tips? Leave a comment and let us know how your soup turned out!
Looking for another creamy, cheesy meal? Try this Marry Me Chicken Recipe for a rich and flavorful dish!