There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of velvety, rich soup that feels like a warm hug. My Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is exactly that—loaded with wholesome vegetables and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little cozy nourishment.

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

I’ve made this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe countless times, and it never disappoints. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy and light thanks to Greek yogurt, plus it’s easy to whip up even when life feels hectic.

Comfort Food Made Healthy: Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream keeps it creamy without weighing you down.
Built from Real, Simple Ingredients: Fresh broccoli stalks, potatoes, and shredded carrots create a natural depth of flavor you’ll notice in every spoonful.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the spices, add more veggies, or adjust the cheddar cheese to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Perfect for family dinners when you need a satisfying soup everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe plays a key role, bringing texture, flavor, and nutritional goodness together. When grocery shopping, look for fresh produce and quality broth to make your soup shine.

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 without overpowering the soup.
Yellow onion: Builds flavor depth with its natural sweetness—you want it diced finely for even cooking.
Garlic: Pressed to release its full aroma and flavor, it adds an inviting warmth.
Broccoli (including stalks): Using the stalks reduces waste and adds natural sweetness and texture when pureed smooth.
Yukon gold potato: Gives the soup body and creaminess when blended without needing cream.
Salt, pepper, paprika: The seasoning trio that wakes up the flavors and adds subtle smoky warmth from paprika.
Vegetable broth: Creates the perfect savory base; choose low-sodium if you want more control over saltiness.
Greek yogurt: Lightens the soup while adding protein and tang, balancing the richness from the cheese.
Shredded carrots: A sweet crunch that brightens the color and flavor while adding nutrition.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar makes this soup indulgent and comforting, the true star of the show.

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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 playing around with this soup depending on the season and guests’ tastes. Feel free to swap veggies or experiment with cheeses—you might just discover your new favorite version!

Variation: I’ve swapped out half the broccoli for cauliflower when I wanted a milder flavor, and it worked beautifully—still creamy and cheesy but with a subtle twist.
Spice Level: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little kick; it wakes up the flavors without being overpowering.
Dairy-Free Option: Greek yogurt can be replaced with a dairy-free coconut yogurt to make it vegan-friendly, though the texture will be a bit different.
Extra Protein: Stir in some cooked chicken or beans for a heartier main dish.

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: Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant

Start with melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s hot and shimmering, toss in the diced yellow onions and pressed garlic. Stir frequently and cook until your kitchen starts smelling heavenly and the onions turn translucent—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic; burnt garlic can add bitterness, so gentle heat is key.

Step 2: Add veggies, season, and simmer

Throw in your chopped broccoli stalks, diced Yukon gold potato, salt, pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir so the seasoning coats the veggies evenly. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the broccoli stalks and potatoes are fork-tender. This step is crucial since it softens the veggies, making blending easier.

Step 3: Blend until smooth and stir in the creamy touch

Carefully transfer your soup in batches to a high-powered blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until silky smooth, then return it back to the pot. Stir in the Greek yogurt—it adds creaminess with a bit of tang that brightens the soup. Add your broccoli florets and shredded carrots, then let it simmer gently, stirring often, until those ingredients are tender but still vibrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Melt in the cheddar and serve up warm comfort

Finally, lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a luscious, creamy finish. If you want to add a little crunch, sprinkle crushed gluten-free crackers on top. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the best kind of comfort food.

Top Tip

From my many kitchen experiments, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe come out perfectly every time. These tips will save you frustration and elevate the flavors.

Use the Broccoli Stalks: Don’t toss the stalks—they blend into a creamy texture and add subtle sweetness without extra effort.
Don’t Overheat the Cheese: Add the cheddar at the very end on low heat to avoid graininess and keep it melty.
Blend in Batches: If using a blender, don’t fill it to the top; blend in smaller batches for a smoother texture and to avoid splatters.
Watch Your Simmer: Too high heat after adding yogurt can cause curdling—keep it low and stir gently for the creamiest soup.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

broccoli cheddar soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping my soup with a handful of chopped chives or green onions for freshness and a bit of bite. Sometimes I sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or even a pinch of smoked paprika on top for a pop of color and flavor. Crushed gluten-free crackers or crispy bacon bits add a delightful crunch whenever I want something extra special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty gluten-free bread or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. On chilly nights, I love serving it alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar to double down on that cozy cheese vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinner parties, I’ve served the soup in individual rustic bread bowls—just hollow out a round loaf and pour the soup inside. It’s a fun presentation and adds edible texture! For a colorful touch, top with edible flowers or swirl in a drizzle of pesto for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I pour leftover soup into airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water helps maintain the perfect creamy consistency without drying out or sticking.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove, stirring occasionally. The texture remains delightful, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in minutes.

Reheating

Reheat on medium-low heat and stir often to prevent scorching. If the soup seems a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving at high power—it can cause uneven heating and might affect the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free, especially when you use gluten-free vegetable broth and toppings like gluten-free crackers. Always check labels to be sure your ingredients are free from gluten.

Can I use shredded cheese other than cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the soup its classic flavor, you can experiment with gouda, fontina, or even a blend of cheeses for a different twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well.

How can I make this soup vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a plant-based yogurt alternative instead of Greek yogurt, and swap the cheddar for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Make sure your broth is vegetable-based and vegan-friendly.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes great the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat gently to preserve its creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe has become my go-to for comfort food that feels indulgent but not heavy. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy kitchen moments shared with family and friends. I seriously recommend you try it—once you taste that creamy blend of broccoli and cheese, it’ll become a staple in your recipe box too.