The BEST Broccoli Cheese Soup, made without any heavy cream, has readers raving: โItโs better than Panera!โ โA new family favorite!โ and โIt was so easy to make and so amazing!!!โ As someone whoโs tested countless soup recipes, Iโve crafted this version to deliver an unparalleled creamy, cheesy, and flavorful experience that will have you declaring, โEVERYONE loved this soup!โ Follow along for your step-by-step guide to cheesy broccoli soup perfection!
Originally Published 11/20/2018; Updated 2/27/25
WATCH How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Soup
Perfectly Cheesy Broccoli Soup
I’ve perfected this Broccoli Cheese Soup to create the ultimate comfort food experience that’s not just cheesy but deeply flavorful, creamy without being overly rich, and made with real ingredients. Hereโs why itโs the best:
Broccoli Cheese Soup Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
Can I use a different cheese?
Sharp cheddar cheese is essential for adding a strong cheddar flavor to the soup. Gruyere would also be a welcome addition, but I would only add it to the cheddar and not instead of it.
How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
The key to LIGHTER Cheesy Broccoli Soup
To make this Broccoli Cheese Soup lighter:
โขHalf olive oil and half butter are used instead of all butter to create a simple roux as our thickener, so we don’t have to use any half-and-half, heavy cream, or Velveeta.
โขAfter the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, we puree half (more or less depending on how “chunky” you like your soup) to add body.
โขThe puree includes two ounces of cream cheese, which can be the 1/3-less-fat variety. It not only adds a delightfully subtle tanginess but also velvety, rich creaminess.
Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe Tips and Tricks
How to thicken Cheese and Broccoli Soup
This recipe uses a roux and pureed broccoli to thicken the soup, so you shouldn’t need to thicken it further. However, if you would like it thicker, there are a few options:
โขRoux Method: Make a roux from melted butter and flour, cook until golden, and then whisk into the soup.
โขCornstarch Slurry: Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.
โขPuree Some Broccoli: Blend a portion of the soup, including broccoli and carrots, to naturally thicken the base while adding creaminess.
โขAdd More Cheese: Stir in additional shredded cheese, which will melt and thicken the soup while enhancing its flavor.
โขHeavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Incorporate a splash of cream to make the soup thicker and creamier.
Broccoli Cheese Soup variations
What to Serve With Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup
Broccoli and Cheese Soup can be a meal all by itself or it goes fabulously well with:
Storing Cheese and Broccoli Soup
Refrigerate: Let the soup cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat Gently: Heat the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. If needed, add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the consistency.
CAN YOU FREEZE BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP?
No, I do not recommend freezing this soup. As a general rule of thumb, soups that contain dairy do not freeze well because milk fat separates which results in a grainy, funky texture.
Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup FAQs
Yes!ย While many soups contain pasta, rice or potatoes, this Broccoli Cheese Soup is loaded with broccoli and cheese for a delicious low-carb meal!
Unlike soups with pasta which sometimes soaks up the broth, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect to make ahead for lunches or dinners.ย You can reheat the soup on low on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.ย ย If you would like the soup to be thinner after you’ve reheated it, simply add in additional water until it reaches desired consistency.
The key to Creamy Broccoli Soup is threefold:
1. Roux:ย Make a roux of flour, olive oil and butter and then add chicken broth to create a thick, creamy sauce-like base.ย ย This eliminates our need to use heavy cream.
2. Cream cheese:ย Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy tanginess.
3. Pureed broccoli:ย Pureeing some of the broccoli with the cream cheese adds creamy body to the Broccoli Cheese Soup.ย It also allows us to use light cream cheese without any melting problems.
Looking for more Easy Soup Recipes?
- Chicken Lasagna Soup
- Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- New England Clam Chowder
- Cheesy Taco Soup
- Italian Vegetable Soup
- Tomato Basil Soup
- White Chicken Chili
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ยฉCarlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com
Lightened Up Cheese and Broccoli Soup
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Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups milk (any kind), divided
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (crushed cube, powder, or base)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tsp EACH ground mustard, paprika, pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softened (may use ⅓ less fat)
- 1-2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sautรฉ Aromatics: Melt the butter in the olive oil in a Dutch oven/soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sautรฉ for 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes or until the onions are soft.
- Add Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the chicken broth and 2 cups of milk. Add the chicken bouillon, spices, and broccoli.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once it begins to thicken, simmer for one additional minute, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the broccoli is tender to your liking.
- Puree: Remove half of the soup (more or less to your liking) and the cream cheese to a blender. Puree until smooth, letting smoke escape, or it will explode (I leave the blender cap open and cover it with a paper towel). Pour the pureed soup back into the pot.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the cheese, a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until mostly melted. Add 1 cup of milk, more or less, to reach your desired consistency and warm through.
Video
Notes
Tips and Tricks for Broccoli Cheese Soup
- CONSISTENCY.ย You can customize the consistency.ย You can use smaller or larger florets depending on your personal preference and you can puree as little or as much as the soup as you would like depending on if you prefer more of a smooth texture or more whole pieces of broccoli.
- FRESHLY GRATED CHEESE.ย It is important that you use high quality freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for your Broccoli CHEESE Soup.ย Freshly grated cheese not only tastes much better and boasts a stronger flavor but melts much easier than the pre-shredded bagged variety.
- GOAT CHEESE.ย If you want to get a little decadent for guests or because you just have amazing taste, then trying substituting the cream cheese with garlic and herb goat cheese (from a log).ย ย I did this the last time I Broccoli and Cheese Soup and it was heavenly!
- AD-INS.ย This Broccoli Cheese Soup is a fabulous base for all sorts of add-ins such as ham, potatoes, corn, rice, etc.ย In other words, use it to clean out your pantry and enjoy one of the best soups of your life – because everything is better with cheese!
- CAN I FREEZE BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP?ย No, I don’t recommend freezing this soup because the texture will get grainy due to the dairy.
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Salesha says
I made this soup over the weekend. Both of my kiddos loved it!! Iโve never had success with broccoli cheddar soup- it always splits and turns out grainy. This soup was the perfect texture. It also reheated very well. Thank you!
Jen says
Hi Salesha! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your sweet review! I am thrilled that you found success with my recipe and you and your kiddos loved it!