Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: 30-Minute Comfort Food Recipe

Craving a cozy bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup, but don’t have hours to spare? This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes.

This quick soup recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and clear steps. You can make this cheesy delight faster than going to a restaurant. Let’s explore this homemade soup that’s sure to be a family favorite.

Here’s what you’ll need for this comfort food recipe:

Cozy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

The ultimate comfort food ready in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 | Calories: 285 per serving

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

¼ cup salted butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups half and half

Vegetables

12 oz fresh broccoli, roughly chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

Seasonings

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon dry mustard

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Touch

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Bread bowls (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Base (5 minutes)

Heat a large pot over medium heat

Add 1 tablespoon butter

Once melted, add finely chopped onion

Sauté until onions are soft and translucent (about 4-5 minutes)

Transfer onions to a bowl and set aside

Step 2: Make the Roux (5 minutes)

In the same pot, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat

Once melted, sprinkle in flour while whisking constantly

Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbling (this prevents flour taste)

Pro Tip: Keep whisking to prevent burning

Step 3: Create Your Soup Base (5 minutes)

Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously

Add half and half in a steady stream, still whisking

Continue whisking until mixture is smooth with no lumps

Pro Tip: Room temperature liquids help prevent lumps

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings (10 minutes)

Return cooked onions to pot

Add chopped broccoli and carrots

Stir in all seasonings:

Kosher salt

Paprika

Garlic powder

Dry mustard

Black pepper

Bring to a gentle simmer

Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender

Step 5: Finish with Cheese (5 minutes)

Reduce heat to low

Add cheese gradually, stirring between additions

Continue stirring until cheese is completely melted

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed

Pro Tips for Success

Use freshly grated cheese for better melting

Don’t boil after adding cheese to prevent graininess

For thicker soup, let it stand 5-10 minutes before serving

For smoother soup, blend half with immersion blender

Serving Suggestions

Serve in bread bowls for an extra cozy meal

Top with extra shredded cheese

Add croutons for crunch

Pair with crusty bread for dipping

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight container

Freezer: Up to 2 months (though cream may separate)

Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop, stirring often

Quick Troubleshooting

Too thick? Add warm broth or half and half

Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes

Grainy? Lower heat and stir constantly when adding cheese

Needs more flavor? Add extra pinch of salt and pepper

Note: This recipe doubles easily for larger groups or meal prep!

Enjoy your homemade broccoli cheddar soup! 🥦🧀

This easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe makes 6 servings of comfort. It’s great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Everyone will want seconds.

“I’ve tried many restaurant soups, but this homemade version is a game-changer. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying!” – Sarah, home cook

Now, let’s look at the nutrition of our soup compared to a restaurant version:

Our homemade soup is healthier but still tastes great.

“The right tools make cooking a joy. With these simple kitchen essentials, you’re all set to create a comforting pot of broccoli cheddar soup that rivals any restaurant version.”

Final Thoughts on This Cozy Classic

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade broccoli cheddar soup, especially on those chilly winter days. This recipe proves that restaurant-quality comfort food can be made right in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes. The combination of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and perfectly balanced seasonings creates a soup that’s rich and satisfying without being heavy.

Whether you’re serving it in a bread bowl for a special occasion or in regular bowls for a casual family dinner, this soup never disappoints. It’s become a reader favorite on our blog, with many sharing how it’s now their go-to soup recipe. Some have even mentioned that their kids who usually avoid vegetables ask for seconds!

Remember, the key to this soup’s success lies in those little details – freshly grated cheese, gentle heat, and constant stirring when adding the cheese. These simple steps make the difference between a good soup and a great one.

From our kitchen to yours, we hope this broccoli cheddar soup brings warmth and comfort to your table, just as it has to so many of our readers’ homes. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below!