Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

The Story & Intro

Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.

The first time I made creamy broccoli cheddar soup, I was living in a tiny apartment with a kitchen so small I could touch both walls at once. Outside, the rain was tapping on the windows, and inside, I needed something warm, comforting, and a little indulgent. Back in France, soup was always simple vegetables, herbs, maybe a splash of cream. But America introduced me to cheddar, and oh mon dieu… everything changed 🧀💛.

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup became my go-to on chilly nights, lazy Sundays, and days when I missed home just a little extra. It’s thick, velvety, rich without being heavy, and filled with tender broccoli in every spoonful. The sharp cheddar melts into the broth, creating that iconic cheesy pull that makes you close your eyes after the first bite.

What I love most about this creamy broccoli cheddar soup is how humble it is. Simple ingredients. One pot. No stress. Yet it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread, a grilled cheese, or enjoying it straight from the pot (I won’t judge 😌), this soup always delivers comfort.

So grab your favorite pot, turn on some music, and let’s make a bowl of cozy magic together 💚🧀.

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best creamy broccoli cheddar soup at home:

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Unsalted butter
• Yellow onion, finely diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika (optional, but lovely)
• Nutmeg (just a pinch very French 😉)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and let it bloom for about 30 seconds — your kitchen will already smell amazing.

Step 2: Make the roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly. This step thickens the soup and gives it that luxurious texture. Cook the flour for about 1–2 minutes to remove any raw taste.

Step 3: Add the liquids

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, followed by the broth. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. The soup will begin to thicken gently.

Step 4: Cook the broccoli

Add the broccoli florets, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let everything simmer until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.

Step 5: Blend (optional)

For a smoother creamy broccoli cheddar soup, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender. I like leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 6: Add the cheese

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Add it gradually so it melts smoothly without clumping.

Step 7: Final seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy it elevates the cheese beautifully.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup shines all on its own, but here are a few cozy ways to serve it:

• With warm crusty bread or a baguette 🥖
• Inside a bread bowl for ultimate comfort
• Paired with a grilled cheese sandwich
• Topped with extra shredded cheddar or crispy bacon bits
• Finished with a swirl of cream and cracked black pepper

It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you need something soothing and satisfying.

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of nutmeg

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion until soft; add garlic and cook briefly.
3. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, and broth.
5. Add broccoli and seasonings; simmer until tender.
6. Blend partially if desired.
7. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.

📝 Notes

• Always shred your own cheese for smoother melting
• Don’t boil after adding cheese
• Adjust thickness with extra broth or milk

🍽️ Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

Conclusion

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is one of those recipes that never lets you down. It’s comforting, reliable, and filled with cheesy goodness that warms you from the inside out. Every time I make it, I think about how food can turn even the coldest, grayest day into something soft and golden ✨.

From my little French heart to your American kitchen, I hope this soup brings you comfort, smiles, and maybe even a second bowl 💛.