Homemade Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup — a comforting, low‑carb one‑pot meal that’s full of vegetables, rich cheese, and ready in under 30 minutes.

This broccoli cheddar soup is thick, silky, and loaded with flavor — the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something warm, nourishing, and simple. It’s a family‑friendly bowl that highlights tender broccoli and sharp cheddar, balanced with cream and a touch of cream cheese for a smooth finish. I designed this version to be low in carbohydrates and quick to prepare, so you can have a hearty, veggie‑packed meal on the table in less than half an hour.

If you love the classic restaurant versions of broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll find this homemade rendition captures that rich, cheesy comfort while using straightforward pantry ingredients. It’s forgiving, easy to scale, and perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or cozy weekends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter, onion, and garlic — sautéing the onion and garlic in butter builds a savory base. If you prefer, use a neutral oil instead.
• Chicken or vegetable broth — either works. Use what you have for the best flavor.
• Broccoli — fresh florets are ideal, but frozen broccoli is a convenient substitute.
• Carrot — grated carrot blends into the soup, adding subtle sweetness and extra nutrients without standing out.
• Cheese — sharp cheddar is the star. I also use a bit of cream cheese to add richness and a silky texture. Freshly shredded cheddar melts best, though pre‑shredded will work.
• Heavy cream — makes the soup luxurious. For a lighter version, use milk or half‑and‑half.
• Seasonings — kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dry mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg. Adjust pepper and salt to taste.

Note: This recipe keeps the soup low‑carb and flour‑free. If you prefer a thicker, more traditional chowder consistency, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour into the butter before adding liquids to make a roux. You can also thicken with a cornstarch slurry, add diced potatoes, or simply increase the amount of cheese.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Sauté aromatics. In a large pot over medium‑high heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add liquids and vegetables. Pour in the broth and heavy cream, then add the broccoli florets, grated carrot, dry mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook about 15–20 minutes, until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
3. Finish with cheese. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until everything is melted and the soup is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Prepping and Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dairy from separating, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between heats. If the soup thickens in the refrigerator, thin with a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Is this Soup Keto?

Yes — this recipe was created with keto‑friendly ingredients in mind: it’s high in fat and low in carbohydrates, and naturally gluten‑free when prepared without a flour roux. To lower the fat content, substitute half‑and‑half or milk for the heavy cream, omit the cream cheese, or use a modest amount of oil instead of butter.

More Soups You’ll Love

• Chicken Tortilla Soup — a versatile, weeknight favorite that works in a pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
• Detox Immune‑Boosting Chicken Soup — a light, nourishing soup loaded with ingredients that support wellness when you’re under the weather.
• Creamy Tomato Hummus Soup — tomato‑forward, spiced with garlic and turmeric, and packed with legumes and vegetables.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita & Quinoa Soup — all the fajita flavors in a hearty, hands‑off slow‑cooker meal.
• One Pot Spicy Sausage & Kale Soup — quick to assemble and full of bold, comforting flavor.

If you make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, please leave a rating and tag your photos with #eatyourselfskinny — I love seeing your recreations!