Name: 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter (½ stick); ½ medium onion, chopped; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika or ground nutmeg (optional); 3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head, cut into small pieces); 1 large carrot, grated, julienned or finely chopped; 2 cups half & half (or milk, light cream, or heavy cream); 8 oz block grated cheddar cheese (about 2 cups – mild, medium, or sharp)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 41 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and nourishing meal but want it ready fast, this 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a velvety smooth, rich cheddar cheese soup bursting with tender broccoli florets and sweet carrots, all cooked in under half an hour. It’s so creamy and flavorful that you’ll wonder how something this delicious can come together so quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy bowl of happiness in record time, this recipe beats restaurant versions hands down with homey warmth and fresh ingredients that bring out the best in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large black pot filled with an orange liquid base with small finely chopped orange pieces scattered within it sits on a white marbled surface. On top of the orange base, there is a large, thick layer of fresh green broccoli florets covering most of the surface inside the pot. The texture of the broccoli is rough and leafy, with the green color contrasting with the warm orange underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create a bowl of pure comfort. Each item has a role: butter and flour make the roux base for that dreamy thickness, fresh broccoli and carrots add vibrant color and texture, and sharp cheddar cheese brings the cheesy punch we all dream of in this soup.

Butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a rich, silky foundation to sauté your aromatics and build flavor.
Onion (½ medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when softened beautifully in butter.
Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): Gives just the right hint of savory aroma that wakes up the palate.
All-Purpose Flour (4 tablespoons): Acts as the thickening agent to make the soup luxuriously creamy.
Chicken or Vegetable Stock (2 cups, low sodium): The savory liquid base that carries all the flavors together.
Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors with a clean seasoning touch.
Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds a subtle kick for balanced seasoning.
Paprika or Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp, optional): A secret warmth boost that subtly elevates the taste.
Broccoli Florets (3 cups, or 1 large head chopped): The star veggie, providing color, nutrients, and tender bites.
Carrot (1 large, grated or finely chopped): Sneaks in natural sweetness and brightens the soup’s texture.
Half & Half (2 cups, or milk/cream): Makes the soup decadently creamy without overwhelming richness.
Cheddar Cheese (8 oz block, grated): The melty cheese that makes this soup unforgettable, choose your favorite sharpness level.

How to Make 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns a lovely light golden hue. This step unlocks the sweet earthiness of the onion. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute more to release its fragrant magic without letting it burn.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and fragrant. This roux is the secret to the soup’s creamy texture and silky body—don’t rush it as the flour cooks out its raw taste here.

Step 3: Add Stock and Vegetables

Pour in the low sodium chicken or vegetable stock, stirring steadily to keep the roux smooth and lump-free. Next, add the fresh broccoli florets and grated carrot along with the kosher salt, black pepper, and if you like, a pinch of paprika or nutmeg. Bring everything up to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, letting the soup gently simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the broccoli and carrots to soften perfectly while flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the half & half and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep the pot over low heat and let the cheese melt slowly, stirring often until the soup is smooth and creamy. This final touch brings a luscious, cheesy richness you won’t be able to resist. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference before serving.

How to Serve 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a creamy broccoli cheese soup in a dark pot with a ladle lifting a scoop. The soup has three visible layers: a thick, pale yellow creamy base with a smooth texture, bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly throughout, and thin orange carrot strips mixed in. The ladle is silver and shows soup with the same layers clearly on it, raised above the pot. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the rustic charm of your soup with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese or a few cracks of fresh black pepper. Chopped fresh chives or parsley add a lovely pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with toasted crusty bread or a classic bread bowl to soak up every creamy drop. For a crisp contrast, sliced apples or a fresh green salad balance the richness with refreshing crunch and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

Take it up a notch by serving this soup in mini bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation at dinner parties or family gatherings. Or pour it into small espresso cups as a delightful starter. Adding a drizzle of chili oil or a swirl of sour cream can also create an inviting gourmet look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, transfer leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and inviting flavor, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

This broccoli cheddar soup freezes wonderfully for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Just remember the soup might thicken after freezing, so leave some headspace and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, and add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much. This will bring your 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe back to its creamy, velvety best.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly. The soup will still have fantastic depth and flavor without the meat-based broth.

What kind of cheddar cheese works best?

Mild, medium, or sharp cheddar all work beautifully—it really depends on how punchy you want your soup. Sharp cheddar provides a stronger cheesy tang, while mild is creamier and subtler.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli is a convenient option, especially when fresh isn’t available. Just be aware it may release more water, so you might want to simmer the soup a little longer to thicken it.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use flour for thickening, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry, adjusting quantities as needed.

How can I make the soup creamier?

Using half & half or light cream increases creaminess, and adding more cheese can also boost richness. Just be mindful not to overdo the cheese or it can become grainy; melt it slowly over low heat for best results.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe when you want a hearty, cozy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to savor the fresh flavors of broccoli and cheese wrapped up in velvety goodness. So next time you’re craving warmth in a bowl, give this recipe a try—it’s simply too good, too easy, and too comforting to pass up.