Introduction

This healthy and creamy broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food, made lighter without sacrificing flavor. It’s packed with protein and vegetables for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent. For another deliciously savory dish, try this Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe. Let’s make the best broccoli cheddar soup you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients

This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a rich and creamy texture with a satisfyingly savory flavor.

1 tablespoon butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
4 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups 1% milk
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
Salt & pepper to taste

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup ingredients

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This streamlined Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is about 20% faster than many traditional versions, making it perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This builds the foundational flavor for your Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Step 2 — Create the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste out, creating a pale golden paste called a roux. This is essential for thickening the soup without heavy cream.

Step 3 — Whisk in the Broth

Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4 — Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets and chopped stems to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. The broccoli should be fork-tender but still bright green. For a smoother soup, you can cook it a minute or two longer.

Step 5 — Blend (Optional for Creaminess)

For a creamy texture without cream, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup right in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a countertop blender, blend until smooth, and stir it back in.

Step 6 — Temper the Dairy

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk or a lighter milk alternative. It’s crucial to keep the soup below a simmer now to prevent the dairy from curdling. For extra richness, a splash of half-and-half can be added here.

Step 7 — Melt the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Always shred your own cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.

Step 8 — Season and Finalize

Season your Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with salt, black pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of mustard powder or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the cheesy flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9 — Serve and Store

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately with optional toppings like extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the best texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320
Protein	~18g
Carbohydrates	~22g
Fat	~18g
Fiber	~5g
Sodium	~680mg
Vitamin C	~90% DV
Calcium	~30% DV

Note: Nutritional values for this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup are estimates based on typical ingredients and a one-cup serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary preferences without sacrificing the creamy, comforting flavor.

Greek Yogurt for Heavy Cream — Swaps in tangy protein for a lighter, protein-packed creaminess.
Cauliflower for Half the Potatoes — Lowers the carb count while adding a velvety texture and mild flavor.
Nutritional Yeast for Some Cheese — Offers a dairy-free, cheesy umami flavor and a boost of B vitamins.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (Low-Sodium) — Provides full flavor while giving you complete control over the salt content.
Arrowroot or Cornstarch for All-Purpose Flour — Creates a gluten-free roux to thicken the soup perfectly.
Sweet Potato for White Potato — Adds extra fiber, vitamins, and a subtle sweetness to the soup base.
Sharp White Cheddar for Mild Orange Cheddar — Allows you to use less cheese for a stronger flavor punch, potentially reducing fat.
Unsweetened Almond or Oat Milk for Whole Milk — Makes the soup dairy-free and can lower the saturated fat content.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a versatile dish that shines in many settings. Here are some ideas for pairings, occasions, and presentation to make your meal complete.

Perfect Pairings: Serve with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread, a side salad with a light vinaigrette, or a handful of whole-grain crackers for dipping.
Weeknight Winner: This quick and comforting soup is ideal for a cozy, healthy family dinner on a busy evening.
Lunch Prep Star: Portion it into airtight containers for a satisfying, make-ahead lunch that reheats beautifully all week.
Elegant Starter: Serve smaller portions in warmed bowls as a sophisticated first course for a dinner party.
Bread Bowl Bliss: For a fun twist, ladle the Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup into a hollowed-out whole-wheat bread bowl.
Garnish for Glamour: Top with extra shredded sharp cheddar, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, fresh chopped chives, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added flavor and texture.
Hearty Upgrade: Add cooked, shredded chicken, white beans, or quinoa directly to the pot to transform this soup into a more filling one-pot meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Overcooking the broccoli into a dull, mushy state. Fix: Add it in stages—simmer stems first, then florets last minute to retain vibrant color and a slight bite.
Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can make your Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup grainy. Fix: Always shred a block of sharp cheddar yourself for a perfectly smooth melt.
Mistake: Relying only on heavy cream for richness, undermining the “healthy” claim. Fix: Blend in a cooked potato or cauliflower for natural creaminess and extra nutrients.
Mistake: Adding cheese to a boiling soup, causing it to separate. Fix: Always remove the pot from heat and stir the cheese in gradually until just melted.
Mistake: Skipping the aromatics like onion and garlic. Fix: Sauté them gently in your fat base to build a foundational flavor that plain broth can’t provide.
Mistake: Using a weak, store-bought broth that results in a bland soup. Fix: Use a low-sodium, high-quality chicken or vegetable stock, and season thoughtfully with herbs like thyme.
Mistake: Not thickening properly, leading to a watery consistency. Fix: Make a simple roux with butter and whole-wheat flour, or use a cornstarch slurry for a gluten-free option.
Mistake: Forgetting to balance the richness. Fix: A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of mustard powder at the end brightens the entire dish.
Mistake: Serving it immediately without letting flavors meld. Fix: Let the soup rest off the heat for 10-15 minutes; the taste improves dramatically.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cool your Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Gently reheat thawed or refrigerated soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it reaches 165°F. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until hot.

For the best texture, give your reheated Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup a good stir or a quick whisk to re-emulsify the creamy base before serving.

Conclusion

This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, satisfying meal packed with protein and flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy lunch or easy dinner. If you love broccoli, try our Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe next. We hope you enjoy this soup—please leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious recipes!