The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup (Better-Than-Panera Copycat) — Make the best soup of your life at home in 1 hour! Beyond words amazing and WAY better than Panera!
The BEST Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
This is the best broccoli cheese soup. Not only that, it’s some of the best soup I’ve ever tasted, period.
If you like Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, this blows the pants off it.
It’s an easy soup to make and is ready in 1 hour. It’s absolutely perfect comfort food and I couldn’t stop eating it. I ate it for lunch and dinner for a couple straight days until it was gone. I loved this soup beyond words.
I kept the soup vegetarian by using low-sodium vegetable stock rather than chicken stock, and made it healthier by using fat-free half-and-half. But you’d think that it was made with heavy cream based on how thick, rich, and truly decadent it tastes.
Broccoli Cheese Soup Ingredients
For this better-than-Panera copycat cheesy broccoli soup recipe, you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Vegetable stock
- Half and half
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots
- Spices
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup
This is a very easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe, but there are a few fast-moving stages. Read the recipe before you start making the soup so you know what’s coming up next.
- In a small saucepan, add a little butter, the diced onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent and barely browned.
- Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and set pan aside.
- In a large heavy-bottom pot, add the remaining butter, flour, and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until flour is thickened.
- Slowly add the vegetable stock, whisking constantly.
- Slowly add the half-and-half, whisking constantly.
- Allow mixture to simmer over low heat until it has reduced and thickened some.
- Add the broccoli, carrots, and the onion and garlic you previously set aside.
- Add the spices.
- Allow soup to simmer over low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes.
- While soup simmers, grate the cheese. After simmering about 20 to 25 minutes, add most of the cheese, reserving a small amount for garnishing bowls.
What’s the Best Cheese for Broccoli Cheese Soup?
Use a high-quality cheddar cheese that you grate yourself. Don’t use the cheapest cheese you can find because the flavor just isn’t there.
I prefer extra-sharp, although sharp may be used. Pre-grated cheese in ziptop bags is resistant to melting and won’t incorporate well.
Can Frozen Broccoli Be Used?
You could try, but it will be mushy. I hate mushy vegetables so I personally never would use frozen broccoli in this soup being that the broccoli is the star of the show.
Tips for the Best Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Broccoli: I love broccoli and used plenty because I prefer big chunks of broccoli in every bite but you can use less.
I also used some stalks to make use of the entire head and not waste any, but you can use florets only if preferred. Even people who ‘don’t like broccoli’ should love broccoli when it’s bathed in a creamy, cheesy broth.
Spices: There are a few optional spices like smoked paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper. They’re not mandatory if you don’t keep them on hand, but they do add extra depth of flavor, albeit subtle. The cayenne doesn’t make the soup hot in the least, it makes it not taste boring.
Recipe prep: Read the recipe at least twice before beginning because while it’s a simple soup, there are a few fast-moving stages. While one thing is simmering, you need to be chopping for the next stage, while stirring the simmering pot intermittently between chopping.
You’ll be rewarded with the best, creamiest, richest, and most amazing soup.
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The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup (Better-Than-Panera Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon + 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 small or medium sweet yellow onion diced small
- 1 clove garlic peeled and minced finely
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock chicken stock may be substituted
- 2 cups half-and-half*
- 2 to 3 cups broccoli florets diced into bite-size pieces + 1 cups stems, optional (I used 3 cups florets and 1 cup stems
- 2 large carrots trimmed, peeled, and sliced into very thin rounds, about 1/16th-inch
- 3/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika optional and to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder optional and to taste
- pinch cayenne pepper optional and to taste (doesn’t make soup spicy and serves to enhance flavor)
- 8 ounces grated high quality extra-sharp cheddar cheese with a small amount reserved for garnishing
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add 1 tablespoon butter, the diced onion, and sauté over medium heat until the onion is translucent and barely browned, about 4 minutes. Stir intermittently.
- Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and set pan aside.
- In a large heavy-bottom pot (I use this Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 6-3/4-Quart Oval French (Dutch) Oven) add 4 tablespoons butter, flour, and cook over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, whisking constantly, until flour is thickened. You are making a roux and it’s very important the mixture is thick or soup will never thicken properly later.
- Slowly add the vegetable stock, whisking constantly.
- Slowly add the half-and-half, whisking constantly.
- Allow mixture to simmer over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened some. Whisk intermittently to re-incorporate the ‘skin’ that inevitably forms, this is normal.
- While mixture is simmering, chop the broccoli and carrots. After simmering 15 to 20 minutes, add the broccoli, carrots, and the onion and garlic you previously set aside.
- Add the salt, pepper, optional paprika, optional dry mustard powder, and optional cayenne. If you don’t have these seasonings on hand, it’s okay, but they do add subtle depth of flavor. Stir to combine.
- Allow soup to simmer over low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened some. Whisk intermittently to re-incorporate the ‘skin’ that inevitably forms, this is normal.
- While soup simmers, grate the cheese. It’s important to use a high-quality cheese (not the cheapest thing you can find) because the flavor of the soup depends on it. Do not use pre-grated cheese in ziptop bags because that cheese is resistant to melting and won’t incorporate well. After simmering about 20 to 25 minutes, add most of the cheese, reserving a small amount for garnishing bowls. Stir in the cheese until melted and incorporated fully, less than 1 minute.
- Transfer soup to bowls, garnish with reserved cheese, and serve immediately. Soup will keep airtight for 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave. I find the soup is less likely to ‘break’ or separate when reheated in the micro rather than on the stovetop, but do what you think is best. I don’t recommend freezing the soup because I feel like the cheese and half-and-half will not do well upon thawing and soup could break, but I haven’t actually tried freezing it.
Notes
Nutrition
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You guyyyssssss I’ve tried several broccoli cheddar recipes that are never worth repeating and this one is to die for. IDK what makes it different – using extra sharp cheese? The thickness of it? Anyway, it is so darn bomb. S/o the recipe creator! Will definitely make again :) Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that this is the best broccoli cheese soup and you will defi make it again!
Best broccoli cheddar soup I’ve ever had! So easy to make too! Just delicious!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that it was the best broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever had and easy, too!
Really good broccoli cheese soup. I added additional broth using Better than Bouillon. I did use an immersion blender, still leaving nice bites of broccoli and carrots. l added small chopped celery and sauteed it with the onions. Everyone loved it! Great flavor.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am happy it was great for you!
Hi Averie
Your recipes are the only ones I go to on-line, I make your broccoli cheese soup regularly. Excellent.
Thanks for the vote of confidence on my recipes and that I am your only go-to online! And I am glad you make this soup regularly!
This broccoli cheese soup definitely lives up to its name as the best! I would not leave off any of the spices called for because it absolutely gives it an added depth of flavor. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that the soup lived up to its name for you and you highly recommend the recipe!
Tried this recipe as an addition to a potato bar event – it was a hit! Used cracker barrel sharp cheddar and white cheddar.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad this was a hit and thanks for sharing what kind of cheese you used too!
Delicious! I’ve made it a few times and everyone loves it. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad you’ve made it a few times and love it!
Amazing soup. I highly recommend this recipe. And I would not change a thing except to adjust things for personal taste. Deffenatly better than Paneras
Just a couple FYI’s that you and others might find useful
1. I suggest going by the smell on your roux rather than time. People may think oh if I want my soup even thicker ill cook the roux even longer; unfortunately, a brown roux does not thicken as well as a white. So I usually say to cook your roux until it begins to smell nutty.
2. Pre-shredded cheeses seem to melt less because they are coated in potato starch, making your soups and sauces lumpy and gritty. Some places sell it without the potato starch, and these will work fine, OR in a pinch, you can rinse your cheese in cold water, and it will work almost as well.
3. As a time saver, shredded carrots can be purchased at most stored use, about 4oz per carrot.
4. If you want to use whole milk or 2%, you can add 1oz of cream cheese per cup to make it creamier
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad you loved it and wouldn’t change a thing!
Your tips are very thorough and I agree with everything you mentioned!
My wife is on a gluten free diet so I am wondering if substituting almond flour was a suitable replacement? Also how much flour should be used in this recipe?
I would instead use a product like this which is more intended for baking and all purpose cooking https://amzn.to/3Y95EkZ
You use the same amount as the recipe calls for. However I have not tested this personally but other readers have had success.
I am going to try the Broccoli Chesse soup today. Thank you for your help.
My co-workers and I take turns for our “Soup Monday’s” I made this wonderful soup and they all can’t stop raving about it! So much favor!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that your contribution to Soup Monday was a hit!
Oh my this recipe was amazing! I added a little extra broth cause I don’t like it super thick but the spices that are in the recipe are a must they add so much flavor! Loved it!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad this was amazing and you added the broth to your liking!
Made it several times and is amazing, follow the recipe exactly, don’t switch out the half and half for milk, it will have a runny consistency. I add cooked chicken breast for a protein hit.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad that you’ve made it a few times and it’s amazing and decided to add chicken too for extra protein!
It works better if broccoli is in small bites and the carrot is sliced very thin
Awesome!
Thank you!
Very good! Mine turned out a little too thick. Next time I will add more broth.
I’m glad you enjoyed it and yes, always add broth to taste in soups so it comes out just the way you like it.
Thank you for posting this recipe! Absolutely delicious!! I substituted almond flour when making the roux and the soup still came out thick and rich with complex flavor. So good!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad it came out great for you with almond flour in the roux – great to know!
My family absolutely loves it! It was a win specially for my 2 yr old picky eater. It’s easy and very delicious
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad it your family loves this, even your picky 2 yr old!
I used 2% milk bc I didn’t have half. and half but I also used a little more flour for the roux. I roasted some cauliflower to incorporate with this soup and it all turned out amazing! I wish I would’ve used low sodium broth as it seemed a little salty. Next time, I’ll make sure to crisp up some BACON for a garnish along with çrusty bread!!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad that it turned out amazing and that you’re going to make it again with bacon and crusty bread!
OMG this is fantastic!! Someone on my tennis team made this last week and I said I must have this recipe. I could bathe in it. LOL
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad you found the recipe and that you could bathe in it – me too :)
This soup is unbelievably tasty and easy. I’ve made it several times as written and I keep telling myself that the next time I make it, I will skip the cheese because the soup base is THAT good… Then I add the cheese anyway. LOL. I usually add a little extra pepper and mustard. I don’t need extra salt because I don’t use low sodium broth. The smoked paprika adds amazing flavor but a little goes a long way. Highly recommend!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that you’ve made it many times and almost don’t even need to add the cheese :) But do anyway! As a cheese-aholic myself, I would never skip the cheese!
LOVE this recipe. Easy to make. Turned out a little salty. Didn’t add salt at end. Just pepper. I think it was the cheese.
Yes, cheese is generally salty and some brands are much saltier than others, which is possibly why it was a little bit salty. I’ve never had anybody say that before but I don’t doubt that it could happen based on the type of cheese that you used and your personal preference for salt.
Really enjoyed this recipe!! I used heavy cream and milk instead of half and half. And even though I used frozen broccoli it didn’t get soggy. It was a big hit with all my family (ages 1-15)!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that the frozen broccoli was fine and the soup was a family hit!
The recipe is Solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. One tip i will give is that when adding the cheese at the end take the soup of the heat source and let cool while stirring for about 5 mins. Incorporate the cheese gradually. This will prevent the cheese from curdling. I made the recipe twice now and the first time the sheets curdled because the soup was too hot. Second time – perfect.
In all the hundreds of comments I’ve gotten on this soup, I’ve never had somebody say that, but it makes perfect sense and I think it’s a great tip so thank you for sharing that. I instinctively add it slowly, but not everyone perhaps has that instinct so good to point that out for folks. I’m glad that you enjoyed the recipe!
Plus this technique will help prevent the soup from being gritty which can happen when cheese gets overheated.
Would you happen to know the nutrition facts for this recipe? Such as how many calories are in one bowl?
I couldn’t get the soup to thicken to my liking but other than that it tastes pretty good.
Then something probably went wrong when you were making your roux with the the flour. It’s hard to say, but that’s my guess. You could also simmer it a bit longer, which would thicken it up as well.
I’m working on getting all of my recipe cards. Updated to include nutrition info. It really depends on the size of your bowl probably 250 to 300 cals is my guess.
Made this for my mom who is going through chemo, she LOVED it. And she rarely loves any food these days, so thank you. I wondered, does this freeze well? If so about how long do you thinking would keep for frozen?
Thanks for the five star review and I’m so sorry that your mom is going through chemo. But it’s great to hear that. She loved the soup, which I understand is rare in her circumstance.
I personally have never frozen it because we go through it quickly, but many readers have commented that they have frozen it, and it reheats fine. Easily three months it would keep frozen. The issue anytime you have a cream based soup or cream-based anything and you’re freezing it is that one never quite knows how the milk is going to behave during the thawing process but because of the fat from the cheese, you should be fine. Use regular (not the fat free half-and-half like I did) half and half and that will help as extra insurance too.
Delicious!!!I grated the carrot, added a cup of diced potatoes, precooked those with 2 smashed garlic cloves. Precooked the broccoli, also. Had to use shredded packaged cheese, but I don’ t think it took away from it. Have never had Panera’s version. This is an excellent, filling meal all by it self <3. Keeper!!!
Thanks for the five star review, and I’m glad that you were able to doctor it up to your liking, and it’s a keeper!
This was delicious! I usually don’t like making a rue, however, this one was straightforward and easy. I loved the flavor of this soup. I had some leftover cauliflower florests (about 1 cup) so I used it along with my broccoli florets. I also used 1 cup half & half and 1 cup 2% milk – not as creamy, but delicious. Please remember to use good quality cheese and grate it. This recipe is certainly a keeper! Yummy!
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad this is a keeper! In this situation, a roux is necessary, but as you said, very straightforward and easy.
I’ve scrolled several times and cannot find the recipe for the broccoli cheddar soup. All I see are the reviews.
Scroll slowly down from the beginning of the post. You just went to far if you reached the comments.
Seriously so good. The only thing I might do different is add the broccoli and carrots a little earlier. Also, wanted to add that it reheats well on the stove top!
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad that it turned out so well for you and yes you can add them a little bit earlier if you like them softer, it’s totally personal preference. And I’m glad that you were able to reheat it well on the stove!
This soup was delicious! I had an abundance of broccoli and was looking to use it before it spoiled. I paired with some homemade artesian bread for dipping. Kept saying “this is so good” after every bite! Thank you for the recipe!
If you’re looking for a good broccoli soup recipe, THIS IS IT!
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad that you were able to put your abundance of broccoli to use, and for letting others know that this is it if someone is looking for a great broccoli cheese soup recipe!
This is THE best soup I’ve ever made! It’s really boss better than Panera.
That is great to hear – both better than Panera’s and the best soup you’ve ever made!
This is absolutely fantastic! I screwed up and forgot a garlic bulb so I subbed a 1/2 tablespoon of Better than Bullion Roasted Garlic Base to my onions and I used all the suggested spices. I only had baby carrots so they got the chop instead. I’m definitely making this again. It was very easy and so good. <3
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad you were able to think on your feet and use what you had and that it was easy and you will make it again!
Omg this was SO good. I added some bell pepper and extra cheese on top. Delicious!
I’m glad that you loved it! Extra cheese on top is always the way to go.
I made this recipe today as written. I did have to add a little more flour to thicken up the roux was the only change I had to make as the 1/4 cup of AP flour was not quite enough. It was delicious! My husband was not sure about it but he went back for seconds! It is a keeper! I’ve never had Panera broccoli cheese soup but I don’t think Panera’s could be any better.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad it was delicious and that your husband had seconds!
You don’t even need to try the original one, this recipe is better by a long shot :)
Made exactly to the recipe. I agree best copycat I have tried for this soup.
Thanks for the 5 star review and that is wonderful to hear it’s the best copycat you’ve tried for this soup!
This was really rich and creamy and delicious although next time I’ll use less pepper and/ or cayenne.. But will definitely be making it again.. Thank you
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was delicious and creamy and yes of course, scale back the seasonings to your taste next time.
Delicious! Made this with whole
Milk and beef broth, but amazing. The whole family loved it!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that the whole family loved it!
This is one of my husband’s favorite soups. I made this last night and I was skeptical when making it but it looked and tasted absolutely amazing. We sponged every last drop of the soup with some french bread. Didn’t need to wash our bowls afterwards… Just kidding, we washed them… After a second serving. 😁 Great easy to follow recipe.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad you loved this and happily had second servings :)
I thought I loved Panera Bread’s Broccoli and Cheddar soup. Then I wanted to make it at home, and found your recipe. Oh my goodness. I’m not sure I can ever eat the “real” thing again. Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad you found my version too! And honestly you can never go back – homemade is SO much better than the “real” version! You’ve been ruined now LOL
Creamy, cheesy, tasty, easy and absolutely delicious! My husband kept asking for more and kept coming up with creative ways to use this same recipe. I think he just wants me to make it often. How about making it with cauliflower? How about a clam chowder variation? Or potato soup? He doesn’t usually do this. That’s how much he liked it! BTW, what is the calorie count? Couldn’t find it anywhere. Thank you for this amazing recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this has been on repeat in different flavor variations! I am working on updating all my recipes to show nutrition stats so you can check back soon to view those. Til then hope you keep making the soup!
My wife and I just finished making the Broccoli and Cheese Soup….wow it was the perfect recipe. Going with the smoked paprika was the way to go for sure, as well as the extra sharp cheddar. This recipe knocked the pants off any other broccoli cheese I have had, and that is a go to for me for lunch. Thank you!!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad it was perfect for you both and knocked the pants off any other broccoli cheese soup you’ve tried!
Amazing. Even with a “Cajun” twist.
Translation: My stove is an a**hole and decided to go nuclear and burned slightly on the bottom. Soup is still tasty.
I literally laughed out loud with the Cajun twist and why/how that came to be. My h.s. boyfriend 30 years ago used to say “go nuclear” about things and so this gave me lots of chuckles. Thanks for the comment and trying the soup!
I just finished making this soup!
Not going to lie…. I’ve never taken the time to bother making ANY soups.
Your Broccoli and cheese soup recipe has been my first!
All instructions are simple to follow…
One word comes to mind in describing the taste after it was ready……
SPECTACULAR !!!!!
I was sceptical about the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, but followed your directions completely.
My husband and I had it for lunch and just can’t WAIT to have it again!!!!
Thank you so very much for your website and amazing recipes. 💖
Thanks for the 5 star review I am so glad this was spectacular and that you guys can’t wait to have it again!
Yum!!
Delicioso. Outstanding recipe. Thanks for sharing this Broccoli Cheese Soup, this one is so amazing.
Averie, I just made this soup. It is creamy and delicious. I think the spices do add great flavor. I would definitely add to your notes that you cannot freeze this soup since it uses cream or milk. I also only had prepackaged grated cheddar cheese but it worked out great. I added a step of steaming the broccoli so it would be crisp and cook faster in the soup before adding it and I grated my carrots. Another great recipe from you.
I am glad to hear this was delicious and a great recipe for you!
Frozen 🥦 works great, just add them at the end, stirring gently so they wouldn’t break.
OK great that frozen worked for you!
I really didn’t want to use flour (though I do when making cheese sauce, just didn’t want it in soup). I used some potatoes and potato water and the thickness turned out perfect. It tastes delicious!!!!
I’m glad it turned out great for you!
Easy, outstanding recipe. I omit the carrots, but I make this often. .thank you.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad it was outstanding and that you make it often!
I loved the Broccoli Cheese Soup! It’s a five star winner. I followed the recipe exactly, and it was really delicious. I can’t wait to try other recipes that Averie has composed.
Wonderful job–I like the format of telling what ingredients you will need, exactly how the recipe will come together…followed by explicit directions and the exact amount of each ingredient. Thanks from me and my family:)
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a 5 star winner for you! Also thank you for letting me know you like the format of my blog posts – I appreciate that!
I have tried many broccoli & cheese soup recipes. This is the last one I will try – it thickened perfectly, had great flavor, cannot say enough about this recipe, it’s a keeper. Believe I will be making this quite often.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this will be the last broccoli cheese soup recipe you will need and that this is perfect for you!
I used cashue cream instead of cream….added nutmeg…so good.
That is great to know!
Tasty and family approved. I added some cauliflower I had lying around. Really great and easy recipe! Thanks.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad your family approved and you used up some extra cauliflower, too!
I just made this and it is FANTASTIC. Followed the recipe as written, except I did cut the half-and-half with some 2 percent. I like the hint of smoked paprika–it was like adding ham without actually adding ham. Easy and delicious!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was fantastic and that you were able to get away with some 2%, too!
Haven’t made it yet, was mainly just curious that when doubling the recipe (I have a big family) is there anything you would change outside of doubling everything?
Use a bigger pot, it may possibly take a bit longer, but other than that you don’t have to change a thing.
DELICIOUS!! Creamy and broccoli in every bite! I will be making this again soon!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was delicious and you’ll make it again soon!
Hi I made this yesterday m, it was lovely, can it be cooked in a slow cooker? How would you adjust recipe and cook for how long?
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was lovely!
You probably could adapt this for the slow cooker, but I haven’t done so. So you’d have to do some research and cross-reference how it’s been done before by others. For me, being that it’s a pretty fast soup to make, I don’t like to overcomplicate/lengthen recipes that are short to begin with for my personal life flow.
Amazing! Family favourite. Thanks for sharing! I have made this with half and half as well as milk and my family couldn’t taste the difference. It’s the backend heat of the smoked paprika that makes this soup for me! Double up for that extra kick.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is a family favorite! And that you’ve made it with half and half, and milk, and they couldn’t tell the difference! I agree on the smoked paprika!
I am amazed how good this soup came out and tasted- not because I doubted the recipe, but because it was easy to follow for someone like me who is often challenged when making soup. From recipes. This far surpasses any broccoli cheese soup I have ever had. THANK YOU!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this far surpasses any broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever had! And I am glad you found the recipe easy to follow!
I’ve been making this recipe for years and am so grateful for it, comes out delicious every time. The only broccoli cheese soup recipe you’ll ever need!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad this has been a favorite of yours for years! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
This recipe is excellent with a great depth of flavor. I did put a portion of the soup through a blender and returned it to the pot. This made it a great consistency and one which my family enjoys. My teenagers ate it for lunch the next day it was so good.
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad that it was a hit with your family!
Can frozen broccoli be used?
You could try but it will be mushy. I hate mushy vegetables so I personally never would use frozen in this soup being that the broccoli is the star of the show.
I love my Panera CopyCat, but this recipe outdoes it by a mile. I did, however have to make one substitution because we ran out of carrots, so I sliced up a few stalks of celery, and it came out amazing. This recipe is a keeper.
Thanks, Kathi and Larry
Thanks for saying that yes, this is better than Panera, by a mile! I appreciate that and great to hear it’s a keeper!
I’ve not yet made this but am suggesting that you can prep your vegetables ahead of time and not have to chop and stir at the same time. Also, the soup will probably freeze very well – most things do. Just make sure the packaging is airtight.
Great soup and easy to make. I ended up doubling everything the second time I made it because we loved it so much.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was great and easy to make and you doubled it the second time around!
I just made this tonight and It came out delicious. Thank you for the recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it came out deliciously!
Clear directions. Fun and easy to make.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was fun and easy to make with clear directions. Those are my goals!
I was looking for a Broccoli &Cheese soup that would help me use up some of the cheese I had in my fridge leftover from the holiday’s and because it was a perfect soup day here on the East Coast of Canada
Yours was the perfect fit, I tweaked the spices to what we like ( used Frank’s hot sauce for a bit of zing)
I used a combination of cheeses that I had available ,,,,,,,,Marble, Balderson Extra Old, Mozzarella and some Parmesan
Served with warm homemade bread it was an overwhelming hit!
Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a huge hit!
Oh my gosh. This is the best broccoli cheese soup I’ve ever had! It will be on my go-to list from now on! I love the flavor the smoked paprika adds. Sooooo good!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is the best broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever had and will be your go-to!
This soup is delicious and easy to make! I’ve made the recipe multiple times and every time it comes out perfectly!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it comes out perfectly every time for you!
First, this recipe was amazing! I was just wondering if you’ve doubled the recipe before? If my husband joined us, this would not be enough! Lol!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was amazing! Yes, it doubles just fine. Go for it!
This soup is delicious. I used regular half and half and followed the ingredients as written. Other recipes that I have used for broccoli or cauliflower soup I would use an immersion blender for a creamier soup . This was not necessary with this recipe. The veggies were perfectly cooked and the texture great. I will definitely make this again!
I am glad you loved this and you’ll make it again!
Absolutely delicious! I didn’t have a carrot and I didn’t have smoked paprika, or powdered mustard, but I added about a tablespoon smoked Gouda, used regular paprika, a pinch of Indian spice and a little squirt of regular mustard.
Glad this was delicious and you were able to improvise with what you had on hand!
This was so delicious! Thank you for posting!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was delicious!
Oh. My. Goodness. This recipe is absolutely amazing. I made it exactly as written and I don’t regret anything.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was absolutely amazing as written for you!
This turned out great. My picky husband nearly ate half the pot!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that Mr. Picky loved it too!
So wonderful! I had to use light cream but don’t think it made any difference. It is, without a doubt, the best broccoli cheese soup I’ve ever had. And I cooked it!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that this is the best broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever had (and you cooked it!)
I’m right in the middle of making this soup. Haven’t added the cheese yet. Just tasted it for seasoning. Perfect!
OK the cheese is in. This is, by far, a really delicious soup.
I think a tear just fell from my eye.
Thank you for posting this recipe.
I will be delivering some of this to family members.
I am glad you love it and it’s perfect!
I love this soup. I always double the recipe. Just made a double batch. Happy New Year
I’m glad you love it and always double it! Happy New Year as well!
I loved this soup. I am a Panera fan and had to try this recipe. It definitely delivered on the flavor!! Thank you
I am glad my version delivered and that you loved it!
This is my go to broccoli soup recipe! So easy and delicious to make. I usually add extra cup of milk as I find it a bit too thick. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is your to go broccoli cheese soup recipe!
Easy to make and tastes amazing! I left out the carrots and put in a bit more broccoli. The spices really do add depth of flavor. Make this recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out amazing for you!
This looks delsih and will definitely try to make it! It doesn’t make much though. If I need to make more, should I just double the entire recipe? I need it for about 8 to 10 people.
Yes I would double the entire recipe.
If this is ALL you are serving for 8-10 people, then possible triple it.
But if you are serving it as a soup course, with other food too to follow or additionally, then you are fine with doubling it. I am just picturing 10 men sitting around a dinner table with nothing but soup, and thinking, hmmmm won’t be enough if it’s just soup.
Made this for my family for dinner and it was such a hit! Will definitely make again! I felt that my broccoli and carrots were a tad underdone. Would it work well to saute the carrots and broccoli with the onions, or would that make it more soggy in the soup? Thanks so much for a great recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a hit! With the carrots, you could saute them with the onions. I personally hate mushy broccoli and that would happen if you add it with the onions, so I wouldn’t. I would just boil after you add it, and/or use slightly smaller pieces so it cooks faster.
I usually wing my broc cheddar soup, but I tried your recipe on a whim and really enjoyed it. I used a hickory smoked cheddar because it was what I had, and it gave it a wonderful almost bacon-y flavor. I would never have thought of using smoked paprika and mustard on my own. Great recipe, thanks!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this turned out great for you! The cheese sounds lovely too!
made it as indicated but was disappointed that the spices made it too spicy and took away from the broccoli flavor. i am latin so I am used to spices but next time I am leaving the cayenne and paprika out. Other than that was very nice
So easy and delicious!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was so easy and delish!
I made this soup tonight and oh my, it is soooo good. I used 2% milk and it was still very creamy. Loved the addition of the spices, it really put it over the top.
I highly recommend this recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that it’s a winner for you and you highly recommend it!
Made as written and it was delicious. Wait, I did use cheese singles and it was devine
Thanks for the 5 star review and great to hear that the cheese singles worked ok here!
Started with the original recipe, but I like my soup to eat like a meal, so I added some poached chicken breast. Flavor was excellent. Had to add a bit more broth to add some volume. Super good. We used Tillamook extra sharp cheddar.
Thanks for the 5 star review and great to hear you were able to bulk it up with the chicken!
Does anyone have the nutritional information for “The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup?”
OMG . . . This was absolutely delicious. Followed recipe exactly. Wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that it was absolutely delicious and you wouldn’t change a thing!
I’m making this in advance for tomorrow. Going to save the soup up to the point of adding the cheese and refrigerate. I’ll gently reheat to near simmering on the stovetop tomorrow and pick up the recipe from the point of adding the quality cheese. I made this as per the recipe recently for my parents and my Dad said it was the best broccoli and cheese soup he’s ever had…
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad your dad said it was the best broccoli and cheese soup he’s ever had!
This was so delicious and the perfect texture! My boyfriend just asked me to make this again. I doubled the recipe because I had a feeling it would turn out great. I used two cups milk and two cups heavy cream, but followed everything else exactly. BEST broccoli cheddar soup recipe I’ve made!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is the best broccoli cheddar soup recipe you’ve made!
Just made this soup and it’s definitely 5 stars! I followed the directions exactly and only had regular paprika but it was great! So happy to have found a perfect Broccoli Cheese soup recipe! Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is the perfect soup for you!
So great! Only think I would do differently next time is sauté the carrots with onions. And I rushed it a little so broccoli was a tad under done but the creamy broth wasps good!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was great overall for you!
This soup is delicious! I didn’t have an onion, chicken broth, or half and half so I just omitted the onion, didn’t roast the garlic, used the beef broth I had, and used skim milk. Still turned out perfectly! Thanks!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this came out great even with just using what you had on hand!
I made this last night for a small group of friends, and it was a huge hit! I followed the recipe, with the exception of subbing with gluten-free flour and doubling everything so we would have leftovers for the week. A big success and a perfect meal for cooler temps!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a huge hit! Also glad to hear that GF flour worked, too!
Saw this, found I had all the ingredients, and made it on a whim last night — wow! What a great recipe! I doubled it at the last minute, so I used 2 cups 1/2 & 1/2 and 2 cups almond milk with no problem. I grated 8 oz Tillamook extra sharp white cheddar and 8 oz Tillamook extra sharp yellow cheddar plus added extra broccoli (only had frozen broccoli, but I just rinsed it and let it sit room temperature while I did the rest). Otherwise, I followed the recipe EXACTLY. I am so impressed at the consistency as so many B&C soups are way too thick. And the flavor — again — WOW! Shared your link with friends. Sooooo yummy! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a wow recipe for you and that almond milk worked well for you too! Yes I know what you mean about the consistency of many B&C soups which is what I wanted to avoid with this recipe!
Best soup ever! I didn’t have half and half cream so I used a brick of melted cream cheese and slowly whisked in 2 cups of milk. It was so creamy and delicious with all the other ingredients and steps followed! My family loved it when I made it like that 2 weeks ago, so I’m making the same again this eve!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is the best soup ever for you! I bet the cream cheese trick was great, too.
Wow! Fabulous recipe. I made one change. Since my family likes spicy, I used my smoky hot paprika I picked up in Portugal. It was delicious!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was fabulous! I need to get my hands on some smoky hot paprika, that would be RIGHT up. my alley since I love spicy, too!
Okay, so I made this with cauliflower cuz I had some to get rid of, but I always grate the carrots and sautee them with the onion. Other than that, made as directed … but this soup base is so good, you don’t even need to add cheese. I’ve also previously made with broccoli, which is also delish. This is my go to recipe for cream of broccoli OR cream of cauliflower soup. Definitely recommend.
Thanks for the 5 star review and good to know you’ve made it with all cauliflower. I have made it with half cauli/half broccoli before. Great to hear this is your go-to cream of broccoli or cauliflower soup!
Anybody have a particular cheese they use. I’ll b going to Publix. Anyone tried adding Monterey Jack cheese as well? Thanks!
For the cheese any better quality cheddar should be fine. Sharp or extra sharp is what I use and grate it myself. I have never tried adding Monterey Jack as it’s not really traditional for this soup but could work.
The soup is very good. I even cut the cream in half to keep calories down and still tasted fabulous!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that it was great even with the cream cut in half!
I made broccoli cheddar soup many times and non have been this good. I messed up and bought applewood smoked cheddar instead of extra sharp and had no substitute, still, it was soooo good and compliment the smoked paprika. Making it the second time today. Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you are even making it for the second time in one day! And that even with the cheese goof, it was still great – although that flavor combo actually sounds like it would work well together, a happy accident.
Just making this recipe for the second time. I thought I posted a comment the first time but couldnt see it anywhere so must have forgot. Seriously, the most amazing broccoli cheese soup ever! It’s a keeper. Lots of compliments from the family too. thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is the most amazing broccoli cheese soup ever for you! And that you get lots of compliments from your family, wonderful!
This was awesome! Made exactly as posted except added nutmeg.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad it was awesome! I bet the nutmeg added a great extra dimension.
Made this for the second time and it does not disappoint! I make double the recipe so last time I froze leftovers and it was still amazing.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad this is a hit for you and you’re doubling the recipe!
Yes! I have been making brocheddarcopycat soyp for years and I always end up adding garlic mustard powder and paprika /cayenne. You have officially earned my trust and I will make any of your recipes. No questions asked😌
Thanks and glad you can vouch for the garlic mustard powder and paprika /cayenne combo! I made and published this recipe about 7 years ago and since then there have been lots of shall I say very “similar” recipes to mine that have sprouted up but at the time, there were none at all like mine.
Glad I have earned your trust. Thanks for your support!
This recipe turned out perfectly! Absolutely delicious. The only changes I made were to use half whipping cream and a little extra garlic. The best!
Thanks for the five star review and can’t go wrong with extra cream and more garlic!
I’ve made this at least 8 times in the last month or so and can attest it is appropriately titled. We love soup and salads, so I always double the recipe to have a constant supply on hand.
Normally I tweak a standard recipe to meet my family’s picky taste buds, but find this is a hit just the way it is. Thanks for an amazing recipe.
Thanks for the five star review and glad this has been on 8-time repeat for you this past month and that it really is the BEST for you and your family! Glad you don’t have to tweak anything either for the pickier ones :)
i made this recipe exactly as written. Both my adult son and my boyfriend loved it! It has far more flavor than any of the other Panera broccoli cheese soup copy cat recipes and tastes better than Panera’s itself. I’m making it again now – the third time in a week!
Thanks for the five star review and glad this trumped the Panera version for you and that you’ve made it 3 times in a week! That’s awesome!
delicious! I have made this multiple times and it is so good :D
Thanks for the five star review and glad this has been a winner for you!
This soup is amazing! I doubled the recipe and my family loved it! I definitely recommend. Thank you!!
Thanks for the five star review and I am glad that your family loved it!
I LOVED this recipe! I increased some of the amounts to make more but it came out great!
Thanks for the five star review glad it came out great for you!
My two year old loves this soup. Yesterday she asked for it for breakfast so I had to promise her I’d make it for supper.
Thanks for the five star review and glad this is a favorite of your two year old, requested at breakfast for dinner even! Wow love hearing this!
Just made this tonight for dinner. Everyone was obsessed. Even my kids ate it.
Thanks for the five star review and glad even the kids were obsessed with it!
I would like to make this for my small group, but would need to make it ahead and keep it warm in a slow cooker, have you tried that?
No but others have and it seems to work well for them, but I haven’t personally done it.
Most delicious soup ever! Thank you for this recipe, I’ll be making it again. In fact, I thought of my dad who’s passed while making; this was a favorite soup of his and I would have loved to make it for him! ❤️
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you will make this again!
Made this tonight to use up from frozen broccoli. My carrots were questionable so I left those out and I used a combo of cheddar, parmesan, and gruyere cheeses (mainly because I didn’t have enough cheddar). My husband said it was “better than Panera” and I said well good because that is what the recipe claimed! Thank you for a great recipe!
Thank you for the 5 star review and glad that your husband said it was better than Panera (that’s my goal)! Your cheese mixture sounds great, too!
I really love this, and have made it several times. I use regular half n half, I figure if I’m going for creamy cheesy soup, I’m going all for it. This last time, I made a double batch and included some cauliflower along with the broccoli and carrots. It was a big hit!
Thank you for the 5 star review and glad that this is a big hit and yes, go big or go home, right with the half and half :)
I made this tonight .OMG i was very impressed it is really very good . It may be August and HOT in Texas ..but was easy to prpare. I will be keeping this on the monthly or bi monthly menu..
So glad to hear this was a winner, even in the summertime! Glad it will be in your menu rotation!
Made this last night and I wish I had doubled it! So delicious! I like soup slightly thinner so I added an extra cup of veggie broth and it turned out amazing! Wish I could say there were lots of leftovers.
-Steph
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you loved this and that there weren’t leftovers – a sign of success!
It was delicious. I added a little more garlic to it, but it was exceptional!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was exceptional!
Yummy and something I can eat on the Keto diet.
My daughter really loves broccoli cheddar soup. Last time we had it we used a dry mix and it wasn’t good. I’m not generally a huge fan of cheddar broccoli soup, but this tasted MUCH better than the dry mix.
This may have been mentioned, but I made it gluten-free by substituting the flour for cornstarch. Instead of making the roux, I mixed the cornstarch and the stock, let that thicken, then added the half-and-half. Did everything else the same (minus the carrots). It turned out pretty well.
Glad this worked well for you as a GF recipe with cornstarch rather than flour.
I made this as an experiment, as broccoli cheese soup is something I have always loved, but my husband has never been a fan of. It’s been years since I had it and longer still since my husband tried it, so I made ‘half batch’ of this just in case I wound up being the only one eating it. I didn’t have half-and-half, but I did have whole milk and whipping cream, so I started with the milk and added the cream near the end. I used chicken stock, yes to the cayenne and smoked paprika, no to the mustard powder (me and mustard do *not* get along, so I’m leery of mustard powder), and it was absolutely amazing. I think husband was expecting a pureed type of soup, which is something he despises, but I kept it all chunky as that’s what I like. We BOTH loved the soup. This is going to be a recipe I use again and again. Thank you so much!
Thanks for the 5 star review and you loved this as well as your husband which sounds like that was a major feat itself! Glad you’ll be using the recipe again and again!
Tried this recipe last night and absolutely loved it! And so did my family. I had way too much broccoli in my fridge (from last 2 weeks of CSA veggies boxes ) and needed to try something new. So glad I found this recipe. There was not even a drop leftover! Only thing I didn’t have was the dry mustard- but added a pinch of turmeric. Thank you so much for sharing it!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad you absolutely loved it as well as your family! And that it also helped you use up some of your extra broccoli!
Amazing recipe! No alterations were made, I will make this for the rest of my life!
Thanks for the 5 star review and that is amazing to hear that you’ll make this for the rest of your life, thanks!!
Absolutely spectacular. It really is one of the best soups we have ever eaten. Will definitely be making this again. Thanks for the recipe
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it’s one of the best soups you’ve ever eaten!
This is so yummy, I’ve made it twice. First time exactly by recipe including half-and-half, this last time with milk instead, more broth and less cheese. And I find the lighter version just as yummy. The key is the combo of mustard, paprika and pinch of cayenne. And that’s what makes this recipe different from the others out there. Thank you so much for this.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that you have made it both the original way and a “lighter way” and that they both were great! I agree, the spice combo is unique yet essential!
I made it exactly per the recipe. Result was spectacular!! Best soup ever. I was going to pass some along to some friends, but just couldn’t give any of it away. Maybe, next time.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was the best soup ever! Pass your neighbors the link to the recipe – they can make it for themselves haha!
Easy to prepare and delicious! I added an extra clove of garlic and skipped the carrots, I will make it again for sure!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that you’ll make it again!
Excellent!
Aside from using chicken stock and adding a bit of swiss and parm, I also took 1/2 the soup from the pot and ran it through the food processor (mainly the broccoli stems and carrots, leaving the florets) and then added it back to the pot before adding the cheese. It added a little extra depth and hid more veggies for those that don’t like carrots too much.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that it was excellent!
This is an excellent recipe! Easy to follow and absolutely delicious! Thanks!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out absolutely delicious for you!
This was fantastic. Everyone loved it at a party I made it for. Everyone wanted the recipe. Loved that you used fat free half and half. I’ve already made more. Thank you foe a great recipe.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a big hit and everyone wanted the recipe and you’ve already made more!
If I make the soup the day before could I warm it up successfully in my crockpot.
Yes likely, or kept warm; I would be very gentle with the heat because you don’t want to actually continue to cook it. The cream/milk could turn a bit off as well as the broccoli will get mushy.
Made this for my 23 yr old grandson.for his birthday request. I have not made broccoli cheddar soup before. This recipe was fantastic. Will definitely be making this again.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this turned out fantastic!
Amazing!!!
Glad it was amazing!
Perfect recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it’s perfect for you!
I too used a mix of carrot, onion and celery, diced small. That was the only adjustment I made to the recipe. Wait, I used chicken stock as that’s what I had. This soup is rich, creamy and delicious! I used the recommended 3 cups of broccoli florets and 1 c chopped stems. Next time I think I’ll cut the florets a bit smaller. Averie, every recipe of yours I’ve tried is a winner!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was delicious and that all my recipes have been winners for you, thank you so much!
I have tried this amazing broccoli cheese soup recipe and i found this soup recipe really an amazing recipe. Thanks for sharing this recipe with all of us. Even i have a special broccoli cheese soup recipe as well.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that it turned out amazing for you!
So good! My first time making this. I love the broccoli and cheddar soup from Panera but there’s nothing like homemade. Husband was sick and I wanted to do something nice and make him one of his fave soup from scratch. we both love it!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that you both loved this soup and agreed, there’s nothing better than homemade!
This soup is absolutely delicious! I loved it! It is a recipe I will definitely make over and over again.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that it was absolutely delicious and you’ll make it over and over!
This recipe was amazing. My son loved the broccoli soup from Quiznos and they disappeared. He told me this soup was way better. I agree
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad your son loved my recipe more than the restaurant’s!
At 84 I have made a few pots of soup. This recipe just blew my socks off. So thick and delicious and full of flavour. I added all the spices. Thank you from Christchurch, New Zealand.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this blew your socks off at 84 years old! Wonderful to hear that, and all the way from New Zealand, too!
It is absolutely delicious!!😊
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was absolutely delicious!
The best soup ever! Thank you sooo much for sharing! The family and friends love it! So easy and doesn’t take forever to make. Even better than I’d hoped! Definitely a keeper.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is the best soup ever and that everyone loves it!
By far the beat soup ever. Thank you so much for sharing! It’s even better than I anticipated! The family and friends LOVE it! So easy yet absolutely decadent.
I first made this for my foodie daughter when she was recovering from having her wisdom teeth removed. She loves it. I use home made bone broth for the extra nutrition (and I know what’s in it). I froze individual servings of the leftovers and they reheat perfectly.
I am glad your daughter loves this and very smart to freeze individual servings and glad they have reheated perfectly!
I just made “The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup” recipe.
It was delightfully thick, scrumptous and not
difficult or time consuming .
Mine simmered for a few hours on very low heat..making
the vegetables just cooked right and a flavorful
dish.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was scrumptious and not difficult nor time consuming!
This was fantastic! I added some chopped celery and also sautéed the broccoli along with the other veggies in the beginning. I also regret not doubling the recipe. Will be a keeper!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad it’s a keeper and that it was fantastic!
Made this today, I used a blend of cheeses I had on hand with chicken broth, turned out really well. My local Broccoli Cheese Soup expert (the kid) approves.
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad your ingredients you had on hand worked out just fine and was kid approved!
I was obsessed with this the first time, but made it again and it wasn’t as thick as it was the first time! Any tips on how I can get the required thickness every time? White or blond roux? Simmering tips? Thank you:)
I would just say if it wasn’t as thick the second time, I would just cook your roux and still it’s a bit thicker and darker. Whatever you did the first time obviously was better. Try to think back in your mind what you did, and do it again. But I would air on the side of cooking it longer rather than shorter and that should probably do the trick.
I know, I couldn’t remember for the life of me what I did the first time lol. But sounds good, I’ll make the roux darker, and jot down what I do this time! Thanks for your help:)
My family loved it! I used “Better than Bullion” to make chicken broth and used 1/2 milk & 1/2 cream. We used the Kraft “Melt” shredded sharp cheddar and it melted in superbly. My son raised the broccoli in our garden and was thrilled to help with the cooking–I did most of the chopping, but he did all of the measuring and stirring. We topped it off with herb Croutons which really worked well. I will make this again and try to have some hot, crusty bread to serve with it.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that Better than Bullion worked well for you as well as the Kraft “Melt” Cheddar…I have never noticed that version and great to hear it really does melt superbly!
Super impressed with the homegrown broccoli, too!
The past few recipes for broccoli cheese that I made were duds. This recipe was perfect. So good that I had to come back to leave a review, which I rarely do!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was good enough to come back to leave a comment on and that it wasn’t a dud :)
Hi, do you have the nutrition information for this soup? Thank you, it is delicious!
I am updating all my recipe cards to include stats but it’s a big job of 2500 recipes but this one will get tackled soon.
This soup is great as written! As I made it again, though, I also added chopped celery, upped the seasonings a bit, and added a splash of Texas Pete (can you tell we like spicy? ;) I also thinned it a bit with another cup of chicken stock, just for personal preference.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that you spiced it up to your tastes (I do the same thing when I’m making it for myself because I love spicy as well)!
This is my first time making a soup that wasn’t just vegetable scraps from the fridge, and it is so easy and absolutely delicious! The whole family loved it!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that it was absolutely delicious and your whole family loved it!
I made this for my family and it was delicious! (Actually better than Panera Bread) It was a bit thick the first time, so I recently made this again for a sick friend who has lost a lot of weight and need some calories and nourishment. I added more vegetable stock than the recipe called for and the consistency is perfect for my liking. Thanks for sharing. This recipe is a keeper!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that they liked it better than Panera and that you were even able to share with your friend!
I added 1/2 Tsp of nutmeg and it really made the flavor pop! :)
I also used heavy cream with the half and half, as well as chicken bone broth. I also used tillamook brand cheese!! Sooooo yummy!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that all your ingredient choices really helped to make this soup super yummy for you!
This soup is a big hit with my family! I made this thinking it would last for a couple of days, but once dinner was served, no one could stop themselves from having seconds.
The spices added the perfect touch! Without a doubt, the best broccoli cheese soup that I’ve EVER made! Thank you for sharing :)
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that this is a family favorite for you and the best broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever made!
We just grew our own broccoli and I wanted to give this a shot since hubby never tried it before. I am in Portugal so finding cheddar cheese has been a struggle. I went with cheese from Sao Jorge, and man it was incredible! Thanks so much for this recipe. I also skipped the carrots and added extra broccoli. I used some spicy mustard in place of the dry mustard. We are now addicted!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that you are able to make this with your own homegrown broccoli, wow, how great! Glad it is a new favorite recipe for you!
Just made this today and the soup turned out beautifully! Definitely a lot better than Panera’s when adding in the optional spices. I did have to add in a little more salt as I was using unsalted butter and it balanced out all the flavours.
Thank you for sharing this recipe! It’s a definite keeper!
Glad you think it’s much better than Panera’s and that this is a keeper for you!
I skipped the carrots, put the broccoli in the blender and used an aged white cheddar. Excellent!
I’m glad that it turned out excellently for you!
So easy to make and so delicious!!
I use fresh broccoli from my garden. Its a family favorite at our house.
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad it’s a winner for you! And how lovely that you have fresh broccoli from your own garden, I’m jealous!
This soup was such a hit at our house! Nothing beats cream soups, and nothing ning beats this soup! Definitely will be turning to this recipe again. We also added cubed chicken and it turned out super well. Thanks Averie :)
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad that this turned out great and that the chicken was a nice touch, too.
As usual, I didn’t follow the instructions exactly as prescribed (I didn’t have carrots. I added celery and cooked it with the onions and garlic. I cooked a bag of frozen cooked broccoli with half the onion/garlic/celery mix and broth then blended it with some whipping cream and broth. I added this mixture to the sauce when I added the other half of the onion mix and chopped broccoli. I used 2.5 bags of frozen broccoli –30 oz total), but this soup was DEEEEELICIOUS! I also only used whipping cream and a few oz of 2% milk. I just used what was on hand. I also used the ground smoked paprika, cayenne and mustard. And a little extra sauce. I plan on adding the cheese to the rest of the soup. It’s delicious without cheese. It’s delicious with a little cheese on top. I’m sure it will be delicious with the extra sharp cheese that I grated.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you were able to use what you had on hand and that it turned out delicious!!
My fiancé wasn’t feeling well and asked me to make broccoli and cheese soup. I’m not a fan of creamy, cheesy soups. I found and followed this recipe and he LOVED it. He said, “Baby. You done good!” That’s a huge compliment, especially because he’s the grammar police. Thanks for helping me live up to my claims that I know how to cook.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that this impressed him! And that it’s helping your status and claims as knowing how to cook :)
Best soup. Making it again right now . We might have to triple it next time
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it’s the best soup ever and that you’re making it again!
This soup has a wonderful taste and will definitely make it again. I used all the seasonings noted and it had a wonderful flavor. The only thing I will do differently is sauté the carrots and broccoli stems with the onions. They never softened up enough and I simmered it for way longer than the recipe calls for. Also, I doubled the recipe and next time I will at least triple it because everyone wanted more the next day and their wasn’t enough. Excellent taste!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you will double or triple it again! That is surprising to me that they never softened up enough for you after simmering for quite awhile. In that case, yes you can saute with the onions or just chop them more finely and smaller and that could do the trick too.
I just made your broccoli cheese soup. .i only used salt, pepper, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, as my spices. It was without a doubt, the best soup that I have ever made. Am sorry that I didn’t double the recipe. Oh yeah, I did use chicken broth, not the cubes , and I used fresh broccoli , given to me by my gardener neighbor! Thank you so much for this wonderful soup recipe. I forgot, I didn’t add carrots, as I didn’t have any, nor regular onion, so subbed with green spring onions.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was the best soup you’ve ever made! How amazing to have garden fresh broccoli from your neighbor, too!
My only tip is to make double! It was THAT good. My whole family loved it. I used chicken bullion and used my immersion blender, only things different. And I def recommend adding the paprika, cayenne and mustard if you got it.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is a winner with your family!
This was insanely good!!! The directions were so precise it was easy to follow along to. Legit better than Panera thank you thank you thank you for this recipe :)
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was insanely good and better than Panera’s!
Sorry I spelled your name incorrectly.
No worries.
I have made cheesy broccoli soup for years. Got this recipe when I signed up for “Avery Cooks” emails. Made it by the recipe and it is the best I’ve ever eaten.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is the best broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever eaten!
Fabulous soup! Best broccoli cheese soup I’ve ever had or made! Very picky husband who only recently said he’d like me to make some. It’s wonderful. I left out the carrots… he hates carrots and the paprika… he doesn’t eat that either. The cayenne is the
perfect addition! Make it often. Thanks for a fabulous recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is the best broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever made or had!
Hello! I am really careful about making anything from recipes or trying new things on my own. The soup is not new to me but I have never made it by myself. Your recipe is the best. My dad is hard to please when it comes to new recipes and he approves it!!! Thank you for such a good recipe! <3
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you think my recipe is the best as does your dad, too!
Oh Perfect……Better than Panera’s For SURE .Made this on spur of the moment and did not have half/half but had heavy cream…used it and can milk…came out perfect…your receipe mentioned the film …mind did not form a film…. the second time I made exactly by your receipe and the film did form….both ways taste great…..I also added chopped celery and
I did double the receipe both times…..gave some to my neighbor (92 yr old gentlman) he commented “It was a Blue Ribbon Soup”……..I put some of this last batch in my freezer…We
will see how it holds up…… (did omit the dry mustard- not a spice I have ever used)
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out perfectly and better than Panera’s for sure!
This absolutely lived up to its title – it really is THE BEST Broccoli Cheddar Soup I’ve ever had; even my very picky daughter, who loves Panera’s version, thought this blew away Panera’s soup. It doesn’t even come close in my opinion.
So so good!! I’m blown away. I’ll be making another batch tomorrow.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out to be the best broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever had and blew Panera’s version away!
I made the suop today and I noticed the picture you posted is light colored. Mine was definitely brown. Any idea what I did wrong??? The soup tastes wonderful but the color is not what I would call broccolli cheese soup.
Probably when you were browning the onion it got a bit dark and that could cause the overall color of the soup to darken. Glad it still tastes wonderful.
Made the broccoli cheese soup, I ended up doubling the soup part because there needed to be more. Holy crow this is amazing!!!
Glad it turned out amazing for you!
Do you have a carb count on this recipe? I found it on a list of low-carb meals from Tasty and need to carefully count carbs for medical reasons. Thanks!
Wonderful! I’ve been making this soup for almost two years now and keep coming back to it. Lovely flavor, lovely consistency, very much a “comfort food”.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is a repeated comfort food recipe for you!
Nothing is missing “2 large carrots, trimmed, peeled, and sliced into very thin rounds, about 1/16th-inch”
I don’t measure but I followed the ingredients and suggestion to the letter. Turned out absolutely delicious! I made broccoli cheese soup before but never used flour and I did not regret it. I will be using this recipe going forward!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you will be using my recipe going forward!
Perfection as written!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it’s perfection as written for you1
I made your recipe, just as you presented it. It is so delicious! I’ve checked my cookbooks, and many other similar recipes on line, but your site, details and enthusiasm got my attention.
I seldom cook with cream or flour….but it was worth the expansion of my world. I found it difficult to easily print the recipe, so I cut and pasted it to leave out all but the essentials: ingredients and directions. Now I have it for my family, whenever it is safe for them to visit us later. Be well, be kind, and be calm. Eating well helps us to with it all!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was worth expanding your cooking horizons!
Doubled the recipe and made it with a combination of whole milk and oat milk (all I had on hand) It was Delicious! My husband loved it so much that I made it again today to freeze and take in our RV! This time only whole milk (again, all I had on hand). Thanks for a great go to for yummy soup!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it worked with the milks you had on hand and it’s a go to for you!
Delicious soup I used 2 bouillon cubes in place of vegetable broth in place of vegetable broth and turned out just fine. Very tasty. Thank you for this recipe. Fast & easy to make.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad the bouillon cubes worked out great!
I have frozen this recipe. It was amazingly still exactly like originally made when thawed.
Thanks for the five star review and glad it was still exactly like when you originally had made it after freezing/thawing.
I made this tonight and it was delicious! I made some tweaks based on what we had on hand. I used sharp cheddar, regular half and half, chicken stock, shredded carrots, and adjusted the salt because I used salted butter.
It was so good and so creamy. It’s definitely a keeper recipe for us!
Thanks for the five star review and glad it was delicious and that you were able to use what you had on hand!
Outstanding!
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad it was outstanding!
i really want to try this later!! can I use heavy cream instead of half and half? or a mix of heavy cream and 2% milk? Thank you!!
I would do a mixture of heavy cream and 2% because just heavy cream alone is going to make this seem overly thick in my opinion.
So good! Definitely as good as Panera or even better! Will make again!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you will make it again and it was as good or better than theirs!
I have made this soup several times and it’s a big hit! I live in the rural Colorado mountains so grabbing food is not an option, this is an easy go to!! Love it, no modifications! Thank you
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this soup is a big hit for you up in the rural mountains (I have some good friends that live in the rural CO mountains and they have described to me what they go through for food and really anything they need to buy – not easy!)
Must have been made for 1 person. I love soup, and this is for 1 person… I need to feed a family. But the point is made. Good soup.
Really rich and very delicious! Thanks!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was delicious!
WONDERFUL! Thank you, Averie, for sharing this recipe. I was craving Panera Bread’s broccoli cheddar soup, but this beats it out of the ballpark!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this beats theirs out of the ballpark for you!
This was a huge hit with my exhausted pandemic professor partner who needed comfort food at the end of the semester! I used whole milk and it was plenty creamy, and cut down to about 5-6 oz aged cheddar. Also mixed cauliflower and broccoli which was delicious and colorful.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a huge hit for an exhausted guy! I love cauliflower so would be totally into that in this soup as well!
Made this soup on a whip as is a little chilly today. It was fantastic. My boyfriend ate three bowls. He said it was the best he ever had and he is a broccoli soup connoisseur. I had to make a few substitutions. I used a 12 oz bag of frozen broccoli cuts, 1/2 teaspoon of dijon mustard, and 2% milk, and vegetable stock. This will definitely go into my recipe notebook.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was the best he’s ever had!
I have tried so many recipes for broccoli cheese soup I had pretty much given up but thought i would give it another try -Oh my am I glad. I followed directions and ingredients as noted in recipe with a very slight variation. I used regular half and half and real butter and used one large carrot rather than two as sometimes carrots can have a strong flavor.
Personal preference. Made two batches this week. Shared first batch. I used extra sharp cheddar for the first batch and colby cheese for the second batch and just added to the bowls of soup rather than putting in the pot of soup but that also is just personal preference. The second batch I decided to precook the carrots and broccoli while the milk and broth mixture were simmering to save some time and I also just went ahead and added the garlic and onion to the milk mixture . The first batch was so good, I just was in a hurry to try some more. It just was so delicious I had two bowls. Thank you for a long desired perfect broccoli cheese recipe.
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad you decided to give my recipe a try and love it!
Wow this soup is fabulous! I did find that I needed more liquid after adding the vegetables to the pot, so I used about a cup of coconut milk because I had it in the house. Heavenly!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was fabulous with the coconut milk addition!
Dear Averie~ I’m so darn happy I found you!! I’ve been checking out your recipes for the last month or so and have to say you’re the bomb! Always look forward to trying out your many multitude of recipes. I’ll be making the cheese soup soon, then will rate it. My husband is patiently waiting for it. Usually buy it at Costco so we’ll have to compare the two…I’m sure it probably won’t compare at all!
Your faithful follower,
Trudy
Thanks for finding me as well. In my opinion, this blows away the Costco soup or any storebought soup. It’s apples and oranges, I am sure you will love this version!
Wow, wonderful! I used hot smoked paprika and also a 2yr old Baldersons cheddar.
Even so the original recipe would have been wonderful as well.
Good instructions. Nice to see spices as options as not all of my family & friends that I will repeat this recipe for have the same tastes.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was wonderful!
I’ve been craving for this soup and finally found the strength to do it from scratch! This recipe is awesome! My whole family love the taste of it. I didn’t change any of the ingredients and it’s really mouth-watering. Thank you so much for this! Would definitely make this one again and again and again. I’m keeping this recipe. ❤️
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out awesome and you’ll make it again and again!
I made the broccoli and cheese soup using 1 cup of heavy cream & 1 cup of 2% milk (because I didn’t have half and half) and it was fantastic. I’m torn that it didn’t make more, but relieved because I can’t stop eating it. Such a great recipe! Thank you so much!
Glad you loved it and can’t stop eating it :)
Had this recipe eyed out for awhile and finally got to create it today! I was worried on the flavor of vegetable broth vs chicken and was pleasantly surprised that it was wonderful! I’ll try it with chicken next time maybe but again, I am completely content with how it turned out. I had heavy whipping cream which got kind of thick so I added extra broth. I added nutmeg and some blue cheese crumbles for extra cheese flavor pop!
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad that it came out great with the vegetable broth and that you didn’t need to worry about using chicken broth. I bet the blue cheese crumbles added awesome flavor!
Made as written but w 1 cup fat free milk and 1 cup 1/2&1/2. This recipe is fabulous! I think it is the spices that put it over the top! I almost didn’t even add the cheese it was THAT good!
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad that it was so good you almost didn’t even need to add the cheese!
I made it today…love it! This recipe is a keeper for my family. Thanks :)
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is a keeper for you all!
Great recipe and soup other than my husband complaining about the “heat” in the recipe.
I put the exact amount of measured spices but I agree the spices might have overpowered just a bit. Next time I will leave them out except powdered mustard.
I will make this again! Good soup.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out great. I have never had anyone say anything about ‘heat’ in this recipe but some people are extremely sensitive to spices. Obviously omit/reduce for next time if he falls into that category.
This recipe was wonderful! I tweaked a few things by using chicken broth, heavy whipping cream mixed with 2% milk instead of half & half, and doubled the seasoning outside of the salt. It was wonderfully hearty and paired well with a No Knead Bread from King Arthur’s Flour for dipping and cleaning the bowl. My husband had three helpings, so this definitely one for the family recipe book!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out wonderfully and went into your family recipe book!
Delicious recipe! I used chicken broth because that’s what I had and shredded the carrots instead but other than that followed it exact. The full 3 cups broccoli was perfect!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out delicious!
Soup was DELICIOUS! Have made different variations of broccoli cheddar but husband said bookmark this one. Very flavourful. Served with Red Lobster biscuits. And of course freshly baked cookies for dessert. 😋 Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was delicious and your husband said to bookmark it!
Great taste. I used chicken base to make the broth and omitted the salt. Full fat half and half, and otherwise followed the recipe. As good or better than anything served in restaurants.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you think it’s as good or better than anything served in restaurants!
This was the first time I’ve ever made brocolli and cheese soup, I’ve seen many recipes but this one was easy and delicious!! I am very happy with how it came out. Thank you. I must say that I do not like this website for it is very slow and lots of ads and popups…eek!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you enjoyed the soup!
Ads are part of my site, I have to pay my bills so I can continue to provide free recipes.
Very delicious soup! my favorite. I love broccoli, I found your website and seemed the best. I tried it and was perfect. The first time I did not have carrots, so I skipped them. This week I did it again and added the carrots. Both times the soup was amazing. So good that I recommended it to a friend. Thank you for an amazing recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it’s perfect for you!
Truthfully, I’ve never had broccoli cheese soup (at least not in years) and made it on request of my roommate. It was AMAZING. However it came out with a texture similar to potato soup…a little grainy I’d say. Is that normal? Is there something I can do to prevent it?
5 stars though! Will be adding it to my cycle or recipes and as a go-to for hosting.
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad to hear that you loved the soup and will be making it again and it’s going to go into your rotation.
I am thinking that the grainy texture could be one of two things. Either it’s something that has to do with how the roux came together. Or it has to do with the type of cheese you used and how it behaved when it melted.
I would switch up brands of cheese and when you’re making the roux the next time make sure you pay close attention to that section. I think either or both of those little tweaks will make the texture smoother and less grainy.
I followed the directions exactly. DEElish soup. We liked it pureed tho. The mustard powder, paprika and pinch of cayenne do make fabulous!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was delish pureed!
Just made this absolutely delicious soup. So good I might have to eat it all tonight. Thanks for the recipe.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out absolutely delicious!
I always have a hard time making the roux. Your recipe calls for 4tb butter and 1/4 floor and you say to stir until thick but its always clumpy. it seems the butter or liquid needed to make it thick is not enough??
Those are the correct ratios. Don’t overthink it and just follow the directions as written and all should be well.
Delicious! My husband and I enjoyed eating it. Thank you for posting this recipe. I had some leftover broccoli from our meal on Sunday, and it was the perfect amount for this recipe.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was perfect for you two!
Simply delicious soup.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was simply delicious for you!
The title describes it perfectly!! I’ve never tasted a better broccoli cheese soup. I followed directions exactly & will be making it again this wk, only 4 days after making this first time because my family is begging for more.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is going to be a family favorite for you all!
I love broccoli cheese soup, and this is the absolute best recipe that I’ve encountered. Thank you for sharing it!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is the best recipe you’ve found for broccoli cheese soup!
I made the broccoli cheese soup using vegetable stock. I used all of the ingredients as stated, except for the dry mustard, which I didn’t have on hand. It turned out deliciously! I’m only sorry that I didn’t double the recipe.
I’m glad you loved it and next time you can double it!
This was incredible. Followed all directions and it turned out so delicious. I added a bit of chopped celery I had on hand. Mine ended up more on the thicker side, so I may try adding more chicken broth next time, which will also help stretch the servings farther. I microwaved the leftovers as suggested by the author and it reheated wonderfully. I’m excited to be able to make this as “helpful” meal for friends or family when the occasion arises (new moms, etc), since it reheats so well.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was incredible and that it reheated great!
One of my all time favorite meals <3
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it’s one of your all-time favorite meals!
This is the best soup. I added a bag of riced broccoli to it. I will definitely make it again!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out great and nice idea to bulk it up a bit with some rice! Glad you’ll make it again!
this was fabulous! best broccoli cheese soup EvEr!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad to hear it was fabulous and the best broccoli cheese soup ever!
It was a soup day at our house…and it became a cooking lesson for my daughter and I. Not only did we enjoy the project, but we couldn’t stop mmmm-ing as we enjoyed every spoonful. Thank you for this delicious recipe, which will be in my favorite recipe stash from now on.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a great cooking lesson and that you loved the recipe too!
I never had broccoli cheese soup that I liked until this one. It was the most delicious soup ever. I did make one change , I used 4 oz of Velveeta and 4 oz of cheddar.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you found a broccoli cheese soup recipe you liked!
What brand of cheese do you recommend?
Off the top of my head, I really cannot remember the brands I’ve tried. Extra-sharp, middle of the road pricewise, and a big-ish block are what I look for.
I would have loved to follow this recipe on my Chromebook in the kitchen as I do all the recipes I find on like. Unfortunately, your site has soooo many pop-ups and advertizing my Chromebook keeps freezing!
Sorry about that. Many people don’t have that issue.
You were able to leave a comment though, so I think it’s working well enough for you.
Thank you SO much for posting this delicious recipe! It was amazing. My husband just raved about it! Definitely going to put this in my “keep” stack!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was amazing and that this goes in the keeper stack!
We multiplied this recipe by 8 for a parish soup supper and it was a huge hit! Not a drop left! It lived up to it’s name…THE BEST!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you were able to make this at a scale 8 times the original recipe and that not a drop was left! And that it lives up to its name, The Best. Thank you!
Came across this recipe and gave it a go. Being home for more than a month, I’m trying to cook something different every day. I’m trying to utilize things in my refrigerator and not wasting anything. I had some milk that needed to be used in a couple of days. I said I was making soup and my wife immediately said ‘Broccoli cheese?’ So I guess I’m making broccoli cheese soup. Long story short, it was amazing. Family loved it. I did add 1 cup of half and half (in addition to the milk). Great recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you tried my recipe and that your family loved it!
Good for you for trying to make something different every day!
I just came across this recipe and had all ingredients on hand, so I tried it…it was fabulous!!! I wish I had doubled the recipe cause I brought some to my daughter and her family…now its all gone!! They want to know when I’m making it again! Thank you so much for a “keeper recipe” can’t wait to check out your website for more delicious recipes to try!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is a keeper for you!
This was delicious. I used the broccoli stalks to make the veggie stock and used whole milk. Definitely double this!!!!
You’ll be sorry if you don’t. Also – the soup freezes beautifully.
Thanks for the 5 star review and good job for putting your stalks to great use and not just tossing them!
Could I use Cabot Vermont white cheddar cheese for this?
Yes probably would be just fine.
Just made this last night & I love Panera Bread’s soup but oh my this blew them away. I always use chicken broth for the base but the vegetable broth was great. Can’t wait to make a larger batch as my husband & I loved it. Can’t wait to try out some other recipes that you have.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this blew Panera’s away! Love hearing that :)
Hi! This looks like a wonderful recipe and I want to give it a try, but I only have a mixed blend of cheese which includes Cheddar. Would the substitution be okay?
Thank you so much!
Probably fine, yes.
This soup was delicious! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you loved it!
I make this all the time now. I use cornstarch instead of flour so it is gluten free
Glad to hear that!
This is the first soup I’ve ever made. And omg was it amazing, I’m so so happy it turned out well. My husband isn’t a huge soup fan (especially creamy soups) but he LOVED this soup! I used double of everything to make double the amount. I will say I’ll use a little less salt and about half the amount of pepper recommended next time (a bit hot lol)!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you loved the soup and that it turned out so well even though it was the first soup you’ve ever made!
oops forgot to rate it – this is 5 stars for sure!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out delicious for you!
And love this: “At my age all recipes are guidelines”. Same here!
I am awaiting the soup with GREAT anticipation! It’s simmering away and awaiting the cheese. At my age all recipes are guidelines, but all I did differently was the sequencing (and to eyeball the measurements). I added paprika, cayenne and dry mustard to the roux and added the onion/garlic immediately after the broth. I used 2% milk, only because I didn’t have cream in the house. I found a new cheese at the supermarket yesterday that I am trying out – Pacific rock cheese – it’s a hard sharp orange cheese that should pick up my supermarket brand cheddar. Stay tuned….ok, so I didn’t time anything, but as soon as the veg were tender I added the cheese. Oh my! The taste, the colours! Very nice – will make this one again for sure.
Can you use chicken broth instead of stock?
yes
This did not disappoint. It was relatively easy to prepare and I stuck with the recommendation to use block extra sharp cheddar. Even my husband, who is anti-broccoli ate it!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad even your anti-broccoli husband ate it!
I made this soup this afternoon for a very tough crowd of food lovers. They responded with “this was excellent,” “comforting,” “a definite recipe keeper.” I made the recipe as is with no alterations and it turned out fantastic. Thank you for the recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was well received by even a tough crowd! That’s always a great feeling to win some people like that over, for you and I both!
Fantastic soup! Best broccoli cheese soup I’ve ever made. The only changes that were made was to use 2 tbsp better than bullion (chicken broth) with 2 cups water for the chicken broth and 3 cups whole milk instead of half and half. This will be in my permanent file. Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it’s the best broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever made and that it’s going in your permanent file!
Hi! Well I made the soup,
Very very good, but I did it in the instant pot.
So delicious, and I’m not a creamy soup kinda gal. My girls favorite and they loved it.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you loved it even though you’re not a creamy soup gal!
This soup is amazing!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was amazing!
Omg- I make this soup almost twice a month to take to work for lunch. It is so creamy and delicious. One of the best soups I have had and easy to make..
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you make it twice a month and that you love it!
I didn’t have half and half so I used one cup milk and one cup heavy whipping cream it turned out amazing.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out amazing!
I made the recipe as written, with half and half. Two dinner guests said it was the best they’d ever had. I guess I make three. It was simply fantastic. I loved the larger chunks of broccoli.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad your guests said it was the best they’ve ever had! And for you too!
Can you make this in the morning and leave it in the crock pot on low?
Possibly but it would depend how long you plan to leave it…cheese and milk/cream really don’t do well even just ‘simmering’ even at low for extended periods.
This was absolutely delicious and so easy! I have to admit I’ve never had Panera’s version (I usually opt for the chicken wild rice soup) but this was perfect. To make it gluten free, I skipped the flour and added 1/2 a head of chopped cauliflower and simmered that with the broth and half and half (I just left the onion and garlic in the pot) and pureed it with an immersion blender. That gave me a beautifully thickened base for the soup. Other than this change, I made the recipe as written. My husband hates cauliflower and was not thrilled when I told him I was making broccoli soup. However, he commented how good it actually was and went back for seconds! Total winner! Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a total winner for you both! Great tip about how to make it gluten free, hopefully people reading over the comments since this question comes up a fair amount, will see how you handled it!
I made this the other day when the predicted high was 10 here in New England. After reading reviews I also decided to double it but it’s already gone in 3 days by 2 people! Its that good!!
I didn’t use a separate pan to saute onions and garlic. I simply removed them before they overcooked, then made roux. To add flavor to roux and make it a one pot masterpiece!
Also used a mix of heirloom carrots, orange, white, yellow and purple. Next time I’ll use only orange carrots with orange extra sharp cheddar to maintain uniform color since mine turned purple overnight😅
Thank you for sharing Averie
Outstanding!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that even a double batch went fast and you’re going to make it again! Also…duly noted on the purple carrots in case anyone happens to read this and has them on hand.
No dry mustard,, will soup still come out ok. First time making it and I’ve decided I liked your recipe the best <3
I’m sure it will be fine overall but lack the exact same flavor as if you use the dry mustard.
The best broccoli cheese soup & so easy!! I used Lucerne cheese which is mediocre but it was still delicious.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that it was delicious! I live in CA and have Lucerne cheese at my local grocery store and glad it still worked out well here.
Yep, new go-to recipe for broccoli cheese soup. And in case anyone happens to read this—I used the cheap cheese (store brand pre-shredded zip top bag cheese, medium cheddar), and it still worked out perfectly and melted/blended in fast and nicely with regular half and half.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this is your new go to for broccoli cheese soup! Glad your cheapie cheese worked out just fine too!
Amazing! I’ve made other broccoli cheese soups in the past, but this one wins hands down! Awesome flavor and consistency. My whole family loved it including my picky 13 year old daughter…a win!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad my recipe wins hands down and that your entire family, even the pick teen, loved it! Yay!
This was a great recipe. Everyone loved it. Definitely will be our “go to” for broccoli cheddar soup.
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad to hear this will be your go to broccoli cheese soup!
Made this soup today for the first time. I made it with chicken stock. Otherwise, followed recipe exactly. This is quite literally the best soup I have EVER tasted! If you choose to make this you will not be disappointed! LOVE! Thanks so much, Averie Sunshine!!! You Rock! This recipe needs at least TEN stars, btw!
Thanks so much for the kind words and it’s wonderful to hear that this is the best soup that you’ve ever tasted! And thanks for the 10 star review if you could give it!
So I made this with shredded carrot that I sautèed with the onions and garlic. I used a full tsp of the mustard and smoked paprika. I used far more cheese than called for, some of which was pre-shredded bag cheese. I did not have a problem melting it and never have. Came out delicious. It freezes just fine too. I always use the defrost method of placing the frozen container in a pot of low simmering water. It did not break or separate.
Glad to hear you’ve had good luck with freezing/thawing and no separation or breaking upon thawing!
This sounds delicious! Just one question – can I sub out almond flour for a gluten free soup?? Thanks!
I believe people have done that here with decent results, although I haven’t personally tried, and it’s the gluten in the real flour that helps make the roux to thicken the soup so technically I wouldn’t, but other people have if you read over some of the older comments. So you can try it and see if it works for you, or not.
Just added the broccoli, carrots & onion and it looks like it’s too much veggies vs soup broth mixture. Any suggestions to add more liquid? Next time I will double the broth or add less veg, but I have it on the stove now! Help! Thank you!!
PS smells delicious!
They shrink down but of course, reduce the quantity if you still feel that way later for next time. Glad it smells delish!
This is the BEST broccoli-cheese soup ever! I made it this week and will toss out all the other broccoli-cheese soup recipes I have in my collection. It is densely laden with veggies and has the thickest creamiest base I’ve ever tried. I used regular half and half and a quality cheddar cheese. If I am going to invest my time and talent in making a soup, why would I not want to use quality ingredients? Moreover, why would I pay Panera for their soup when I can make this soup at home?
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that you think it’s the best and are tossing out all your other broccoli cheese soup recipes! And I agree, why pay someone else for something that’s far less tasty!
I don’t usually make the time to leave a comment on most recipes but this broccoli cheddar soup was so good it has ruined my entire family for any others. I did add a wee bit more chicken stock after I added the broccoli, and I added 2 or 3 dashes of cayenne to give it a little more kick but it would’ve been just as amazing without it. Seriously, don’t even bother with another broccoli cheddar soup recipe, print this one out for your heirloom recipe book. I also blended up a few bowls in my blender for those that like it smooth. Both ways were so delicious, and I served it wtfh rosemary cheddar biscuits. Thanks for the truly wonderful recipe, we will enjoy it for many, many, years to come.
Thanks for the 5 star review and for taking the time to comment! Glad it’s worthy to be put in your heirloom recipe book!
Double the recipe..seriously. You will want more! It’s sooo good!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out so good for you!
Outstanding! I’ve made several broccoli cheese soups, sometimes from recipes, sometimes off the top of my head, but this one may be my go-to from now on.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this will be your go to recipe from now on!
yummy
5 Star food Yummy!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it turned out yummy and you wouldn’t change a thing!
YUMM, best ever, total yummy, I would think to change a thing. Yum!!!!
This soup is AMAZING!!!! Definitely better than Panera’s! This recipe converted my husband into a soup lover! I have made this maybe 10 times now, and I will say I have used both freshly grated Cabot cheese and Tilamook or Sargento pre-grated cheddar, and I don’t find those brands of pre-grated cheese make any real noticeable difference. I think the biggest key is, as you said, a high quality cheese. And I always use regular half and half, so maybe the extra fat helps it melt a bit smoother?
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that you agree that it’s better than Panera’s! Glad it also converted your husband into a soup lover and that you’ve made it 10 times or so! Awesome!
Extra fat always makes everything taste smoother, creamier, and when it comes to cheeses, yes fattier cheese tends to melt smoother. You can’t go wrong with regular half and half, it’s guaranteed to give a super smooth taste!
Made this for my husband and I tonight and it was wonderful! Thanks for the great recipe
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that it turned out wonderfully for you and your husband!
It sounds delicious 😋 but can you use frozen broccoli? I have RA and have difficulty chopping vegetables. Thank you
I haven’t personally but I have had people write to say they have used frozen. I would add it closer to the end so it doesn’t get mushy since it’s already going to be much softer then fresh to start out with.
I use frozen broccoli florets. I do pre-steam the broccoli before adding to soup base. Frozen broccoli will water down soup.
This is truly delicious! I’ve been looking for years for a recipe like this.
By the way, it does freeze well.
Great to hear you love it and that you have had good luck with it freezing well! Glad you found my recipe after searching for a few years!
This soup is AWESOME!! I’ve made it several times, usually in double batches, and we love it. I do freeze it in individual servings and have not had a problem with it breaking if I heat it gently. My husband asks for this and, yes, it is better than Panera.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad to hear you’ve made it several times in double batch, including freezing/reheating it, and that you agree it’s better than Panera :)
Great recipe! Doubled it right away. Used olive oil to sauté the onions instead of butter. Added some Espelette pepper for a bit of a kick and extra taste. Turned out AMAZING! My girls had it e