Broccoli Cheddar Soup Wellplated Com

Creamy and cozy this healthy version of broccoli cheddar soup is inspired by the infamous bowl at Panera Bread, a soup that has now been enjoyed by multiple generations of our family. One of the most fun parts of being an aunt is seeing my nieces fall for the same foods I loved as a kid, which lately means trips to Panera. My orders have evolved over the years (meaning I now order things for lunch besides a bagel with double cream cheese), but a constant when the weather turns cool is the cheesy broccoli soup. That soup has inspired recipes here, from Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup, to Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup, to this dual Broccoli Cauliflower Soup. While I’m all for making the most of kitchen gadgets, sometimes what you need is a classic stovetop soup. That is where this healthy broccoli cheese soup comes into play. This vegetarian broccoli soup is warm and filling, but not so heavy that you need to recover with a nap afterward. It’s the perfect soup to transition us through the seasons, where other Panera-inspired favorites like Crockpot Potato Soup and creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup await on the other side.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This easy broccoli cheddar soup skips the fuss of making a roux. Instead, the creaminess comes from cauliflower, which thickens soups without adding many calories or carbs (try it in Cauliflower Chowder, yum!).

Smooth, Melty Broccoli Cheddar Soup

My other trick to making a rich, creamy broccoli cheddar soup that’s good for you is one I borrowed from Cheese Fondue.

Toss the cheese shreds with cornstarch prior to adding them to the soup.The cornstarch thickens the soup, without the need for heavy cream.

And like cheese fondue, YOU MUST ADD THE CHEESE SLOWLY! Unless you are making broccoli cheddar soup with Velveeta (please don’t—real cheddar tastes so much better and is better for you too!), if your cheese won’t melt in your broccoli cheddar soup, you likely committed one of these errors.

Adding the cheese too quickly. As with Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, if you add too much cheese at once, it will lump up and refuse to melt.Using pre-shredded cheese from a bag. While convenient, pre-shredded, bagged cheeses contain a powdered coating to keep them from clumping. It also keeps them from melting. Grate the cheese yourself from the block for smooth, melty broccoli and cheddar soup. It’s worth it!

The Ingredients

Broccoli. Rich in vitamins and minerals, broccoli is incredibly nutritious. It also pairs wonderfully with cheese to create a scrumptious, crowd-pleasing soup. Cauliflower. A healthier way to make the soup thick and creamy. Cauliflower is packed with vitamins and fiber. You can’t taste it here, but it’s an important thickener.Carrots. I like to sneak in some extra nutrition and sweetness by adding carrots. Butter + Onion. These two work together to develop a delicious flavor base. Chicken Broth. The main liquid source for the soup, and it also helps cook the vegetables. Milk. The key to a rich and creamy broccoli soup. I used 2% milk.

Dijon. Adds tang and helps elevate the cheesy flavor. Nutmeg + Cayenne. A hint of nutmeg adds an almost imperceptible warmth, but it really makes all the difference. While the cayenne is optional, I love that it gives the soup a little kick. Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese. For the most intense and satisfying cheese flavor, you need to use extra sharp cheddar cheese.Cornstarch. Tossing the cheese with cornstarch helps thicken the soup to the perfect consistency. Parmesan. For an added layer of salty, nutty, cheesy goodness.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate soup in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days. To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze soup in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Dutch Oven. Perfect for making this cheesy broccoli soup. Immersion Blender. Easily blends soups without having to transfer them from the pot. Cheese Grater. Use this tool to easily grate your own cheese.

All that’s missing is the bread bowl.