Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting soup packed with tender broccoli florets, savory garlic and onion, and a blend of mild cheddar cheese and sour cream for richness. The addition of carrots and celery adds a subtle sweetness and texture, while the smooth base is made from butter, flour, and a combination of milk, half and half, and chicken broth.
You’ll love this soup because it’s packed with vibrant flavor, easy to make, and satisfying as a hearty meal or appetizer. The rich cheese and creamy sour cream create a luscious texture, while seasoning with garlic salt and black pepper enhances the savory profile.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
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In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until tender, 3-5 minutes.
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Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook, stirring constantly until clumpy and lightly cooked, about 1-2 minutes.
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Gradually whisk in milk, half and half, and chicken stock to avoid lumps.
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Add broccoli, salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and cook 7-8 minutes until broccoli is tender.
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Stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream. Mix until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
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Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional cheese or herbs.
Tips for Success
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Use mild cheddar for smooth melt; sharp cheddar adds additional tang.
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Stir continuously when adding flour mixture to avoid lumps.
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Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after cheese is added.
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Use fresh vegetables for best flavor and texture.
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For a blended soup, puree part of the mixture for a smoother consistency.
Delicious Variations
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Add crispy bacon bits or ham for smoky flavor.
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Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere.
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Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne for warmth or spice.
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Serve in bread bowls for an extra cozy presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this soup be made ahead?
Yes, refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
How to thicken the soup?
Blend a portion of soup or add extra cheese to thicken.
Is sour cream necessary?
It adds creaminess and tang but can be substituted with cream cheese or heavy cream.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
Use dairy-free milk, cheese, and sour cream alternatives.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep covered in the refrigerator and reheat on stove or microwave.
Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy comforting soup filled with tender broccoli, garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Rich base of butter, flour, milk, half and half, and chicken broth, enhanced with mild cheddar cheese and sour cream for luscious texture and savory flavor.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ yellow onion, chopped
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 cup chopped celery
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-fat milk
1 cup half and half
3 cups chicken stock
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup sour cream
Instructions
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, carrots, and celery until tender, 3–5 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over vegetables; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until clumpy and lightly cooked.
Gradually whisk in milk, half and half, and chicken stock to avoid lumps.
Add broccoli, salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. Bring to gentle boil, cover, and cook 7–8 minutes until broccoli is tender.
Stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream; mix until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra cheese or herbs.
Notes
Use mild cheddar for smooth melting; sharp cheddar adds tang.
Stir continuously when adding flour mixture to prevent lumps.
Adjust seasonings after cheese addition.
Fresh vegetables yield best flavor and texture.
Blend portion for creamier texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 17
- Cholesterol: 70
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy broccoli soup, loaded vegetable soup, comforting cheese soup, healthy cheddar soup
