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Dive in to a warm, creamy bowl of Lightened Up Broccoli Cheddar Soup for the ultimate comfort food — the healthy way!
The ultimate cozy, cheesy broccoli soup
Need some comfort food vibes? Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a good, warm bowl of soup to make that coziness happen.
And rest assured, you’ll find exactly what you need in this lightened up broccoli cheddar soup recipe. It’s the absolute bomb and has so much cheesy flavor in each bite!
It only takes about half an hour to make, and it’s a pretty low-stress dish that even beginners can master. We’ll be making it with lots of cheese (obviously), broccoli, and yummy seasonings like garlic, nutmeg, and more. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients in this broccoli cheddar soup recipe
Broccoli cheddar soup is infamous for being a deliciously thick soup. And with these ingredients, you get just that! Here’s everything you’ll need to bring it to life.
- Avocado Oil: First up, 2 tbsp of avocado oil will be used to sauté the onion.
- Onion: Use 1 whole yellow onion diced into small pieces.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of minced garlic will be used to add the flavor that we all love! Yes, it totally makes this soup that much better.
- Flour: 1/4 cup of gluten free flour is used for texture and consistency.
- Stock: 4 cups of chicken stock serves as the liquid component of broccoli soup.
- Carrots: Shred 2 large carrots to add extra flavor and texture!
- Broccoli: Now for the star of the show! Use 5 heaping cups of broccoli chopped into small pieces. It should use about 2 small heads of broccoli.
- Salt & Pepper: Use 1 tsp of salt and pepper, each.
- Nutmeg: Include 1/2 tsp of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Milk: 1 cup of milk works to thicken the soup.
- Cheese: Don’t forget the cheese! Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar. I like to grab the blocks and shred them myself, but pre-shredded works just as well!
- Arrowroot Powder: 2 tbsp of arrowroot powder will be used to thicken the recipe. You can substitute with cornstarch if needed!
- Milk: Finally, we’ll be mixing the powder with an additional 1 tbsp of milk to create the right texture.
Tools needed to make this recipe
To create homemade cheddar and broccoli soup, you’ll need the follow items. Don’t forget your measuring cups! Proper measurements are extra important for this one.
- Cutting board
- Chopping knife
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Whisk
- Small bowl
For measuring, grab the following sizes: 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, and 1 cup.
How to make lightened up broccoli cheddar soup
Making your own broccoli cheddar soup is simpler than you think. In fact, the whole shebang only takes about half an hour!
First, heat the avocado oil in a dutch oven. Add the onion and sauté until it softens.
Add the garlic and let cook for 2 minutes.
Then, use a whisk to add the flour, followed by the chicken stock. Combine well until all of the clumps are dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a boil, and then add the broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and cook for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, add the milk and cheese. Lower the heat to medium and stir.
In a small dish, whisk together the arrowroot powder and milk to create a slurry. Pour it into the soup to help thicken the mixture.
Let the soup cook for 10 minutes over medium-low heat.
Turn off the heat and serve!
How to veganize this recipe
If you’re craving some light broccoli cheddar soup but would prefer to go the vegan route, it’s totally possible! Make these three swaps, and you’ll be in plant-based heaven.
- Stock: First up, swap the chicken broth with veggie broth. Use the same amount (4 cups).
- Milk: Next, replace the milk with your favorite plant-based option like almond, oat, or cashew. I would go with a non-sweetened choice for flavor purposes.
- Cheese: Swap with your favorite plant-based vegan cheddar like Miyoko’s or Daiya!
Storing leftovers
Any leftovers can be kept in the fridge and enjoyed within 2-3 days. Make sure they’re in an airtight container to lock in freshness, and reheat on the stove!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
Dive in to some more cheesy deliciousness with these recipes. From quiche and potatoes to pizza casserole (for real) and more soup, there’s something for every craving!
- Healthy Spinach Bacon Quiche
- Lightened Scalloped Potatoes
- Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Baked Potato Cauliflower Soup
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
Lightened Up Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Dive in to a warm, creamy bowl of Lightened Up Broccoli Cheddar Soup for the ultimate comfort food — the healthy way!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup gluten free flour
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 large carrots, shredded
- 5 heaping cups broccoli, chopped small (2 small heads)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a dutch oven, heat avocado oil. Add in onion and saute until softened.
- Add in garlic and let cook 2 minutes.
- Using a whisk, add in the flour, then the chicken stock until well combined and no clumps.
- Bring to a boil, then add the broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and cook for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, add the milk and the cheese. Lower heat to medium and stir.
- In a small dish, whisk together the arrowroot and milk to create a slurry, then pour it into the soup. This will help thicken your soup greatly. Let soup cook for 10 minutes over medium-low heat.
- Turn off heat and serve!
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Maggie says
So delicious! Perfect winter soup meal to make and eat all week long. We added shredded chicken for some protein!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maggie, so happy you loved it so much! 🙂
Sophia says
this soups is awesome!! I love how it’s not as heavy as usual, yet just as flavorful!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sophia, so glad you loved it! 🙂
Maggie says
So simple and so delicious! Perfect for a cozy winter night
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maggie, so glad you loved it!!
Brooke says
I’ve made this soup twice now. Such a great recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Brooke, so happy you loved it!
Sydney says
This soup is delicious!! So easy to make and satisfied my craving for Panera’s soup while being less heavy (in a good way!). Will be making it again for sure!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sydney, so happy you loved it so much!! 🙂
Kim says
So yummy and easy to make! Expected it to be a labor of love and it totally wasn’t. I added some shredded chicken breast in too for protein. Will def make again!! Winter go-to
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kim, so happy you loved it and great addition!!
Courtney Cline says
This was delicious. It turned out really well and reheated the next day.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Courtney, so glad you loved the soup!
Ashley says
Wow just made this and it’s incredible! Really easy to make- the perfect fall meal
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ashley, so happy you loved the soup!!
Lauren says
This broccoli cheddar soup was delicious! Sometimes I find that the soup can be heavy, but this lightened up version was perfect, agreed with my stomach and did not make me feel like I was missing out! I will definitely be making it again 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, I am so glad you enjoyed it so much!!
Alicia says
So good and easy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alicia, so glad you loved it!
Kate says
I couldn’t believe that this soup taste so much like Paneras! My boyfriend and I loved it. The only reason for 4/5 stars was that it had a little bit too much garlic for me. But I’ll definitely be making it again.
★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kate, so happy you both loved it!
Abigail says
Made this as a soft food to enjoy after getting my wisdom teeth out and used a food processor for the broccoli and carrots. It ended up really thick so I would potentially skip thickening it the next time, but I loved making my own healthy version and couldn’t believe how easy it was! You can bet I’ll make this again.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Abigail, so glad you loved the soup!
Alanna says
This soup was so yummy and easy to make. Hit the spot for a broccoli cheese soup craving without being too heavy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alanna, so glad you loved it! 🙂
Anne Castillo says
Such a great recipe! Tastes like a restaurant’s, and it’s so easy to make
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Anne, so glad you liked it!!
Laura says
I made this for a few days of dinner for myself and it’s delicious! I love Panera but I truly think this is better! I can’t wait to make it again with family and friends.
Erin says
Hi Laura, so glad you loved the soup so much!! Thanks for your kind words! 🙂
Angela says
A+ recipe (as usual)!! Husband said the taste was spot on. Thank you!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Angela, so glad you both loved it!!
Jessica says
Really good soup! Reminded me of childhood ! Will definitely be making again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jessica, so glad you loved it!!
Lauren says
Another fan favorite & easy to make!! Was worried about the nutmeg being too strong but I trusted the process, so glad I did!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, so happy you liked the soup and always trust the process!
Grace Maisey says
This was delicious! I used pepper jack in place of the cheddar, and I think it gave it a nice kick. Will definitely make again.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Grace, so happy you loved the soup so much and great sub!!
Regina says
This is the closest to Panera I’ve tasted! So so good! I used TJs unexpected cheddar and it was perfect for it.
Erin says
Hi Regina, so happy you loved it so much!!
Alyssa says
Soooo good! Easy to make & turned out fantastic. Creamy without being heavy, flavorful & delicious. Thanks for another great recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alyssa, so happy you loved the soup!!
Megan says
Great winter soup!! Love the recipe and the addition of shredded carrots. Super easy to make and great as leftovers!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Megan, so glad you loved it!