Imagine coming home after a long day to a comforting, creamy bowl of soup filled with tender broccoli and rich, melty cheddar. It has that cozy, crave-worthy flavor you love from Panera’s famous broccoli cheddar, but made right in your own kitchen. Warm, hearty, and perfectly smooth, this soup feels like a hug in a bowl. And the best part? You can enjoy that café-style comfort anytime you want, without leaving the house.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Hannah Stewart

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is rich, comforting, and loaded with tender broccoli and melty cheese in every bite. It’s a cozy, family-friendly classic that tastes just like your favorite café version, made easily at home.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 6

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings people

Calories 592 kcal

Ingredients

1 head broccoli florets roughly chopped
1 cup onion diced
2 cups carrots shredded
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Dijon mustard
.25 cup unsalted butter
.25 cup all-purpose flour* unbleached

Day of Cooking

4 cups chicken broth
6 cups sharp cheddar cheese** shredded
1.5 cups heavy cream

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Instructions

Make it Fresh – Slow Cooker Directions

Add all ingredients, plus 4 cups chicken broth, to a slow cooker. Do not add cheddar or heavy cream yet.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
30 minutes before the cook time is finished, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Continue cooking until time is complete.
Stir, serve, and enjoy.

Freezer Prep Directions

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.***
Add all ingredients, except Day of Cooking ingredients, to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Slow Cooker Directions

Thawing is optional; recipe can go straight from the freezer to the slow cooker. No need to adjust cook time.
Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus 4 cups chicken broth, into a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
30 minutes before the cook time is finished, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Continue cooking until time is complete.
Stir, serve, and enjoy.

Instant Pot Directions

Thaw in the fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking. (Meals can be cooked from frozen, but some Instant Pots may trigger a burn notice due to slow steam generation.)
Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus 4 cups chicken broth, into the Instant Pot.
Set to high pressure for 6 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Turn on the “Sauté” function to low heat. Blend soup, using an immersion blender to your desired consistency. Stir in shredded cheese and heavy cream until cheese is melted and heavy cream is fully combined.
Stir, serve and enjoy!

Freezer Labels

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Freezer Meal Printable Labels

Notes

*For gluten-free, replace flour with tapioca starch.

**For best results, buy a block of cheddar and shred at home.

***Labeling Methods:

Handwrite recipe name and cooking directions on freezer bag with permanent marker.
Print off a blank freezer label, write in recipe name and cooking directions, and tape onto freezer bag.
Use a pre-filled sticker label, just peel and stick to your freezer bag.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 592kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 25.3gFat: 47.9gCalcium: 809mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Broccoli Cheddar, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Crockpot soups, Easy Dinner, Soups

Why you’ll Love this Homemade Freezer Friendly Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Comforting
Soup Season favorite
Kid-Friendly
Budget-Friendly
Dump and Go

How to Make a Broccoli Cheddar Soup

What to serve with your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Freezer Meal for Busy Families?

Sides:

Garlic Breadsticks
Kale and Brussel Sprout Salad
Roasted Vegetable Medley

Desserts:

Apple Crisp
Chocolate Fondue
Cheesecake Berry Parfait

Mocktails:

Sparkling Cucumber Limeade
Virgin Strawberry Mojito
Citrus Splash

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

Vegetable Broth for Chicken Broth: If you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. This swap maintains the soup’s rich flavor while making it suitable for vegetarians.
Almond Milk for Coconut Milk: For a lighter, dairy-free option, you can use unsweetened almond milk instead of coconut milk. It will provide a creamy texture without the coconut flavor, making it ideal for those who are not fans of coconut.
Cauliflower for Broccoli: If you want to switch things up or if cauliflower is more readily available, you can use cauliflower florets instead of broccoli. It will offer a similar texture and absorb the delicious cheddar cheese flavor just as well.

Additions:

Spinach or Kale: Add a nutritional boost by incorporating fresh spinach or kale leaves. Stir in a couple of cups of finely chopped greens during the last few minutes of simmering for added color and nutrients.
Diced Red Bell Pepper: For a touch of sweetness and extra color, consider adding finely diced red bell pepper to the soup. It complements the savory flavors and provides a pleasant crunch.
Fresh Herbs: Enhance the soup’s flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Sprinkle a handful of chopped herbs on top just before serving or stir them into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of freshness.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Freezer Meal Recipe FAQs

How do you store soups in a freezer bag?

To store soup in a freezer bag, first allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Next ladle the soup into a resealable, freezer safe bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion during the freezing process. Squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag securely, and flatten it to come any air pockets.

Label the bag with the date of preparation and the contents. If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Finally, lay the bags flat in the freezer to freeze in a stackable shape, which saves space and allows for easy storage.

How do you avoid the cheese curdling in a Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

To prevent cheese from curdling in Broccoli Cheddar Soup, first use high-quality cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that affect the melting ability.

Next, ensure the soup is at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil, when adding cheese. Gradually add cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted. Avoid overheating, as excessive heat can cause curdling.

Lastly, consider using a cheese with good melting properties like sharp cheddar, which contains more moisture and melts smoothly.

How long does soup stay fresh after it has been cooked?

Cooked soup can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing it in airtight freezer containers or bags, where it can stay for up to 3-4 months, maintaining the quality and flavor of it properly sealed and stored at a consistent temperature.

What pairs well with a Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup pairs well with side dishes like crusty bread, garlic bread, crisp green salads, or even sandwiches. These accompaniments balance the richness of the cheese flavors and add variety to the meal.

Why won’t my cheese melt when I try to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Cheese may not melt properly in Broccoli Cheddar Soup if the temperature is too high, or if the cheese is of low quality or not shredded finely. To ensure proper melting of the cheese, use moderate heat and add the cheese gradually, while stirring continuously until it is fully melted.

Quality cheese with good melting properties is the key and will make a significant difference in achieving a smooth texture when melting.

Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup good for you?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be a nutritious soup when made with wholesome ingredients. Broccoli is rich in many vitamins and fiber, and the soup can provide protein and calcium from the cheese.

However, some recipes can be high in fat and sodium, so choosing low fat cheese and using less salt can make it a healthier option for those that are looking to be more health conscious.

When is Broccoli Cheddar Soup so popular?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is so popular due to its creamy texture, rich and comforting flavor, and the satisfying combination of broccoli and cheese.

It offers a hearty and satisfying eating experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a favorite comfort food for many people.

What is the historical background of a Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

The exact historical origin of Broccoli Cheddar Soup is unclear, but it likely evolved from traditional cream soups and cheese-based soups.

Its popularity surged in American cuisine, particularly in casual dining and soup shops, where it became a beloved staple.

What are some regional variations of Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Regional variations of Broccoli Cheddar Soup can include different types of cheeses, variations in the seasonings, and the use of local ingredients. Some regions may add additional vegetables or spices to create unique twists on this classic soup.