“Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe – Creamy and Light”
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A Healthier Take on Classic Soup: Unlike traditional recipes loaded with heavy cream, this lighter version uses a roux and blended veggies to achieve a creamy texture while keeping calories and saturated fat in check.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and enjoy quick, nutritious lunches or dinners throughout the week—this soup stays fresh for up to four days.
Packed with Veggies: This kid-friendly, vegetarian dish helps you add an extra serving of vegetables to your day in a delicious way.
Easily Made Gluten-Free: Swap out the flour for a gluten-free blend to suit dietary needs without compromising texture or flavor.
Ingredients
Base Flavors:
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
1 cup fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper to taste
Veggies and Cheese:
6 cups fresh broccoli florets (from about 2 heads), chopped
1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prep the Vegetables: Chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic finely using a mini food processor or chopper.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped veggies, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Make the Roux: Stir in the flour, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Build the Base: Gradually whisk in the broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the milk and increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add Veggies and Parmesan: Toss in the broccoli florets and Parmesan cheese. Stir, adjust seasoning as needed, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
6. Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a creamy consistency while keeping some vegetable chunks intact. Alternatively, blend 1-2 cups in a regular blender and return to the pot.
7. Incorporate Cheddar: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
8. Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnishing with extra cheddar cheese if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal.
Why This Soup is Healthy
Loaded with vitamin-rich broccoli and protein-packed cheddar, this soup is as nutritious as it is comforting. Broccoli provides fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, while cheddar offers calcium and essential minerals.
What to Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Lunch Pairings: Serve with cheddar biscuits, fruit, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Dinner Ideas: Enjoy with a half sandwich or as a starter. For a fun twist, try serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
More Broccoli Recipes You’ll Love
Broccoli and Orzo
Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Roasted Broccoli Parmesan
Broccoli Salad
Easiest Pasta with Broccoli
Elevate your next meal with this lighter, healthier version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup—a family favorite that’s perfect for any season. Enjoy