If you are craving a soul-soothing bowl of comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe. It’s everything you want in a hearty soup: velvety smooth, bursting with cheesy flavor, and packed with tender broccoli that brings both freshness and a satisfying bite. The addition of nutty Parmesan and crunchy croutons elevates this classic to a truly gourmet experience you’ll adore sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or just want a simple yet special meal, this soup will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round black cooking pot filled about halfway with creamy light beige soup, topped with fresh bright green broccoli florets scattered unevenly on the surface. The pot has two handles on each side and sits on a white marbled surface. The soup appears smooth and frothy with a slightly shiny texture, while the broccoli adds a fresh, textured contrast with its small tree-like shapes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this soup lies in its straightforward but essential ingredients, each contributing to the rich flavors, creamy texture, or vibrant color that make this dish so irresistible.

Salted butter: Provides a luscious base for sweating the veggies and adds depth of flavor.
Chopped yellow onion: Softens into a sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the cheese perfectly.
Grated large carrot: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness while enhancing the soup’s color.
Minced garlic cloves: Infuses a gentle pungency and warmth that lifts the entire dish.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup into a creamy, spoon-coating consistency.
Sea salt, mustard powder, and ground nutmeg: Seasonings that balance and brighten the flavors with a subtle spice and warmth.
Whole milk or half-and-half: Enriches the soup with creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.
Chicken or vegetable stock: Adds savory depth and harmonizes all the tastes together.
Chopped broccoli: The star vegetable delivers a delightful texture and a fresh, slightly grassy note.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty essence that melds beautifully with cheddar.
Shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese: Gives the soup its signature cheesy richness and irresistible gooeyness.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right kick to balance the creamy richness.
Croutons (optional): For a crunchy contrast and a touch of buttery crispness when served.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Sweat the Vegetables

Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and grated carrot and cook, stirring gently, until they soften and release their sweetness. This step builds the flavor foundation, so take your time letting those vegetables become tender and fragrant before adding the garlic.

Step 2: Build the Roux Base

Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about one to two minutes. Then sprinkle the flour, sea salt, mustard powder, and ground nutmeg over the mixture. Whisk continuously to combine, allowing these ingredients to cook into a smooth paste. This roux will thicken the soup and create that beautiful creamy texture we all crave.

Step 3: Add the Dairy

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking as the mixture thickens until it coats the back of a spoon. This gentle heating step is crucial for creating a silky broth that will cradle all the flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Blend for Smoothness

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chicken or vegetable stock. Now, here’s a game-changer: use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the liquid to a standard blender, blend until silky, and return it to the pot. This pureed base makes the soup wonderfully creamy without needing any heavy cream.

Step 5: Simmer with Broccoli

Stir in the chopped broccoli and bring the soup back to medium-low heat. Let it simmer gently until the broccoli becomes tender, about 20 minutes. This slow cooking step allows the broccoli to soften just enough while keeping those little bites of vegetable texture.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheeses

When the broccoli is tender, it’s time for the stars of the show—Parmesan and cheddar cheese. Stir in the Parmesan and half of the shredded cheddar until melted and well combined. Then add the remaining cheddar and stir until the soup looks irresistibly creamy and cheesy. Taste and adjust with more salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe

A deep white bowl filled with thick, creamy broccoli soup that has a pale orange color. Inside the soup, there are bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly throughout. On top and partially submerged, chunks of golden brown toasted bread float, adding a rough, crispy texture contrast to the smooth soup. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered with soup, positioned towards the left side. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface, more pieces of toasted bread are scattered casually. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous handful of crunchy croutons on top adds the perfect contrast to the silky soup, giving each spoonful delightful texture and a buttery snap. You can also sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of cracked black pepper for a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to sop up every last creamy drop. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can add brightness to the meal. For a heartier option, grilled cheese sandwiches or roasted potatoes round out the experience wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe in individual bread bowls or smaller mugs for a cozy, inviting presentation. You can also swirl a little drizzle of extra olive oil or wildflower honey on top for a surprising flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully for up to four days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Its flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe for up to three months. Just cool it completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers, and leave some room at the top for expansion. When thawed, the texture might slightly change, but a good stir or whisk solves that easily.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking or separating. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of milk or stock to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and can be added straight to the pot during the simmering step. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the broccoli becomes tender without overcooking.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To keep it vegetarian, simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The soup remains just as flavorful and indulgent.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

You can experiment with different cheeses, but beware that cheddar and Parmesan give this soup its signature tang and depth. Using milder or softer cheeses may change the flavor and texture significantly.

What if I want to make this gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry. This swap helps thicken the soup while keeping it safe for gluten-free diets.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce during seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper also enhances the heat without overpowering the soup’s creaminess.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s warm, comforting, and perfectly cheesy in all the right ways. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and give it a try—your taste buds and loved ones will thank you for it!