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    Home / Dinners / Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup (without milk)

    Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup (without milk)

    Published: Oct 13, 2021 Modified: Mar 20, 2022 by Jillian This post may contain affiliate link. This blog generates income via ads

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The most delicious flavorful Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup without Milk. Loaded with veggies and tons of aromas that will have your whole house smelling warm and inviting! Close your windows or the neighbors will be knocking 😉

    homemade broccoli cheddar soup in a white bowl sitting on a wooden table with a white and blue stripped napkin
    Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    This tastes just like the Panera Bread broccoli cheese soup and I am guilty as charged to say I have an obsession for that soup. This soup does take a little bit of a time to cook so I made it on a Sunday afternoon.

    There are a few steps that you need to take in order to cook this just right. It took me a few times to make it the right way and to actually taste good with the perfect consistency. The first couple times I tried it was too watery or too thick, but this time I nailed it. Hubby approved (my biggest critic)!

    This soup was inspired by my other favorite soups. You must give my slow cooker ground turkey lentil soup a try and my slow cooker chicken tortilla soup a go also. These are perfect for that football Sunday funday meal!

    Ingredients to make this soup

    Below is a photo of the ingredients you will need to make this broccoli cheese soup.

    ingredients to make homemade broccoli cheddar soup
    All the ingredients you will need are pictured here!
    • unsalted butter - melted
    • medium onion - chopped
    • whole wheat flour - I've always been a big fan of Bob's Red Mill products. Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat Flour
    • half and half cream - I always try and use organic when buying my ingredients. Horizon organic is a great brand I've been using for awhile and am always happy with.
    • low-sodium chicken broth - Free Range Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
    • fresh broccoli - chopped
    • carrots - peeled and grated

    Directions for Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

    Step 1: Heat a large pot to medium heat and saute the onion in ½ tbsp butter until tanslucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside. In the same large pot whisk together the remaining 1 and ½ tbsp butter and flour over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. This will create a roux, which is the base of your soup.

    Step 2: Slowly whisk in the half and half and chicken stock. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

    onion sauteing for homemade broccoli cheese soup
    Step 1
    almond milk cooking for homemade broccoli cheese soup
    Step 2

    Step 3: Add the broccoli, carrots, and onions. Stir to cover the veggies with the stock. Let them simmer on medium low for about 25 minutes until the broccoli and carrots are tender.

    Step 4: Add nutmeg, salt, pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt and then serve.

    veggies added to homemade broccoli cheddar soup
    Step 3
    cheese and spices added for homemade broccoli cheddar soup
    Step 4

    What goes well with broccoli cheddar soup

    I have a couple suggestions you can try to serve with this soup. Some fresh crusty bread from your local bakery will pair really well. Dipping anything into this soup is an amazing way to savor it. I like also using little Melba Toasts. I also found this company that sends bread right to your doorstep. You just bake it in minutes and it's delicious. The Essential Baking Company Take and Bake Garlic Bread.

    close up of homemade broccoli cheddar soup
    Cheesy and Creamy Delicious Soup!

    How to serve this soup

    You can serve this delicious soup in your everyday soup bowl or even out of a bread bowl. Sourdough bread is the best bread to use to make a bread bowl. You can also top your soup with some crusty croutons, sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top or even a few small chopped carrot or broccoli pieces.

    Tips and FAQ's

    Can you freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

    Yes you can freeze this soup! Dump the soup into freezer bags and store in freezer for up to 3 months. You can also place in an airtight container and keep in fridge for 3 to 4 days.

    When adding your veggies....


    My tip is to chop up your veggies into chunks instead of dicing them. The last time I made this soup I used a hand chopper for my veggies and they came out too small and it made my soup grainy. Bite sized pieces are the way to go!

    How long does it take to make broccoli cheddar soup?


    This soup takes about 45 minutes to cook. This recipe requires a little TLC so I recommend making this on the weekend so your whole house can smell of cheesy soup and then you can devour it.

    close up of homemade broccoli cheddar soup
    Check out that creaminess!

    Other soups and broccoli recipes you need to try

    • Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Lentil Soup
    • Slow Cooker Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup (made with cream cheese)
    • Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese
    • Broccoli Chicken Casserole

    If you give this soup a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!

    birds eye view of homemade broccoli cheddar soup in a white bowl on a wooden table

    Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    A healthy variation of broccoli cheddar soup with a creamy texture.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Low Calorie
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 118kcal
    Author: Jillian Schneider

    Equipment

    • cutting board
    • paring knife
    • dutch oven or large pot

    Ingredients

    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
    • ½ medium onion chopped
    • ¼ cup whole wheat flour
    • 2 cups half and half cream
    • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
    • ½ lb fresh broccoli chopped
    • 1 cup carrots peeled and grated
    • ¼ tsp nutmeg
    • 8 oz grated sharp low fat cheddar cheese
    • ground black pepper to taste
    • kosher salt to taste
    • melba rye toasts for dipping (optional)

    Instructions

    • Heat a large pot to medium heat and saute the onion in ½ tbsp. melted butter until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside. In the same large pot whisk together the remaining 1½ tbsp melted butter and flour over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. This will create a roux, which is the base of your soup.
    • Slowly whisk in half and half and the chicken stock. Add salt and pepper to your liking here. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
    • Add the broccoli, carrots, and onions. Stir to cover the veggies with the stock. Let them simmer on medium-low for about 25 minutes until the broccoli and carrots are tender. Stirring occasionally. Add more salt and pepper here to your liking.
    • Add nutmeg, more salt and pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir to combine and cook until the cheese has melted then serve!

    Notes

    Can store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze this soup! Dump the soup into freezer bags and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
    How can my kids help?  They can help add in the seasonings. 
     
    Tips:  If soup is too clumpy at the end, add more chicken stock until it's at the consistency you desire. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.3g | Protein: 5.4g | Fat: 7.9g | Saturated Fat: 4.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Sugar: 1.7g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JilliansHealthfulEats or tag #jillianshealthfuleats!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marie

      October 30, 2021 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      Loved it delicious

      Reply
      • Jillian

        November 01, 2021 at 10:06 am

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
        • Mudhe Boddom

          March 21, 2022 at 1:46 pm

          I am a big soup buff and this recipe is great in cold weather. I cant wait to try your other recipes in the coming weeks!

          Reply
          • Jillian

            March 21, 2022 at 2:03 pm

            I am so happy that you enjoyed it! I have a new soup one coming up soon!

            Reply
      • Jillian

        November 09, 2021 at 8:55 pm

        I'm so happy you enjoyed!

        Reply

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