A Classic Restaurant Favorite at Home
Cheddar broccoli soup is one of those dishes that instantly brings restaurant memories to mind. Served steaming hot in wide bowls, often alongside crusty bread, it is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Many people first fall in love with this soup at cafés or casual dining restaurants, where the balance of sharp cheddar cheese and tender broccoli feels indulgent yet comforting. Recreating that restaurant-style experience at home is easier than it seems. With the right technique and quality ingredients, you can achieve the same silky texture and bold flavor that makes this soup so popular. It is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into something special.
Cheddar Broccoli Soup (Restaurant Style)
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Whisk
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk whole milk preferred
- 2 cups broccoli florets chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion until soft.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in broth and milk until smooth.
- Add broccoli and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Soup (Restaurant Style)
Restaurant-style cheddar broccoli soup is all about layering flavors and achieving a smooth, creamy texture. Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base and prevents the soup from tasting flat. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to create a roux. Cooking the flour for about a minute removes any raw taste and helps thicken the soup later. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, followed by the milk. The mixture should become smooth and slightly thick as it heats.
Add chopped broccoli florets and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook until the broccoli is tender but still bright green, about ten minutes. Overcooking can dull the color and flavor. For a true restaurant-style finish, you can blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot, creating a creamy texture while keeping some broccoli pieces intact.
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Adding cheese slowly and off direct heat prevents separation and keeps the soup silky. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with bread or in a bread bowl for the full restaurant experience.
A Rich and Comforting Conclusion
Cheddar broccoli soup delivers everything people love about restaurant comfort food: richness, warmth, and satisfying flavor. Made at home, it offers even more control over ingredients while maintaining that classic creamy texture. This soup is perfect for cozy dinners, family meals, or when you want something indulgent yet familiar. Once you master this recipe, it becomes a reliable favorite that brings restaurant-style comfort straight to your own table.