There’s just something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of broccoli and cheese soup that feels indulgent without the guilt. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with broccoli, but skips the heavy cream for a lighter take that still hits all the cozy notes.

A close-up view of creamy broccoli soup in a white bowl with a wooden ladle scooping it up. The soup has a thick, smooth light beige base with visible small green broccoli florets and specks of black pepper mixed throughout. The broccoli pieces add texture with their small bump-like shapes, and the soup surface has slight shiny highlights from the creamy liquid. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve tested a ton of broccoli cheese soups over the years, but this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe really stands out for how satisfying it is without feeling heavy. It’s the perfect cozy meal when you want something nourishing but don’t want to be weighed down.

Rich, creamy texture: Achieved without heavy cream, so it’s lighter but still decadently smooth.
Simple, wholesome ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen.
Easy to customize: You can adjust cheese types, spices, or even switch up the milk to suit your preferences.
Perfect balance of flavor: Cheddar cheese and a hint of warm spices make it comforting but fresh.

A large white pot with a blue rim holds a thick light green soup with visible small broccoli pieces and specks of black pepper. A wooden ladle inside the pot scoops some soup, showing the creamy texture and broccoli chunks clearly. In the blurred background are slices of toasted bread on a white plate and shredded cheddar cheese in a white bowl, all set on a white marbled surface with a blue-striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe combines fresh broccoli’s natural earthiness with creamy cheese and a subtle blend of spices to keep things interesting. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture, and knowing why helps you tweak the recipe as you go.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets chopped into small pieces, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a few cubes of pale unsalted butter, half a large white onion diced, a small white bowl filled with fine all-purpose flour, four whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl of rich golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of creamy white milk, a white bowl containing crushed chicken bouillon powder, small heaps of ground mustard, paprika, black pepper, and ground cumin arranged neatly in white ceramic bowls, a small white bowl holding softened cream cheese, a small white bowl piled with freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all ingredients symmetrically arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for a vibrant flavor and texture that doesn’t turn mushy.
Olive oil & unsalted butter: The combo adds richness and depth, helping the aromatics soften without burning.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a savory base that complements the broccoli.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the soup’s velvety consistency.
Garlic: Provides a punch of warm, aromatic flavor.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: For a savory, layered taste without overwhelming saltiness.
Milk: Creates creaminess and is easy on calories compared to cream; you can use any type you like.
Chicken bouillon: Boosts umami and enhances the depth of broth flavor easily.
Spices (mustard, paprika, pepper, cumin): These subtle spices add warmth and complexity without stealing the show.
Cream cheese: Adds silkiness and tang, giving the soup an irresistibly smooth mouthfeel.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show providing that classic cheesy punch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is so flexible—you can make it a little greener by adding more broccoli or a little cheesier by cranking up the sharp cheddar. I often swap in smoked paprika for regular paprika when I want a deeper flavor punch.

Variation: One time, I swapped half the milk for unsweetened almond milk to make it dairy-light, and it turned out surprisingly creamy—definitely worth trying for a different twist.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle heat that balances the cheese’s richness.
Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use vegetarian bouillon for a meat-free version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by melting butter in olive oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Toss in your diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a flavorful roux—this step is essential for the soup’s creamy base, so don’t rush it! Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t brown or burn.

Step 2: Add Broth, Milk & Spices

Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the chicken broth and 2 cups of milk to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in chicken bouillon, salt, ground mustard, paprika, pepper, and cumin for that layer of warmth and depth. Finally, stir in the chopped broccoli florets.

Step 3: Simmer Until Broccoli is Tender

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. When it thickens slightly (usually about 5–7 minutes), let it simmer for another 20 minutes with the lid on, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You want the broccoli tender but not mushy—this texture really makes the soup enjoyable.

Step 4: Puree Half the Soup for Creaminess

Carefully ladle about half the soup and the softened cream cheese into a blender. Pulse until smooth and velvety—be sure to leave the blender lid slightly open and cover it with a towel to let steam escape safely. Pour the puree back into the pot and stir gently.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Adjust Consistency

Stir in shredded sharp cheddar gradually, adding a handful at a time and letting it melt before adding more. Add the remaining cup of milk as needed to loosen the soup to your desired thickness, warming it through over low heat. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as necessary.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve discovered some simple tricks to keep this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe tasting its very best. These little things can make a big difference in your finished dish.

Don’t skip the roux: Cooking the flour with butter and onion forms the base that thickens the soup smoothly without lumps.
Control the puree: Blend just half the soup—not all of it—to keep some broccoli texture and a more interesting mouthfeel.
Sharp cheddar works wonders: Using good quality sharp cheddar gives you that bold cheesy flavor with less cheese needed.
Steady simmer: Keep the heat low once the soup thickens to avoid curdling or sticking and get that extra creamy finish.

How to Serve Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Broccoli Cheese Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with a little extra shredded cheddar because cheese just makes everything better. A small sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or fresh chopped chives adds a nice contrasting crunch and freshness, especially if you’re wanting to jazz it up for guests.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty artisan bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich for dunking. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at a dinner party, I’ve served the soup in small bread bowls carved from sourdough loaves—everyone loved the novelty and the edible bowl adds extra comfort! You can also swirl in a drizzle of chili oil or sprinkle with smoked paprika for a pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I stir occasionally to keep the texture smooth and prevent scorching at the bottom of the pan.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and defrost overnight in the fridge. Just a heads up: the texture can become slightly grainy if frozen too long, so I recommend using it within 2 months for the best flavor and creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep the soup smooth and prevent the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of milk during reheating helps refresh the creamy texture if it’s thickened up in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

You definitely can! Frozen broccoli works well here too—just add it during the simmering phase and cook until tender. I recommend chopping any larger florets into smaller pieces before adding for even cooking.

What kind of cheese works best in this Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its flavor depth and melting quality, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a mix of cheeses depending on what you have on hand. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses with anti-caking agents if possible, as they don’t melt as smoothly.

Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan?

To keep it dairy-free, I’d swap the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and leave out the cheddar or use a plant-based cheese. The overall flavor shifts, but it’s still delicious!

How thick should the soup be?

This soup should be creamy and slightly thick, but still spoonable. You can adjust the thickness by adding more milk if it’s too thick or letting it simmer longer if you prefer it thicker. Remember, it will thicken a little more as it cools.

Final Thoughts

This Lightened Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe has become my go-to when I want a comforting meal without overdoing it on calories or heaviness. I love sharing it with friends because it always surprises them—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, yet lighter than the cheesy soups we’re used to. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a new family favorite in your kitchen too.