Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup recipe is rich, velvety, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and gluten-free beginners!
You know what’s better than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening? A creamy, cheesy gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup recipe that doesn’t require hours of stirring or a culinary degree to pull off. I remember the first time I attempted this soup after going gluten-free—I was convinced it would turn out watery or bland without the “magic” of regular flour.
Boy, was I wrong! This easy gf soup recipe became my go-to comfort meal, and it’s been on weekly rotation ever since. The secret? A good gluten-free flour blend creates that signature velvety texture without any grainy aftertaste.
Whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or just craving a super easy gluten free dinner that tastes like a hug in a bowl, this recipe delivers big time. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, which means you can have homemade gf soups gluten free on the table faster than takeout arrives.
Table of Contents
Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter grass-fed, can substitute with ghee or dairy-free butter
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup gluten-free 1:1 flour blend such as King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth can use vegetable broth instead
- 2 cups half and half or use heavy cream for extra richness
- 1 cup shredded carrots pre-shredded saves time
- 3 cups broccoli florets chopped into bite-size pieces, fresh or frozen
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded, sharp cheddar adds more flavor
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper more to taste
For Serving
- freshly cracked black pepper
- extra shredded cheese
- gluten-free croutons
Instructions
- Add the butter to a large saucepan and heat over medium-low until it’s fully melted and starting to shimmer. This gentle start prevents burning and sets the stage for a beautifully smooth gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup.
- Introduce the diced onion to the melted butter and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing and the onion pieces turn slightly golden at the edges.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and mix thoroughly to coat the onions and garlic, creating a roux that’ll thicken your soup perfectly.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture cook and thicken for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. You’ll notice it starting to coat the back of your spoon—that’s when you know it’s working its magic.
- Incorporate the shredded carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes to soften them slightly. They add a touch of natural sweetness and gorgeous color to this easy soup.
- Add the broccoli florets last and let the soup simmer gently for 5 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight bite—nobody wants mushy veggies!
- Lower the heat to the lowest setting and stir in the cheddar cheese gradually until it’s fully melted and smooth. Add the paprika, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (grass-fed) | 4 tbsp | Can substitute with ghee or dairy-free butter |
| Yellow onion | ½ cup, diced | White onion works too |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Fresh is best |
| Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend | ¼ cup | King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill recommended |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups | Vegetable broth for vegetarian version |
| Half and half | 2 cups | Or use heavy cream for extra richness |
| Shredded carrots | 1 cup | Pre-shredded saves time |
| Broccoli florets | 3 cups, bite-sized | Fresh or frozen both work |
| Cheddar cheese | 1.5 cups, shredded | Sharp cheddar adds more flavor |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | Adds subtle warmth |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Adjust to taste |
For Serving:
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Extra shredded cheese
- Gluten-free croutons
Instructions
Step 1: Add the butter to a large saucepan and heat over medium-low until it’s fully melted and starting to shimmer. This gentle start prevents burning and sets the stage for a beautifully smooth gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup recipe.
Step 2: Introduce the diced onion to the melted butter and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing and the onion pieces turn slightly golden at the edges.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and mix thoroughly to coat the onions and garlic, creating a roux that’ll thicken your soup perfectly.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture cook and thicken for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. You’ll notice it starting to coat the back of your spoon—that’s when you know it’s working its magic.
Step 5: Incorporate the shredded carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes to soften them slightly. They add a touch of natural sweetness and gorgeous color to this easy gf soup recipe.
Step 6: Add the broccoli florets last and let the soup simmer gently for 5 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight bite—nobody wants mushy veggies!
Step 7: Lower the heat to the lowest setting and stir in the cheddar cheese gradually until it’s fully melted and smooth. Add the paprika, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil, use full-fat coconut milk instead of half-and-half, and choose your favorite dairy-free cheddar shreds. The soup stays just as creamy and delicious—I’ve made it this way for my lactose-intolerant sister countless times.
Flour Alternatives: If you don’t have a 1:1 gluten-free blend on hand, you can use sweet rice flour or arrowroot starch in the same amount. Just know that arrowroot can make the soup slightly more translucent, but the taste stays spot-on for this super easy gluten free dinner.
Broth Options: Vegetable broth makes this recipe vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing any flavor. For extra depth, try using bone broth—it adds incredible richness and nutrients that align perfectly with recommendations from trusted gluten-free health guides.
Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is classic, you can mix in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheddar for different flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its own personality to these gf soups gluten free options.
Troubleshooting
Soup Too Thin? If your gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup recipe turns out thinner than you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of gluten-free flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk it into the simmering soup and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
Cheese Gets Grainy? This usually happens when the heat is too high when adding the cheese. Always lower your heat to the absolute minimum before stirring in the cheddar, and add it gradually while stirring constantly.
Broccoli Overcooked? Set a timer for those final 5 minutes of simmering. Overcooked broccoli loses its vibrant color and pleasant texture, turning this easy gf soup recipe into mush. If you prefer very soft vegetables, that’s totally fine—just know it changes the overall mouthfeel.
Too Thick? Simply thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half until you reach your desired consistency. The beauty of homemade soup is that you’re in complete control.
Storage
Store leftover gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the original consistency since the soup thickens as it sits. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can cause the cheese to separate and get oily.
For meal prep, this super easy gluten free dinner works beautifully! Make a double batch on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Just wait until the soup cools completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and food safety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy soup in bread bowls made from your favorite gluten-free artisan bread recipe for an impressive presentation that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of warm, cheesy soup nestled in crusty bread is absolutely divine.
Pair it with a simple side salad and some crispy bacon bits on top for a complete comfort meal. For a cozy fall or winter dinner, serve alongside hearty gluten-free lasagna soup and finish with mini apple pies for dessert. Well… that’s basically my ideal Thanksgiving leftovers situation right there!
Variations
Kid-Friendly Version: Reduce the amount of broccoli slightly and add in finely diced cauliflower or extra carrots for picky eaters. You can also blend half of the soup for a smoother texture while keeping the other half chunky for those who like to actually see their veggies. My nephew wouldn’t touch broccoli until I made it this way!
Loaded Broccoli Cheddar: Turn this gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup recipe into a meal by adding cooked, diced chicken breast or crispy bacon pieces. Top with sour cream, extra cheese, and chives for a loaded baked potato-inspired twist that makes these gf soups gluten free even more satisfying.
Veggie-Packed Version: Add diced celery along with the onions, throw in some chopped cauliflower with the broccoli, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrients. This easy gf soup recipe is incredibly forgiving and welcomes whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the paprika for a gentle heat that warms you from the inside out. You can also top individual bowls with jalapeño slices for those who like it hot.
Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets work perfectly in this gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup recipe. Just add them directly to the soup without thawing first, and they’ll cook in the same amount of time. I actually keep frozen broccoli stocked specifically for this super easy gluten free dinner on busy weeknights.
How do I prevent the soup from curdling?
The key is controlling your heat and adding ingredients gradually. Always use low heat when incorporating the cheese, and make sure your broth mixture isn’t boiling when you add the half-and-half. Following these simple steps keeps your easy gf soup recipe smooth and creamy every single time.
What’s the best gluten-free flour to use?
King Arthur and Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free baking blends work beautifully because they contain xanthan gum, which helps with thickening. These trusted brands ensure your gf soups gluten free turn out with that restaurant-quality texture. According to expert baking science resources, blends with xanthan or guar gum provide better structure in liquid-based recipes.
Can I freeze this broccoli cheddar soup?
You can, but cream-based soups sometimes separate slightly when frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze portions of this gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup recipe, undercook the broccoli slightly and add a splash of fresh cream when reheating. Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Why is my soup grainy instead of smooth?
This usually happens when pre-shredded cheese is used, as it contains anti-caking agents that can create a grainy texture. For the smoothest results, buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself—it makes a noticeable difference in this super easy gluten free dinner. The few extra minutes of prep are totally worth it!
This gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup recipe proves that eating gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, flavor, or simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality soup that’s perfect for busy families, meal prep, or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you make this easy gf soup recipe, it’ll become your new cold-weather staple—and your family will be requesting it on repeat!
