Name: Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup without Heavy Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, sliced; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 4 cups broccoli florets (1-2 inches); 1 white potato, cut into 0.5 inch cubes; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken); 1 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup without Heavy Cream Recipe

Jump to Recipe·4 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a creamy, comforting soup that doesn’t rely on heavy cream but still hits all the right notes, this Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup without Heavy Cream Recipe is an absolute winner. Thickened naturally with potato and packed with vibrant broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, it manages to be both nourishing and indulgent without any guilt. Whether it’s a cozy lunch or a light dinner, this soup is gluten-free, satisfies your taste buds, and leaves you feeling great inside and out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot with turquoise handles filled with a mix of broccoli florets, diced potatoes, and chopped celery floating in light broth. The broccoli pieces are bright green with textured florets, scattered evenly on top with the potato cubes showing a soft pale yellow color beneath. The celery is pale green and sliced into small curved pieces, sprinkled throughout the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft light coming from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that make all the difference in flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a vital role from creating that creamy base to providing a rich, cheesy finish and a fresh touch of green.

Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that provides a lovely base flavor and helps soften the veggies.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant warmth that enhances every bite.
Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh, aromatic undertones.
Broccoli florets: The star vegetable bursting with nutrients and vibrant green color.
White potato: Acts as a natural thickener, making the soup luxuriously creamy without cream.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight all the flavors.
Broth: Creates a savory, flavorful liquid base for the soup.
Milk: Adds a silky smooth texture and mild richness; almond milk works beautifully too.
Cheddar cheese: Melted in for that irresistible cheesy goodness that defines this soup.

How to Make Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup without Heavy Cream Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Gently cook the diced onion until it’s soft and translucent, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This forms a flavorful foundation for your soup. Then add the sliced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it releases that delightful aroma.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Broth

Next, stir in the celery, broccoli florets, and diced white potato, along with salt, pepper, and your broth. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the potato to soften perfectly, creating the natural creaminess that replaces heavy cream in this recipe.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Once the vegetables are tender, pour in your milk, then blend the soup directly in the pot using an immersion blender. This part is pure magic — your soup transforms into a silky, smooth base that’s both rich and wholesome.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Finally, add your shredded cheddar in small batches, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes luxuriously cheesy. This step is where the soup truly comes to life, balancing creaminess with sharp, savory flavor.

How to Serve Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup without Heavy Cream Recipe

A round white bowl with a teal handle holds thick green soup with a swirled pattern of white cream and pepper flakes on top. The bowl sits on a light gray textured cloth, placed on a gray stone surface. In the top left corner, there are several sliced pieces of light brown bread on a light wooden cutting board, next to some shredded yellow cheese and a small broccoli floret. A silver spoon rests near the bowl. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or crispy bacon bits atop the soup. A dusting of extra shredded cheddar or a few croutons adds texture and makes the bowl look invitingly gourmet.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or crunchy whole-grain bread to soak up every last drop. For something heartier, a grilled cheese sandwich is a classic sidekick that never disappoints.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this soup inside hollowed out bread bowls or mini pumpkin shells during fall. Layer a little steamed broccoli or extra cheese on top before serving to make it extra special and visually appealing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your soup, allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, making it a perfect option for quick meals throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, this soup freezes beautifully. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving ample headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture upon reheating.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, microwaving individual portions works well—heat until steaming hot. For larger batches, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this soup?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic flavor, feel free to try mozzarella for extra meltiness or even a sharper aged cheddar for bolder taste. Mixing cheeses can be deliciously rewarding.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

This particular version uses milk and cheese, but you can substitute unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it dairy-free, although the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

Why use potato instead of heavy cream?

Potato acts as a natural thickener, giving the soup a creamy, velvety texture without the added fat and calories that heavy cream brings. It’s a fantastic trick for making healthy brothy soups feel indulgent.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes! The flavors adapt perfectly to both cooking methods. Just adjust cooking times accordingly: Instant Pot for about 10 minutes under pressure, or slow cooker for several hours on low until vegetables are tender.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup without Heavy Cream Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and satisfying choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup without Heavy Cream Recipe is truly a keeper for anyone wanting to enjoy rich and comforting flavors without heaviness. It’s simple, nourishing, and bursting with wholesome goodness. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and delicious healthy comfort food can be!