Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Bean (Printable)

Velvety blend of broccoli, beans, and sharp cheddar with aromatic vegetables and herbs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
05 - 1 medium carrot, diced
06 - 1 celery stalk, diced

→ Beans

07 - 2 cups cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
09 - 1 cup milk

→ Cheese

10 - 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

→ Seasonings

11 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
14 - Pinch of nutmeg

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes.
04 - Add cannellini beans and pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
05 - Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy.
06 - Stir in milk, shredded cheddar cheese, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Return to low heat and stir until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or steamed broccoli florets if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in 40 minutes — just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.
  • High in fiber and protein — cannellini beans and broccoli make this a genuinely nourishing bowl.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free — naturally free of gluten and meat without sacrificing any richness.
  • Easily made vegan — simply swap the dairy milk and cheddar for plant-based alternatives.
  • One-pot wonder — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
02 -
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar — it melts more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
  • Add cheese off the heat — stir in the cheddar over low heat to prevent the soup from breaking or becoming grainy.
  • Boost richness — add a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving for extra creaminess.
  • Increase fiber — stir in ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice before pureeing for an even heartier bowl.
  • Check your labels — if you are sensitive to gluten or soy, double-check the broth and cheese labels before using.
  • Pairs perfectly — serve alongside crusty whole grain bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Go Back