Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, creamy taste of McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe — it’s warm, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible! If you’ve ever wished to bring that restaurant-quality flavor home, you’re in the right place. Did you know McAlister’s Deli sells over a million bowls of this soup every year? That’s how loved it is!
» Hi, I’m Chef Antonio Morelli — and as someone who loves recreating famous restaurant dishes, this soup holds a special place in my kitchen. Every spoonful takes me back to chilly evenings when I’d grab a bowl from McAlister’s Deli and savor that thick, cheesy goodness.
Now, I’ve perfected a homemade soup version that’s just as rich, creamy, and comforting — ready in under 30 minutes— all with simple ingredients and no fancy tools.
So, let’s dive into the recipe!
🧠 What Is McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
» McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting soup made with tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, buttery base. It’s one of McAlister’s Deli’s most-loved menu items — warm, velvety, and full of flavor! 🍲
» This hearty soup combines the goodness of vegetables with cheesy indulgence, making it a favorite for lunch or cozy dinners.
💛 Why You’ll Love This McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
There are countless reasons this soup has become one of McAlister’s best-sellers — and here’s why you’ll adore this homemade version:
» One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup with minimal dishes!
» Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: That signature McAlister’s texture in every spoonful.
» Loaded with Broccoli: Fresh florets cooked just right — tender yet firm.
» Budget-Friendly Comfort: Restaurant taste without the restaurant bill.
» Meal Prep Ready: Freezes beautifully for cozy weeknight dinners.
Fun Fact: McAlister’s serves over a million bowls of broccoli cheddar soup each year — and after you make this, you’ll understand why!
🍳 Kitchen Equipment For McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
» You don’t need fancy tools for this McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe — just these kitchen essentials:
» Ladle – Perfect for serving and portioning.
» Grater – Freshly grate cheddar for the best melt.
» Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient ratios.
» Large Soup Pot / Dutch Oven – For sautéing and simmering.
» Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – For chopping veggies evenly.
» Airtight Containers – For easy storage and freezing of leftovers.
» Whisk & Silicone Spatula – To mix roux and stir cheese smoothly.
» Immersion Blender (Optional) – For a creamy, restaurant-style finish.
Ingredients For McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
» Creating that iconic McAlister’s style richness is all about balance — here’s what you’ll need:
» Chicken or Veggie Broth: Adds depth and flavor.
» Carrots: Julienne or shred for color and sweetness.
»Onion & Garlic: Build that aromatic, savory base.
» Butter & Flour: Create a classic roux for thickening.
» Cream or Half-and-Half: That signature McAlister’s richness!
» Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated, melts smoothly, and is creamy.
» Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, both work — chop small for best texture.
» Seasonings: Salt, pepper, nutmeg, paprika — the perfect balance of warmth.
» Optional Add-ins: Crumbled bacon or shredded chicken for extra indulgence.
» Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just thaw it first and pat it dry to prevent excess water in the soup.
How to Make Copycat McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
» If you’ve ever wondered how McAlister’s achieves that rich, silky texture and perfectly balanced cheesy flavor — this is it! Follow these easy steps and you’ll have the same comforting soup simmering on your stove in under 40 minutes.
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🧊 Resting Time: 5 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 40 minutes
💰 Estimated Cost: $10–12 (approx.)
👉 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat: Medium
Time: 4–5 minutes
♥ In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
♥ Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
♥ Sauté until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, creating the flavor foundation.
♥ Don’t rush this step! The buttery onion base gives your soup that savory McAlister’s style aroma.
💡 Chef’s Note: You can also add a small diced celery stalk here for a subtle depth of flavor — it enhances the broth beautifully.
👉 Step 2: Make the Roux
Heat: Medium-low
Time: 2 minutes
♥ Sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour directly into the melted butter and onions.
♥ Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until the mixture turns smooth and slightly golden.
♥ This roux will serve as the thickening base for your soup, lending it a luxurious, velvety texture.
⚠️ Tip: Don’t let it brown too much — you’re looking for a pale golden paste, not a dark roux.
👉 Step 3: Add the Broth Slowly
Heat: Medium
Time: 3–4 minutes
♥ Gradually pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
♥ Once smooth, let it gently bubble for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
♥ You’ll see the base transforming into a creamy, rich soup consistency.
✨ Pro Tip: Use room-temperature broth — adding cold liquid to hot roux can create clumps.
👉 Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Heat: Medium-low
Time: 10–12 minutes simmer
♥ Now, add 3 cups of chopped broccoli florets & 1 cup of shredded carrots to the pan.
♥ Cover and let the soup simmer for 10–12 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
♥ The broccoli should be bright green and fork-tender, while the carrots add a touch of sweetness and color.
💡 Chef’s Secret: To mimic McAlister’s perfect texture, blend half the soup after this step and return it to the pot. This gives you both creamy and chunky elements — the best of both worlds!
👉 Step 5: Add the Cream
Heat: Low
Time: 2 minutes
♥ Now you can add 1½ cups of heavy cream.
♥ Stir gently to combine, keeping the heat low to maintain a silky texture and prevent curdling.
♥ If you prefer a lighter version, use whole milk or a mix of milk and broth — it still stays beautifully creamy.
» Can I make McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup without cream?
Yes! Use milk or a mix of milk and broth for a lighter version without losing flavor.
👉 Step 6: Stir in the Cheese (The McAlister’s Magic!)
Heat: Low
Time: 2–3 minutes
♥ Turn off the heat before adding cheese — this is key!
♥ Gradually add 2 cups of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted.
♥ The soup should become thick, glossy, and irresistibly cheesy.
⚠️ Avoid pre-shredded cheese — the anti-caking powder can make the soup grainy.
💛 Chef’s Flavor Tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg and paprika here — it enhances the cheese flavor subtly but beautifully, just like McAlister’s version.
👉 Step 7: Adjust Seasoning, Serve and Enjoy!
Heat: Off
Time: Immediate
♥ Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne (optional for a mild kick).
♥ If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes more.
♥ Once the soup reaches your perfect creamy consistency, ladle it into bowls.
♥ Serve warm, topped with extra cheese, a drizzle of cream, or even crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling indulgent.
👉 Optional Chef Finishing Touches
♥ Sprinkle freshly grated cheddar or parmesan on top right before serving.
♥ Add homemade croutons or serve inside a hollowed-out bread bowl — McAlister’s style!
♥ Garnish with finely chopped parsley or chives for a fresh color contrast.
🕒 Total Cooking Time Breakdown:
Step Process Time
1 Sauté aromatics 5 min
2 Make roux 2 min
3 Add broth 3–4 min
4 Simmer with veggies 10–12 min
5 Add cream 2 min
6 Stir in cheese 3 min
7 Final seasoning & serve 2 min
Total Approx. 28–30 minutes
🥣 Final Texture Check:
» Your soup should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, rich from the cheese, and balanced with tender broccoli pieces floating in a velvety cheddar base — exactly like the McAlister’s classic you love.
✨ Chef Tip: Blend half the soup for a thicker texture while leaving chunks of broccoli for that authentic deli-style feel.
Ingredient Substitutes For McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
» Quick Ingredient Substitute for McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe you can try
| Ingredient | Substitute | Purpose / Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🥦 Broccoli | Cauliflower or Broccolini | Similar texture & flavor |
| 🧈 Butter | Olive oil or margarine | For sautéing and richness |
| 🥛 Heavy Cream | Half-and-half or whole milk | Lighter, still creamy |
| 🍗 Chicken Broth | Vegetable broth | For vegetarian option |
| 🧀 Sharp Cheddar | Colby, Gouda, or Monterey Jack | Different cheese depth |
| 🌾 All-purpose Flour | Cornstarch or gluten-free blend | Thickening agent |
| 🧅 Onion | Shallots or leeks | Milder flavor option |
| 🧄 Garlic | Garlic powder | Quick, easy substitute |
Tips for Perfect McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Achieving that perfect silky finish takes just a few pro tricks:
» Don’t Boil After Adding Cheese: It’ll separate — keep the heat low!
» Blend Partially: Puree half for smoothness, leave chunks for bite.
» Season Gradually: Cheese adds saltiness, so taste before seasoning.
» Reheat Gently: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to refresh texture.
» Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect creaminess.
» Why did my cheese clump or separate?
Cheese can curdle if added at high heat. Always add it off heat and stir slowly.
🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Because this soup is so addictive, you’ll definitely want leftovers — and here’s how to keep them perfect:
» Storage: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days in the fridge.
» Freeze: Portion and freeze for up to 2 months — great for batch cooking.
» Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring often.
» ⚠️ Avoid High Heat: Keeps the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
🌶️Flavor Boosters & Add-Ins Tips
» Want to take your McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe to the next level? Try these delicious upgrades:
» Garlic & Onion Powder: Deepens the savory base.
» Crispy Bacon Bits: For a smoky, salty crunch.
» Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, or chives for aroma and color.
» Extra Veggies: Cauliflower, spinach, or leeks for variety.
» Dash of Cayenne or Hot Sauce: Adds gentle heat and depth.
» Shredded Chicken: Makes it heartier and protein-packed.
» Extra Sharp Cheddar or Smoked Gouda: Adds a bolder, richer cheese flavor.
🥣Soup Variations You Can Try!
Give your McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe a creative twist with these tasty variations:
» Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Soup: Mix in cauliflower for a lighter texture.
» Loaded Potato Broccoli Soup: Add diced potatoes and top with bacon and sour cream.
» Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Soup: Swap cheddar for parmesan and add roasted garlic.
» Vegetable Cheddar Soup: Toss in peas, carrots, and corn for a colorful, hearty bowl.
» Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Stir in shredded chicken for a protein boost.
» Spicy Jalapeño Broccoli Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
What to Serve with McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with so many sides and garnishes! Try these combinations for a complete McAlister-style meal:
♥ Serve in a crusty bread bowl for that restaurant presentation.
♥ Pair with grilled cheese, club sandwiches, or garlic toast.
♥ Add a drizzle of cream or sprinkle extra cheddar on top.
♥ Complement it with a light salad, like McAlister’s Savannah Chopped Salad.
♥ Bonus: It’s perfect with a glass of white wine on cozy evenings!
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approximate Per Serving)
♥ Calories: 360
♥ Protein: 15g
♥ Fat: 28g
♥ Carbohydrates: 18g
♥ Fiber: 3g
♥ Calcium: 25% DV
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Best Alternate Soup Recipes You Can Try Today!
If you loved this copycat soup, you’ll definitely want to try these too:
» Texas Roadhouse Loaded Potato Soup
» Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
» Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
» Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Copycat
» Cheddar Cauliflower Soup (Low Carb Option)
» Sonic Signature Sauce Recipe
» Burger King Stacker Sauce Recipe
» Pizza Hut Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a large pot, add onion, and sauté until soft.
- Now you can stir in flour & whisk gently to make a soft & smooth roux.
- Slowly add broth, milk, and cream while whisking.
- Add broccoli and simmer until tender (10–12 minutes).
- Reduce the heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, add a bit more flour or simmer for a longer period.
- For a vegetarian version, use veggie broth.
- You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne for an enhanced flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk (like oat or almond), and vegan cheddar-style cheese for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, store in airtight containers, and reheat gently to maintain texture.
How can I thicken the soup more?
Add a little more flour during the roux stage, or simmer the soup uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly. The flavor remains rich and creamy!
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese gives the most flavor, but you can mix it with mild cheddar or Gouda for a creamier, balanced taste.
What pairs best with broccoli cheddar soup?
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light green salad for a balanced, comforting meal combo.
❤️ My Final Thoughts
Every time I make this McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, I’m reminded why comfort food is so special — it’s simple, nostalgic, and brings everyone together around the table. 🥰
» Now, it’s your turn! Grab your pot, your favorite cheddar, and create this creamy, cozy bowl of happiness at home. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this soup will wrap you in warmth — just like McAlister’s does.
If you loved this cozy soup recipe, don’t forget to share it with your fellow soup lovers or pin it for later. Let’s keep spreading the comfort, one bowl at a time! If you have any thoughts or suggestions, write to me in the comment section below, or you can also try my other soup recipes! – I’d love to hear from you! Till then,
Happy Cooking!
