If you love the creamy, cheesy goodness of Applebee’s Broccoli Cheese Soup, you’re in for a treat! This copycat version brings all the cozy comfort of the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. Loaded with tender broccoli, shredded carrots, and melted cheddar in a velvety base, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or chilly afternoons.

Bowl of creamy Applebee’s broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheddar
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This Applebee’s Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe is warm, hearty, and every bit as delicious as the original — and now you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it as a starter, side, or main dish, it’s guaranteed to satisfy every time.

And the best part? It comes together with simple ingredients and can easily be made on the stovetop or in your Instant Pot for a fast and flavorful meal the whole family will love.

Bowl of Applebee’s broccoli cheese soup garnished with cheddar and served with bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy & Comforting: Rich, cheesy, and full of flavor—just like Applebee’s version.
  • Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find and budget-friendly.
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will ask for this one again and again.
  • Versatile Cooking Options: Make it on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot for even faster prep.
  • Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully and is even better the next day.

Applebee’s Broccoli Cheese Soup Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Applebee's Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen; provides the heart of the soup’s flavor and texture.
  • Shredded carrots – Adds color, subtle sweetness, and texture.
  • Yellow onion, finely chopped – Builds flavor in the base.
  • Garlic, minced – Adds a savory depth.
  • Butter – Used for sautéing and building the roux.
  • All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the soup.
  • Chicken or vegetable broth – Forms the flavorful liquid base.
  • Whole milk – Creates a creamy texture.
  • Heavy cream – Adds richness and body.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – Melts into the soup for bold, cheesy flavor.
  • Salt and black pepper – For seasoning to taste.
  • Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne – Enhances the flavor subtly.

How to Make Applebee’s Broccoli Cheese Soup

Saute the onions in butter.

Step 1: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and carrots and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Stir in the broccoli into the soup mixture.

Step 3: Slowly whisk in the broth, breaking up any clumps. Add the milk and cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add broccoli, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings. Simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Reduce heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Use an immersion blender for a creamier texture, or leave it chunky if preferred. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Creamy Applebee’s broccoli cheese soup in a bowl topped with melted cheddar

Instant Pot Instructions:

Step 1: Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt butter, then add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened. Add flour, stir to coat vegetables, and cook for 1 minute.

Step 2: Add broth, milk, cream, broccoli, salt, and pepper. Cancel Sauté, close the lid, and set to Pressure Cook on High for 3 minutes. Quick release the pressure, then stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Applebee’s Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe Tips

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and consistency—pre-shredded tends to have anti-caking agents that affect texture.
  • Chop the broccoli small so it cooks quickly and evenly, especially if you’re skipping the blender.
  • Don’t boil after adding cheese — keep heat low to prevent separation.
  • Add extra broth or milk if the soup thickens too much upon cooling.
Bowl of Applebee’s broccoli cheese soup with cheddar and broccoli florets

Storing & Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed.
  • Freezer: Not recommended—cream-based soups can separate when thawed.

Applebee’s Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes! Just thaw it first and drain excess moisture before adding.

What kind of cheese works best? Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or even Gouda for a twist.

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely—just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I thicken the soup more? Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer or stir in an extra spoonful of flour mixed with milk.

Homemade Applebee’s broccoli cheese soup in a bowl with melted cheddar on top

More Copycat Applebee’s Recipes

Copycat Applebee’s Bourbon Street Steak Recipe

Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe

Instant Pot Copycat Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Air Fryer Copycat Applebee’s Honey Grilled Salmon

Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks

Applebee’s Almond Rice Pilaf

Applebee’s Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Wings

Instant Pot Copycat Applebees French Onion Soup

Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe

Applebee’s Honey Mustard Sauce

Crispy Applebee’s Copycat Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Copycat Applebee’s Butter Pecan Blondies

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Bowl of creamy Applebee’s broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheddar

Applebee’s Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Enjoy a warm bowl of Applebee’s Broccoli Cheese Soup with this easy copycat recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh broccoli and flavor.

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • ½ cup carrots, shredded
  • ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth, or vegetable broth
  • cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg , or cayenne pepper

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions:

  • In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add½ cup yellow onion and ½ cup carrots and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add 2 cloves garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the ¼ cup all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Slowly whisk in the 2 cups chicken broth, breaking up any clumps. Add the 1½ cups whole milk and c1 cup heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg . Simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10–15 minutes.
  • Reduce heat and slowly stir in the 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Use an immersion blender for a creamier texture, or leave it chunky if preferred. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Instant Pot Instructions:

  • Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt butter, then add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened.
  • Add flour, stir to coat vegetables, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add broth, milk, cream, broccoli, salt, and pepper. Cancel Sauté, close the lid, and set to Pressure Cook on High for 3 minutes.
  • Quick release the pressure, then stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving

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