Description
This creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich roux-based broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, it features tender vegetables simmered to perfection and blended slightly for a smooth, velvety texture. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this classic American soup makes a delicious starter or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Extra cheddar cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form. Then add the half-and-half or whole milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer Vegetables: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then add the chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrots, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. This step is optional based on your preference.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm, topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener.
- This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or can be served in a bread bowl for a rustic presentation.
- Use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian or chicken broth for a slightly richer flavor.
- The immersion blender step is optional; blending part of the soup creates a smoother texture while leaving some vegetable chunks adds more bite.
