Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting soup featuring tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy nights, it delivers a velvety texture and robust flavor that rivals any restaurant version.
Ingredients
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté 6-8 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until aromatic.
3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in broth, then add milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes.
5. Add broccoli, dry mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15-20 minutes until broccoli is tender.
6. Turn off heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and incorporated.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Always shred your own cheese from a block for best melting; pre-shredded can make soup grainy.
Do not boil soup after adding cheese to prevent separation.
Use an immersion blender to partially puree for ultra-smooth texture, leaving some broccoli chunks.
Can prepare base a day in advance and reheat before adding cheese.
Does not freeze well due to dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg