Description
A comforting and creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, packed with fresh vegetables, rich cream, and plenty of cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1–1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 32 ounces reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 6 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 12 ounces freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- Hearty buttered bread (optional) or serve in bread bowls
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add finely diced onions and cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and pepper; cook for about 45 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely.
- Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until combined and smooth.
- Slowly pour in the half-and-half, whisking continuously.
- Lower heat to medium-low, add the bay leaf and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add chopped broccoli and shredded carrots; cook on low for another 10-15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Turn off heat and stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute with milk or use less half-and-half. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg