Description
A warm and creamy Cheddar broccoli soup perfect for chilly days, providing comfort in every bite.
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 smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 32 ounces (4 cups) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 6 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 12 ounces (about 3 1/4 cups) freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook until golden (approximately 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, ground cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper to taste. Cook for another 45 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until fully mixed, then add the half-and-half, whisking continuously for a smooth consistency.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the bay leaf. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes, whisking occasionally until thickened.
- While simmering, chop the broccoli and shred the Cheddar cheese.
- Add the broccoli and carrots to the simmering soup, cooking for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Optionally blend the soup for a smoother texture.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve in bread bowls or alongside buttered bread. Enjoy!
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. For vegan options, substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg