Description
A classic comfort food, this Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup combines fresh vegetables with rich cheese for a warm and nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1½ tsp minced fresh garlic
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp ground mustard
- â…› tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 32 oz reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 3 cups half-and-half (or 2% milk for lighter version)
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 cups freshly shredded carrots
- 12 oz freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onion turns golden and fragrant.
- Mix in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until aromatic.
- Add the remaining butter to the pot and whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to keep it smooth and slightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth until smooth. Gradually add the half-and-half (or 2% milk) while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the bay leaf if using, and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant.
- For a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender. This step is optional depending on your texture preference.
- Remove the pot from heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread or in bread bowls for a delightful meal.
Notes
Allow the soup to cool before storing. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg