Description
A rich, creamy, and comforting broccoli cheddar soup that’s easy to make in just 30 minutes. Perfect for chilly days, this velvety soup is packed with cheesy goodness and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the broccoli into small florets, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the carrots.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the Liquid: Gradually pour in the broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the pot. Cover and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. Otherwise, leave it chunky.
- Add the Dairy: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream or milk. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated.
- Season and Serve: Add salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg if desired. Stir well and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes before serving hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- To make it vegan, use dairy-free cheese, plant-based milk, and replace butter with olive oil.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, easy soup recipe, quick dinner, cheesy soup