Description
Few dishes rival the cozy satisfaction of a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, it’s a go-to comfort food that brings warmth to the soul and nutrition to the table. Whether served as a starter or enjoyed as a main course, this classic is a staple in American kitchens and cafes alike.
Ingredients
Scale
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
3 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 large carrot, shredded
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of nutmeg for added warmth
Instructions
- Sautéing the Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant—about 4 minutes.
- Cooking the Broccoli:Add chopped broccoli and shredded carrots. Stir and let cook for 2-3 minutes. This allows the vegetables to start softening.
- Making the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk and broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Combining and Simmering: Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until broccoli is tender and the base thickens.
- Blending and Final Touches: Use an immersion blender for a partially creamy texture. For ultra-smooth soup, transfer to a traditional blender in batches. Stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
Notes
- Cheese matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that may affect the texture.
- Make it lighter: Swap out the whole milk for 2% or use a combination of milk and low-fat cream.
- Add protein: For a heartier version, stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat; avoid boiling to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Freezing: This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat slowly while stirring to prevent separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg