Print

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Print Recipe

Warm up with creamy, easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup made with fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar—perfect for cozy nights. This hearty soup combines tender broccoli florets, rich cheese, and a smooth, velvety base for a comforting and nourishing meal that’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (grated from block)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free version)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups milk or half-and-half
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, then stir in garlic if using, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and butter, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and thicken the soup later on.
  3. Add Liquid and Broccoli: Gradually whisk in your chicken or vegetable broth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, then add fresh broccoli florets. Cook until broccoli is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth but still slightly chunky, or transfer in batches to a blender. This ensures a creamy texture without losing the broccoli’s defining bite.
  5. Stir in Cheese and Milk: Reduce the heat to low and mix in shredded sharp cheddar and milk or half-and-half. Stir gently until cheese is melted and the soup is rich and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve Warm: Once everything is blended and seasoned just right, ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy a cozy first spoonful!

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp broccoli to keep the soup fresh and avoid bitterness.
  • Grate cheese yourself to ensure optimal melting and flavor.
  • Don’t overblend; leave some small broccoli pieces for texture.
  • Melt cheese slowly over low heat to prevent graininess or curdling.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding broth or milk to thin or simmering longer to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, healthy soup, comfort food, easy soup

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/broccoli-cheddar-soup/