Description
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish combining tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, velvety base. Perfect for chilly evenings or satisfying lunches, this soup balances warmth, texture, and rich cheesy flavor with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, making it a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant to build a flavorful foundation.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour into the butter and onion mixture while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 2 minutes until the roux turns golden and smells nutty, ensuring a thickened soup without raw flour taste.
- Add the Broth and Broccoli: Slowly pour in chicken or vegetable broth while whisking, then add chopped broccoli florets. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup until smooth, leaving some broccoli pieces intact for texture, balancing richness with chunkiness.
- Stir in Cheese and Milk: Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and milk or cream. Stir gently until cheese is fully melted and soup becomes luxuriously creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use sharp-aged cheddar for more flavor and smooth melting.
- Do not overcook broccoli to keep bright color and nutrients.
- Blend only part of the soup to maintain texture balance.
- Add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess.
- Season carefully since cheese adds saltiness; taste as you go.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg