Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality creaminess and rich cheese flavor in under an hour. Packed with wholesome vegetables, this comforting classic is perfect for every season — whether served in a bread bowl or alongside your favorite crusty bread.
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
- ⅛ 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
Optional Variations: Substitute vegetable broth for vegetarian soup, or use cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Instructions
- Build Aromatic Base: Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Add garlic, paprika, mustard, cayenne, and pepper, cooking 1 minute until aromatic.
- Create the Roux: Add remaining butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly golden.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Gradually add half-and-half while whisking constantly. Add bay leaf and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in broccoli and carrots. Simmer 10–15 minutes until broccoli is tender yet vibrant. For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove pot from heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread or bread bowls for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Notes
Avoid overheating the cheese—add it off the heat for smooth texture. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with extra broth or milk to restore creaminess. Freeze before adding cheese for best long-term results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 12 oz)
- Calories: 566
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 766mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 102mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup, vegetarian soup recipe