Description
This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich, comforting dish made with fresh broccoli, carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect balance of creamy texture and savory flavor, ideal for warming up on a chilly day. Easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- 12 oz fresh broccoli (about a 12 oz bag of florets), roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard (can substitute with about 1/2 tsp regular mustard)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
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Sauté the Onions:
- In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent.
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Make the Roux:
- Add the 1/4 cup of salted butter to the pot with the onions and melt.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously, and cook for about 2 minutes to make a roux. This helps to thicken the soup.
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Add Broth and Half & Half:
- Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Then add the half and half and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally.
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Add Vegetables:
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and carrots.
- Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
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Season the Soup:
- Add kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, and black pepper to the soup. Stir to combine and adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Add Cheese:
- Once the vegetables are tender, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
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Serve:
- Once the soup is creamy and smooth, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheese or croutons.
Notes
- You can use a hand blender to blend the soup if you prefer a smoother texture.
- If you want to make this soup vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables, such as cauliflower or potatoes, for more flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Creamy Broccoli Soup, Homemade Soup, Comfort Food Soup, Cheese Soup, Broccoli Soup Recipe