Description
This creamy, cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting, rich blend of fresh broccoli, carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures—rich, velvety, and filling. Ideal for a cozy night in or whenever you’re craving a delicious bowl of soup!
Ingredients
- 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 (or 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 (or about 1/2 tsp regular mustard)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add the carrots and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.
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Make Roux: Add the salted butter and melt. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
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Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Stir in the half and half. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped broccoli, salt, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, and black pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
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Finish Soup: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup. Stir until the soup is creamy and smooth.
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Serve: Once everything is melted and combined, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with extra cheddar cheese or a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk instead of half and half, but it may slightly change the creamy texture.
- You can add other vegetables like cauliflower or leeks for a variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy broccoli cheddar soup, cheddar cheese soup, comfort food soup, homemade broccoli soup, rich soup recipe