Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with creamy texture, perfectly tender vegetables, and balanced nutrition. Learn how to make a rich, comforting bowl of soup that’s as healthy as it is indulgent—ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (1 medium)
- 1½ tsp minced garlic
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp ground mustard
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 32 oz reduced-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 3 cups half-and-half (or whole milk for lighter version)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 6 cups fresh broccoli (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 12 oz freshly shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 3¼ cups)
- Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls for serving
Smart Substitutions: Use Gruyère for a gourmet twist, mix cauliflower with broccoli for variety, or substitute cream cheese for tanginess.
Instructions
- Create the Aromatic Base: Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until golden. Stir in garlic, paprika, mustard, cayenne, and black pepper for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Roux: Add remaining butter and melt. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden and nutty.
- Incorporate Liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth, then add half-and-half. Add bay leaf and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in broccoli and carrots. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Cheese Finale: Remove pot from heat and discard bay leaf. Gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or bread bowls for ultimate comfort.
Notes
For vegetarian soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Avoid adding cheese while the soup is too hot—it will separate. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days; reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 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: 110mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, comfort food, vegetarian soup, easy soup recipe