Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm, creamy soup packed with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and simple vegetables. It makes a cozy lunch or an easy dinner on a cold day. The soup comes together in one pot, so cleanup stays simple. I like to make it when I want something comforting but do not want to spend hours cooking. The broccoli adds a fresh taste, while cheddar gives the soup a rich, cheesy flavor. A little carrot adds color and mild sweetness. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple salad for a filling meal the whole family can enjoy.
What Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy vegetable soup made with broccoli, carrots, onion, broth, milk or cream, and cheddar cheese. The vegetables cook until tender, then the cheese melts into the soup to create a smooth, rich texture.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
Instructions
- Cook the vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, then cook for 4-5 minutes until the onion softens. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make the base: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add broth and milk: Slowly pour in the broth while stirring. Add milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes tender but still has some bite.
- Add cheese: Lower the heat. Add the shredded cheddar a little at a time and stir until fully melted. Add heavy cream if you want a richer soup.
- Taste and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra cheddar and crusty bread if desired.
Essential Note
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the smoothest result. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that can make the soup grainy or prevent it from melting well.
Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and create an oily texture. Keep the heat low and stir gently until the cheese melts.
Cut the broccoli into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly. Small pieces work best because they fit easily on a spoon and become tender without turning mushy.
For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little warm broth or milk until you reach the texture you like.
You can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a smoother texture while keeping some broccoli pieces whole. Avoid blending the entire soup for too long, as the cheese and dairy can become less smooth.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a lighter soup, use 2% milk and skip the heavy cream.
Recipe Notes
Fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, carrots, and a creamy broth create a rich soup with balanced flavor. Serve it hot with bread for an easy family meal.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Use sharp cheddar because it gives the soup more flavor without needing a large amount of cheese. Shred the cheese yourself and let it come close to room temperature before adding it.
Keep the soup at a gentle simmer instead of a hard boil. This helps the milk and cheese stay smooth. Add cheese only after lowering the heat.
Do not overcook the broccoli. It should feel tender when pierced with a fork but still hold its shape. If you want a smoother soup, blend only half of it.
For extra flavor, cook the onion slowly until soft before adding the flour. Always taste the soup near the end and adjust the salt, pepper, or cheese to suit your preference.
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Anupam
Before I even start cooking, I taste-test everything to make sure it’s spot-on. Then, I break it down for you with everyday essentials, nutrition info, and simple, step-by-step instructions. From breakfast to dinner, I walk you through each stage so cooking becomes easy, fun, and stress-free.
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