Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Print view)

Tender broccoli in a velvety smooth, rich cheddar cheese broth ready in under an hour.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb broccoli florets
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

05 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 2 cups vegetable broth
08 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
09 - ½ cup heavy cream

→ Pantry

10 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
11 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
12 - ½ tsp salt
13 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

# How-To Steps:

01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
02 - Stir in grated carrot and broccoli florets. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to begin softening the vegetables.
03 - Sprinkle flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring constantly to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste and create a roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk and vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until broccoli is completely tender.
05 - Use an immersion blender to partially blend for a chunky texture, or fully blend for a completely smooth consistency according to preference.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until cheese melts completely and soup becomes velvety smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
07 - Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with additional grated cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The way the sharp cheddar melts into every spoonful feels like a restaurant quality soup you made in your own kitchen
  • Its forgiving enough to welcome extra veggies or different cheeses while still tasting absolutely perfect
  • Ready in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all afternoon on someone grandmas stove
02 -
  • Never boil the soup after adding the cheese or it will separate into an oily, grainy mess
  • Grating your own cheese from a block makes the difference between good and incredible
  • The nutmeg is not optional, its the secret ingredient that makes this taste special
03 -
  • Temper the milk by warming it slightly before adding to prevent shocking the roux
  • Use a box grater for perfect cheese texture that melts evenly into the soup
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