Description
This creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and delicious meal, perfect for chilly days. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth, velvety base, this soup combines simple ingredients for a hearty and flavorful experience that serves 4. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it an ideal option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli or frozen broccoli florets
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Stir in ¼ cup of flour to the onion and garlic mixture, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste while stirring constantly. This forms the roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped broccoli and thinly sliced carrots to the pot. Continue simmering for another 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
- Incorporate Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese in batches, allowing it to melt completely and blend smoothly into the soup.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Stir well and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt level for a healthier soup.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Fresh broccoli provides a brighter flavor, while frozen broccoli works well and saves prep time.
- To thicken the soup further, you can add a bit more flour when making the roux or simmer longer.
- If the soup is too thick, thin it with additional milk or broth to your desired consistency.
