How to Make the Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
American · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
A velvety smooth soup packed with tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese. This classic comfort soup is thick, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.
Why this recipe works
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot shredded
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Build the base
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 2: Add liquids
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, adding them gradually to prevent lumps. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and starting to thicken, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables
Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrot to the pot. Simmer over medium low heat for 15 minutes until the broccoli is very tender. Stir in the smoked paprika.
Step 4: Melt in the cheese
Remove the pot from heat or reduce to the lowest setting. Add the shredded cheddar cheese in three batches, stirring until fully melted between each addition. Do not let the soup boil after adding the cheese.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Serve in bread bowls or regular bowls topped with extra shredded cheddar.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → heavy cream for an even richer soup
- sharp cheddar → Gruyere for a more nutty sophisticated flavor
- all purpose flour → cornstarch slurry for a gluten free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding the cheese while the soup is boiling which causes it to become grainy and stringy
- Using pre shredded bagged cheese which contains anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- Skipping the flour cooking step which results in a raw starchy flavor in the finished soup
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 18g protein, 24g carbs, 38g fat, 4g fiber.
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