Description
A creamy and delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup that comes together in just 30 minutes. This comforting American classic blends tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese in a smooth, savory broth, perfect for a quick meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, to develop the base flavor of the soup.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. This step is essential to thicken the soup later on.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and whole milk, making sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming, creating a smooth base for the soup.
- Simmer with Broccoli: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the broccoli florets. Continue cooking until the broccoli is tender, approximately 10 minutes, which allows it to soften and release flavor.
- Blend Soup: Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. Leave some small pieces of broccoli if you prefer texture in your soup. Be cautious not to overblend if you want a creamy but slightly chunky soup.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Return the pot to low heat, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of nutmeg if using, adjusting to taste for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, ideally with crusty bread or crackers to complement the creamy, cheesy texture. Enjoy immediately for best taste and quality.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the cheese.
- You can use a mix of cheddar and Gruyère cheese for a richer flavor profile.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently on low heat to prevent the cheese from separating.
