Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Print version)

A comforting bowl of creamy broccoli and sharp cheddar, ready in 45 minutes.

# What you’ll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
02 - 1 cup carrots, julienned
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

05 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Base and Liquid

09 - 4 cups vegetable broth
10 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

→ Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
14 - Pinch of ground nutmeg

# Steps:

01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in vegetable broth while stirring to eliminate lumps.
05 - Add broccoli and carrots to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and heavy cream gently without bringing to a boil.
07 - Add grated cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
08 - Add salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Adjust seasonings to preference.
09 - Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some vegetable chunks if preferred.
10 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

# Cooking tips:

01 -
  • The sharp cheddar creates a velvet texture that store bought versions just cannot replicate.
  • Tucking in extra carrots adds a hidden sweetness that perfectly balances the earthy broccoli.
02 -
  • Never let the soup boil once the cheese goes in or you will end up with a grainy texture.
  • Using a heavy bottomed pot prevents the bottom from scorching while the vegetables soften.
03 -
  • Room temperature cream incorporates much more smoothly into hot broth than cold cream does.
  • Adding a splash of hot sauce at the very end brightens the flavors without making it spicy.
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