Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, creamy base, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for chilly days. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients (Quantities)

For the Soup:

Butter: 3 tablespoons
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Carrots: 2, grated
Celery: 1 stalk, finely chopped
All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons
Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups
Broccoli florets: 4 cups (fresh or frozen)
Heavy cream: 1 cup (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded (sharp or extra sharp works best)
Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg: A pinch (optional, for added warmth)

Optional Ingredients

Cauliflower florets: 1 cup, mixed with broccoli for variety
Potatoes: 1 small, diced, for a thicker soup
Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, for extra depth of flavor
Crushed red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Make the roux:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
Add the broth:
- Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Cook the broccoli:
- Add the broccoli florets and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Blend the soup:
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches.
Add cream and cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese to prevent it from curdling.
Season and serve:
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if using. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Success

For a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour or a diced potato during cooking.
Use high-quality cheddar for the best flavor—extra sharp cheddar works wonders.
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat to avoid separating the cream and cheese.
Garnish with extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a drizzle of cream for a restaurant-style presentation.

Recommendations

Pair this soup with a slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette.
Serve alongside a light salad for a balanced meal.
Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting any meat-based toppings.