Description
This creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is easy and delicious, perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy a homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup with rich flavors and a thick, cheesy texture. Great for a healthy Broccoli Soup option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion 1 onion
- 1–1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika I like smoked
- 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 32 ounces reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 3 cups half-and-half see note 1
- 1 bay leaf optional
- 6 cups chopped broccoli to bite-size pieces
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 12 ounces freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese 3-1/4 cups
- Hearty buttered bread optional or serve in bread bowls
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden (3–5 minutes).
- Add garlic, paprika, mustard, cayenne, and pepper to taste.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 45 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the remaining 6 tablespoons butter and melt.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it thickens.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth.
- Slowly add half-and-half, whisking constantly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add bay leaf, and simmer for 15 minutes, whisking occasionally or until thickened.
- Add broccoli and carrots to the soup.
- Let the soup cook on low for 10–15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in cheese gradually until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Enjoy immediately in bread bowls or with hearty buttered bread on the side.
Notes
- Note 1: Half-and-half is a blend of milk and cream, usually found near the milk section in grocery stores
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
- Storage: Keep leftover soup in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat slowly on low to avoid separation
- Add a splash of half-and-half or broth if it needs thinning
- Prep Time: 15minutes minutes
- Cook Time: 40minutes minutes
- Method: Stovetop
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1serving
- Calories: 566kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 766mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g + 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 102mg