Description
This comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy delight perfect for a cozy meal. Made with fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful roux base, it’s a delicious blend of vegetables and rich dairy, simmered to perfection in a large pot. Serve it with buttered bread or in bread bowls for an extra hearty experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
- 1–1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 6 cups chopped broccoli (bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 12 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 3–1/4 cups)
Serving Suggestions
- Hearty buttered bread (optional), or serve in bread bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to make a golden roux.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer: Add the bay leaf if using, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the soup thickens.
- Add Vegetables: Add chopped broccoli and shredded carrots, simmer for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Take out the bay leaf if added.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally with hearty buttered bread or in bread bowls for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a creamy texture; you can substitute with heavy cream or whole milk for variation.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor but can be substituted with regular paprika.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
