Description
Velvety, cozy, and deeply cheesy, this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup wraps tender broccoli in a smooth, rich cheddar base with a whisper of nutmeg.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets: 4 cups, chopped
- Carrots: 1 cup, shredded
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Whole milk: 2 cups
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 3 cups, freshly grated
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set a large pot over medium heat and prep your chopped vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients: Melt butter in the pot, add onion, garlic, and carrots, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth until no lumps remain.
- Assemble the Dish: Stir in the broccoli and simmer until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the milk and heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer.
- Cook to Perfection: Partially blend the soup with an immersion blender for a creamy yet textured finish, or transfer half to a blender and return it to the pot.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, stir in the cheddar a handful at a time until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar or chopped chives if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar for the smoothest melt.
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation.
- Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Blend less for a chunkier texture or more for an ultra-smooth finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1.5 cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy broccoli soup, cheddar soup, vegetarian soup, easy weeknight dinner, stovetop soup