Description
This creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a classic for a reason! Packed with tender broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and a rich, cheesy broth, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This homemade version is easy to make and tastes so much better than anything you’ll find in a can!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 7 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken stock/broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 6 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until tender. Add garlic, paprika, mustard, cayenne (if using), nutmeg, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant.
- Make a Roux: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in the pot. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-4 minutes, until thickened.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken stock, then half and half, and milk. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Add Vegetables: Add broccoli florets and carrots to the soup. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after the vegetables are cooked.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder.
- Add other vegetables like diced potatoes or cauliflower for variation.
- To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
