Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of Broccoli Cheddar Soup with this simple recipe! Made with fresh broccoli and carrots simmered in a smooth blend of milk, broth, and melty cheddar cheese, it's the perfect comfort meal for chilly nights.

Course Soups

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 480

Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

3 cups Broccoli Florets
¼ cup Carrot julienned
4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
2 cups Whole Milk room temp
2 cups Broth low sodium veg, chicken or beef broth
1 Onion chopped
4 cloves Garlic chopped
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
Salt to taste
Black Pepper Powder to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup

In a pan over medium heat, add butter and let it melt. Be careful not to brown it, as that can change the flavor of the soup. Once melted, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onion and garlic, then stir well to coat them evenly. Cook for a few minutes until the flour turns slightly golden and gives off a nutty aroma. This forms a roux, which helps thicken the soup and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
Pour in the milk and whisk continuously to prevent lumps. Whisking helps incorporate the roux into the liquid, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Once combined, add the chicken broth (or your preferred broth) and mix well to blend the flavors.
Season the mixture with black pepper, Dijon mustard, and salt. Give it a good stir so the flavors are evenly distributed.
Add the washed broccoli florets and carrots, then stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the broccoli and carrots are tender. This slow simmering allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors while keeping the perfect texture.
Once the veggies are tender, gradually add the cheddar cheese while keeping the heat on low. High heat can cause the cheese to curdle, so gentle heat is key.
Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and blends into the soup, creating a smooth, creamy consistency. Once fully incorporated, remove the pot from the heat. Your rich and comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup is now ready to enjoy!

Serving

Serve this Broccoli Cheddar Soup with croutons, crusty bread, or alongside your favorite veggies or meats for a satisfying meal. Want more pairing ideas? Check out the Serving Suggestions section for more inspiration!

Notes

Here are some of the essential tips to achieve a perfectly creamy Broccoli Cheddar Cheese every time:

Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh broccoli, carrots, and cheddar cheese. Fresh ingredients enhance the soup’s richness and deliver a well-balanced taste, so try not to compromise on quality for the best results.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the heat low and let the soup gently simmer to soften the broccoli and carrots without making them mushy. Boiling at high heat can break down the vegetables too quickly, affecting their texture and making the soup overly thick or grainy. A gentle simmer helps the flavors meld together while keeping the consistency smooth and creamy.
Don’t Add Cheese Over High Heat: Adding cheese when the soup is too hot can cause it to separate or become grainy. Turn off the heat or keep it on low, then stir in the cheese gradually to help it melt smoothly into the soup.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, leading to a grainy texture. Freshly grating a block of cheddar helps it melt evenly, giving the soup a rich, creamy consistency without clumps.
Blend Some Broccoli for a Smoother Texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend a portion of the cooked broccoli before adding the cheese. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer some soup to a blender and mix it back in. This creates a velvety texture while keeping some florets whole for extra bite. Adjust the blending based on your preference—fully blended for an ultra-smooth soup or partially blended for a mix of creamy and chunky textures.
Thin It Out If Needed: If the soup turns out thicker than you’d like, just add a little broth or milk to loosen it up. Stir well and let it warm through to blend everything smoothly. Adding liquid gradually gives you control over the consistency without making it too thin.
Use a Mix of Cheeses for More Depth: While cheddar is the star, you can mix in a little Parmesan, Gouda, or Gruyère for extra flavor. Just be sure to use melty cheeses that blend well into the soup.
Customize with Proteins: For a heartier meal, add cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or even diced ham. These proteins blend well with the cheesy broth and add a satisfying twist.
Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just mix cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to prevent clumps.

Nutrition

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