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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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This easy, one-pot creamy broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort bowl—rich, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli. Ready in under 35 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% or dairy-free milk)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 5 cups broccoli florets, cut small (about 1 pound)
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (half sharp, half mild recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Extra shredded cheddar for garnish (optional)
  • Croutons or toasted bread cubes (optional)
  • Chopped chives or green onions (optional)
  • Hot sauce or chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, grate carrot, shred cheddar cheese, and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Measure out broth, milk, cream, flour, and butter.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter until foamy. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and carrot; cook 2 more minutes.
  3. Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over veggies, stir to coat, and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Add liquids: Slowly pour in broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add milk and cream, whisk until smooth.
  5. Simmer and add broccoli: Bring soup to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Add broccoli, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cover and cook 12-15 minutes until broccoli is tender but still green.
  6. Blend (optional): For a creamy texture, blend half the soup with an immersion blender or transfer 2 cups to a blender and purée, then stir back in.
  7. Add cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar a handful at a time until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust: Season with extra salt or pepper if needed. Add more cream or broth for thinner soup, or simmer uncovered for thicker soup.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar, croutons, or fresh herbs. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting. Watch the heat after adding dairy and cheese to prevent graininess. Soup can be made gluten-free by swapping flour for a gluten-free blend. For vegan, use dairy-free milk and cheese. Soup thickens as it sits; thin with extra broth or milk if needed. Freezes well—add cheese after reheating for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup, one pot, vegetarian, gluten-free option, weeknight dinner, kid friendly, cheese soup

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-broccoli-cheddar-soup-recipe-easy-one-pot-comfort-bowl/