Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup (Print Version)

Creamy blend of broccoli and cheddar served hot for a warm, hearty dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

05 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 2 cups vegetable broth
08 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
09 - ½ cup heavy cream

→ Pantry

10 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
11 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
12 - ½ tsp salt, or to taste
13 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

# How-To:

01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
02 - Stir in grated carrot and broccoli florets, cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove raw flour flavor.
04 - Gradually whisk in whole milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
05 - Partially blend the soup with an immersion blender for a chunky texture or fully blend for smoothness, according to preference.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese melts and soup is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
07 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its the kind of soup that makes people pause after their first spoonful and genuinely smile
  • The texture hits that perfect spot between silky and substantial
  • Comes together faster than you could drive to a restaurant
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, if you somehow manage to have any
02 -
  • Cheese can separate if you boil it after adding, so keep the heat gentle once the dairy goes in
  • Grating your own cheese takes two minutes and prevents the sad grainy texture that ruins the experience
  • Adding too much salt at the start is a common mistake since cheese is naturally salty
  • If your soup is too thick, add more broth a splash at a time until it feels right
03 -
  • Make the soup base ahead of time and add the cream and cheese just before serving
  • A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds depth without making it spicy
  • Warm your bowls before serving, it keeps the soup hot longer
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