Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Printable Version)
A comforting, velvety soup loaded with tender broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, perfect for chilly days.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (approx. 1.1 pounds)
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 2 cups whole milk
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (approx. 7 ounces)
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Pantry
09 - 3 cups vegetable broth
10 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
→ Garnish (optional)
14 - Extra grated sharp cheddar cheese
15 - Chopped fresh chives or parsley
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and grated carrot, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until they have softened.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until its aroma becomes fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a light roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
05 - Add the broccoli florets, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
06 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, warming the soup gently without allowing it to boil.
07 - Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup to your preferred consistency, whether completely smooth or with some small vegetable chunks. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, process, and then return to the pot.
08 - Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese to the soup, a handful at a time. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup achieves a creamy texture.
09 - Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
10 - Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar soup hot, optionally garnished with extra grated cheddar cheese and fresh chopped chives or parsley.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- It's incredibly comforting and feels like a luxurious treat, but it's surprisingly simple to make from scratch.
- The rich, cheesy flavor perfectly balances the earthy goodness of broccoli, making even picky eaters ask for seconds.
02 -
- Never let the soup boil after adding the milk and cream, especially once the cheese is in, or it can curdle and separate. Low and slow is the way to go.
- Grating your own cheddar cheese from a block makes a world of difference in how smoothly it melts and the richness of the flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
03 -
- Always taste your soup and adjust seasonings right before serving; salt levels can change during cooking, and a final tweak makes all the difference.
- For an extra velvety finish, pass a portion of the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve before combining it with the rest, though it's usually not necessary if you blend well.