Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup truly embodies the feeling of comfort, in a bowl. It has a velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying thanks to the combination of broccoli and cheddar cheese. It’s like receiving a hug on a chilly day. The foundation of flavor is built with onions and garlic while the addition of tender broccoli and grated carrots brings color and just a hint of sweetness. The soup gets its goodness from a blend of half & half and sharp cheddar cheese making it both indulgent and fulfilling. A sprinkle of paprika or nutmeg (whichever you prefer) takes the flavor to heights. Whether you enjoy it with bread or, in a bread bowl this homemade soup is a classic that will have you craving seconds. Our family absolutely loves it. Every spoonful offers the heartwarming taste of home-cooked perfection.
Ingredients
4 tbsp. butter (½ stick)
½ medium onion, chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp. all-purpose flour (c.)
2 c. low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika or ground nutmeg, optional
3 c. broccoli florets or 1 large head, cut into small pieces
1 large carrot, grated, julienned, or finely chopped
2 c. half & half or milk or light or heavy cream
8 ounces block grated cheddar cheese or 2 cups (mild, medium, or sharp)
Instructions
Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven or pot, over medium-high heat. Add the onion. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and lightly golden. Next incorporate the minced garlic. Sauté it for a minute.
Now sprinkle 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the pot. Continuously whisk for 1 to 2 minutes until the flour takes on a golden hue.
After that pour in 2 cups of low sodium chicken or vegetable stock. Add the broccoli florets, grated carrot and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper. If desired you can also include a pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) of either paprika or ground nutmeg. Allow the mixture to come to a boil then reduce the heat to medium low and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
Next stir in 2 cups of half & half or your preferred choice of milk or cream. Follow this up by adding around 8 ounces (2 cups) of cheddar cheese. Let everything simmer together until the cheese melts completely for one minute. Taste your soup. Adjust any seasoning if necessary.
Finally serve this comforting broccoli cheddar soup with some toasted bread on the side. Enjoy it in a delightful bread bowl, for an extra cozy dining experience.
Notes
To make this delicious broccoli cheddar soup gluten-free you can easily replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can find gluten-free flour blends in stores that work just as well as regular flour. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent, for those avoiding gluten. To do this simply mix 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Then add the slurry to the soup during the simmering step to achieve your desired thickness. This simple substitution allows individuals, with gluten sensitivities to savor the flavorful goodness of broccoli cheddar soup worry-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
