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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

creamy broccoli cheddar soup - featured image

A rich and comforting homemade soup featuring tender broccoli and sharp white cheddar cheese, perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 450g), fresh or frozen
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 2 cups (475ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups or 450g). Peel and finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 garlic cloves.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a lightly golden paste.
  4. Slowly pour in 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and let thicken slightly for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Add broccoli florets, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until broccoli is tender but not mushy.
  6. Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup in the pot until smooth and creamy. If using a countertop blender, carefully blend half the soup in batches and return to the pot.
  7. Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups (475ml) whole milk. Slowly add 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
  8. Season with salt, black pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve warm, optionally with crusty bread or a light salad.

Notes

Do not skip blending part of the soup to achieve a silky texture. Melt cheese slowly over low heat to prevent clumping. Use fresh shredded sharp cheddar for best flavor and melting quality. For dairy-free version, substitute milk and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast. If soup thickens after cooling, stir in warm broth or milk before reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, homemade soup, cheesy soup, broccoli soup