Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A creamy, comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate meal for chilly days. This recipe blends tender broccoli florets, sweet julienned carrots, and rich sharp cheddar cheese into a velvety broth that is both wholesome and indulgent. Best of all, it is incredibly easy to prepare at home in just 45 minutes.

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Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple pantry staples. The addition of a pinch of nutmeg and savory garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the broccoli and carrots, making every spoonful perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• Dairy: 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 tbsp unsalted butter.
• Base & Liquid: 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
• Seasonings: 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp paprika; pinch of ground nutmeg.

Instructions

Step 1

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 5

Add the broccoli and carrots. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Heat gently; do not boil.

Step 7

Add the grated cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 8

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.

Step 9

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks if desired.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a perfectly smooth texture, whisk the vegetable broth into the roux gradually. It is essential to keep the heat on low when adding the dairy and cheese; boiling the soup after this stage can cause the milk to curdle or the cheese to separate.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat milk or omit the heavy cream. Conversely, for extra richness, replace half the milk with additional heavy cream. You can also substitute half of the broccoli florets with cauliflower for a delicious flavor variation.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup piping hot in deep bowls alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp glass of Chardonnay or refreshing sparkling water to complement the sharp cheddar flavors.

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This homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a soul-warming dish that brings comfort to any table. With its vibrant colors and rich, savory profile, it is a vegetarian classic that you will want to make again and again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much during storage.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Add the grated cheddar gradually, one handful at a time, over low heat while stirring constantly. Make sure the soup isn't boiling when you add the cheese, as high heat can cause it to separate and become grainy.

→ Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

Freezing is not recommended as dairy-based soups can separate and become grainy when thawed. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the cheese and dairy, then incorporate those ingredients when reheating.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or substitute with additional whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, though the flavor will differ slightly.

→ How can I make the soup thicker?

For a thicker consistency, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux, reduce the amount of broth slightly, or blend more of the soup with an immersion blender to create a creamier texture throughout.

→ What type of cheddar works best?

Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar provides the best flavor depth and tanginess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated block cheese melts more smoothly.