Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Print)

A velvety blend of tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and aged sharp cheddar creates this rich, warming bowl of comfort.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
02 - 1 cup carrots, julienned
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

05 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Base & Liquid

09 - 4 cups vegetable broth
10 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

→ Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
14 - Pinch of ground nutmeg

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps remain.
05 - Add broccoli and carrots. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and heavy cream. Heat gently without boiling.
07 - Add grated cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
08 - Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg to taste.
09 - For smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks if desired.
10 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The soup has this incredible velvety texture that coats your spoon perfectly without being too thick or gloopy like some restaurant versions.
  • You can easily adjust how chunky or smooth you want it, which means it evolves with your mood, from rustic on casual weeknights to silky when you want something more refined.
02 -
  • Adding all the cheese at once will create a gloppy mess that might separate, so patience with adding it gradually completely transformed my results.
  • The soup thickens considerably as it cools, so if youre planning to reheat leftovers later, make it slightly thinner than you think you want it.
03 -
  • Reserve a small handful of grated cheese to sprinkle on top of each bowl just before serving, creating that restaurant-style finish that melts enticingly on the surface.
  • Blanching the broccoli separately for just 2 minutes and shocking it in ice water before adding to the soup preserves its vibrant green color, making the final presentation much more appetizing.
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