Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
A comforting and creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup made with fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, perfect for a warm and hearty meal.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 large carrot, julienned or finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Cheese
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 heaping cups)
Optional
- Homemade croutons, for serving
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook while stirring for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and turn a light golden color.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the whole milk or unsweetened almond milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Then add the vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets, julienned carrot, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring after each addition until the cheese fully melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally topped with homemade croutons for added texture.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer soup or unsweetened almond milk as a lower-fat alternative.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to lightly puree part of the soup before adding the cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit more flour in the initial roux or reduce the broth slightly.
- Homemade croutons add a delightful crunch and are recommended but optional.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy broccoli soup, vegetarian soup, cheddar cheese soup, easy soup recipe, homemade soup