Description
A comforting and creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup made with tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich base of sautéed onions, carrots, and milk. This easy stovetop recipe perfect for a cozy meal comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, grated
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Vegetables
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces frozen broccoli florets
Cheese
- 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar, grated
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the grated carrots and stir to combine well.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste and create a roux.
- Incorporate Liquids: Gradually add the whole milk and chicken broth to the pot, stirring continuously to smooth out any lumps and form the soup base.
- Season and Simmer: Add the dry mustard, white pepper, salt, and frozen broccoli florets. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some broccoli florets intact for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and then return it to the pot.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly to melt it smoothly into the soup. Remove from heat immediately once cheese is fully incorporated.
Notes
- Partial blending creates a creamy texture while keeping broccoli pieces for bite.
- If no immersion blender is available, blend soup in batches using a regular blender, but be careful with hot liquids.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- Use sharp cheddar for best flavor intensity.
- For vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
