Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup, featuring tender broccoli florets in a rich, creamy cheddar-infused broth. This easy, homemade recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture, making it a beloved classic for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 5 cups small broccoli florets (from about 2 medium heads)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Roux: Sprinkle flour over onions and stir continuously for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Season the Base: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, paprika, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Vegetables: Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Add broccoli and shredded carrot, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 7–9 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Remove pot from heat and gradually add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Cool soup to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent cheese from separating.
- Freezing: Freeze before adding cheese; add cheese when reheating for best texture.
- Customization: Add cooked chicken or bacon for protein, use different cheeses like Gruyère or smoked cheddar, or spice it up with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, creamy soup, cheddar soup, easy soup recipe, homemade soup