Description
This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting and rich dish perfect for chilly days. Combining tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese in a velvety base made from a butter and flour roux, half & half, and savory stock, it delivers warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. Easy to prepare on the stovetop in about 40 minutes, it’s a delicious, hearty meal for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Melted Butter
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Half & Half
- 3 cups Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Broccoli
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it is bubbling lightly, preparing your base for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the melted butter and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Make Roux: Stir in the melted butter and all-purpose flour to the pot and cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Add Dairy and Stock: Gradually whisk in the half & half and chicken or vegetable stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors and start thickening.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli to the simmering soup and cook until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes, making sure the broccoli is soft but not overcooked.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the soup becomes creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Notes
- Use vegetable stock to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
- For a thicker soup, allow it to simmer a few minutes longer after adding the broccoli.
- Freshly grated cheddar melts better than pre-shredded cheese due to the absence of anti-caking agents.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a filling meal.
