Description
A comforting and creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup featuring tender broccoli and carrots simmered in a savory cheddar cheese broth. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal and is easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli or frozen broccoli florets
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make the roux and add liquids: Stir in the flour to create a roux with the butter and onion mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth.
- Simmer until thickened: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly, roughly 8-10 minutes.
- Add broccoli and carrots: Stir in the chopped broccoli and sliced carrots. Continue cooking the soup over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Incorporate cheddar cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir well and serve the soup hot for a delicious and nourishing meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the milk to 1 ½ cups and add more cheese.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is unavailable; just thaw before adding.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
