Broccoli Cheese Soup
Creamy soup with tender broccoli and rich cheddar cheese. Comforting, hearty, and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
-
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
-
2
Add 1/2 finely diced yellow onion and 1 finely diced carrot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
-
3
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
4
Add 2 cups cut into small florets broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
5
Sprinkle 1 tbsp all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
-
6
Gradually pour in 1 cup vegetable broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
-
7
Add 1 cup milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork.
-
8
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer about half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
-
9
Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.
-
10
Gradually add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.
-
11
Season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and a 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg.
-
12
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
-
13
Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese and croutons if desired.