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Creamy broccoli cheese soup with cheddar, broccoli florets, carrots, and crusty bread

Broccoli Cheese Soup with Sharp Cheddar and Vegetables

Broccoli cheese soup is a creamy, comforting bowl with tender vegetables and rich sharp cheddar flavor. It is a cozy recipe for anyone craving a hearty soup with a smooth texture and satisfying homemade appeal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 375
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 5 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup broccoli stems, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Creamy Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Vegetables
  • 2-3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into very small pieces
  • 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt, as needed to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cheese
  • an 8-ounce block of good quality extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated (227 g)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and optional broccoli stems, then cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk and half and half, then slowly add the broth while continuing to whisk. Simmer the soup base for about 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to keep the texture smooth.
  3. Stir the broccoli florets, carrots, salt, pepper, and paprika into the thickened soup base. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and fork-tender.
Finishing
  1. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly for a few minutes. Stir in most of the grated cheddar cheese until melted.
Serving
  1. Serve the soup in bowls with a small amount of extra cheese if desired.

Notes

Stir the cheddar into the soup after removing it from direct heat to help maintain a smooth, creamy texture.