Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this rich, velvety Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This restaurant-quality classic combines fresh, vibrant broccoli florets with sharp, aged cheddar cheese in a smooth, soul-warming base. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes without any complex techniques. It is a sophisticated, family-friendly dish that proves homemade is always better than takeout.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups half-and-half
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 2 slices crispy turkey bacon, crumbled for garnish
Instructions
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion for 5 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over aromatics and whisk for 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and half-and-half until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Add broccoli florets, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and smoked paprika until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
Always grate your own cheese from a block for the smoothest melt, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender briefly before adding the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg