EASY TO COOK

Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious soup from scratch.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
  • Croutons or extra shredded cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.

2. Make a Roux:

  • Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.

3. Add Broth and Milk:

  • Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring to combine with the roux.
  • Add the milk and continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add Broccoli and Carrots:

  • Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and shredded carrots.
  • Let the soup simmer over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Blend the Soup (Optional):

  • If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

6. Add Cheese:

  • Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted into the soup.

7. Season:

  • Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

8. Serve:

  • Ladle the hot broccoli cheddar soup into bowls.
  • Optionally, garnish each bowl with croutons or extra shredded cheese.

9. Enjoy:

  • Serve the soup hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!

This homemade broccoli cheddar soup is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for a hearty meal on a cold day. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or a side salad.