Name: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup – The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped; 1 cup shredded carrots; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Description

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich, velvety comfort soup loaded with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth, flavorful cream base. It’s a cozy classic that’s perfect for chilly days — hearty, delicious, and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Then add the half-and-half and stir to combine.
Add broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until creamy, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture (or transfer half to a blender and return to the pot).
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Do not boil after adding cheese to prevent curdling.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with extra cheese or croutons if desired.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt — pre-shredded cheese may cause graininess.
For a thicker soup, simmer longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux.
Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping Parmesan if preferred.
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American