The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 1yellow onion
$0.52
- 1 lb.broccoli
$1.49
- 2carrots
$0.23
- 4 tbspbutter
$0.52
- 4 tbspall-purpose flour
$0.04
- 2 cchicken broth
$0.24
- 2 cwhole milk
$0.75
- ½ tspsmoked paprika
$0.05
- ¼ tspgarlic powder
$0.02
- ¼ tspfreshly cracked black pepper
$0.02
- ⅛ tspcayenne pepper
$0.02
- 6 oz.sharp cheddar
shredded, $1.27
Directions
- 1
Dice the onion and chop the broccoli into very small pieces. Peel and slice the carrots.
- 2
Add the butter and onion to a large soup pot and sauté over medium until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour and sauté for 2 minutes more, or until the flour is coating the bottom of the pot and is a light golden brown color.
- 3
Pour in chicken broth and whisk to dissolve the flour. Turn the heat up to medium-high and, while stirring often, bring the broth to a simmer. When it reaches a simmer it will thicken to a gravy consistency.
- 4
Turn the heat down to medium and whisk in the whole milk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Allow the broth to come back to a simmer.
- 5
Add the chopped broccoli and carrots and continue to simmer the vegetables, stirring often, for 15 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
- 6
Test a piece of carrot or broccoli to make sure it's to your desired tenderness. If not, simmer a bit longer.
- 7
Turn the heat to medium-low and stir the shredded cheese into the soup, one handful at a time, until it is fully melted.
- 8
Taste the soup and add salt if needed (this will depend on the salt content of your broth—I did not add any).
The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving a bowl of pure comfort that feels both hearty and wholesome? This easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers a rich, cheesy broth brimming with vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect meal-worthy delight.
What makes this recipe stand out is its commitment to flavor and texture. You'll find a luxuriously thick and incredibly cheesy broth that’s perfectly balanced by generous chunks of tender, colorful vegetables. The interplay of butter, flour, milk, and broth creates a foundational richness, elevated by the sharp cheddar and a whisper of warming spices.
Prepare for a truly satisfying experience. Each spoonful of this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a symphony of flavors, from the savory onion and sweet carrots to the vibrant broccoli florets. The rich and creamy consistency is comforting, while the sharp cheddar provides that signature tangy, umami depth. With hints of smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne, it offers a subtle complexity that keeps you coming back for more. This is a substantial, filling soup designed to be the star of your dinner table.
While delicious as is, this soup is wonderfully adaptable. For a vegetarian option, simply swap the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable broth. Want to play with the cheese? Try an extra-sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or add a touch of Monterey Jack for an even gooier texture. You can also experiment with other vegetables like diced bell peppers or a handful of spinach added towards the end.
This easy soup is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or even as a standout offering at a casual gathering. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, or a light side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.