Name: Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion); 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic; ¾ teaspoon paprika (smoked is preferred); ¾ teaspoon ground mustard; ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste; 6 tablespoons flour; 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 3 cups half-and-half (see note 1); 1 bay leaf (optional); 6 cups chopped broccoli (to bite-sized pieces); 2 cups shredded carrots; 12 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 3 ¼ cups); Hearty buttered bread (optional, or serve in bread bowls)

Description

A rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup filled with tender broccoli, shredded carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozying up on a chilly day, especially when served with hearty buttered bread or in a bread bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

7 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
¾ teaspoon paprika (smoked is preferred)
¾ teaspoon ground mustard
⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 tablespoons flour
32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
3 cups half-and-half (see note 1)
1 bay leaf (optional)
6 cups chopped broccoli (to bite-sized pieces)
2 cups shredded carrots
12 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 3 ¼ cups)
Hearty buttered bread (optional, or serve in bread bowls)

Instructions

In a large pot, melt 5 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic, paprika, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once combined, add the half-and-half and bay leaf (if using).
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
Remove the bay leaf (if used), then reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, optionally with hearty buttered bread or in bread bowls.

Notes

If you’d prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half with milk.
For a thicker soup, use less broth or add more cheese.
If using bread bowls, make sure the bread is hearty enough to hold the soup.

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

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Cheddar Soup, Creamy Broccoli Soup, Comfort Food Soup, Hearty Soup