Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Print Version)
A velvety blend of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and cream served with warm crusty bread.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets and diced stems (approximately 17.6 oz)
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
→ Dairy
06 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (7 oz)
07 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (1.5 oz)
08 - 1 cup whole milk (8 fl oz)
09 - 1 cup heavy cream (8 fl oz)
→ Broth
10 - 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (24 fl oz)
→ Thickener
11 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (0.85 oz)
→ Seasonings
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
15 - Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Bread
16 - 4 slices crusty bread or 1 small baguette, for serving
# How to Cook:
01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Stir in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
03 - Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add broccoli florets, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
04 - Bring mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until broccoli is very tender.
05 - Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend soup until smooth with some texture remaining, or blend in batches with a countertop blender.
06 - Return soup to low heat, stir in milk and heavy cream, and warm gently for 2 minutes.
07 - Add grated cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and cayenne as desired.
08 - Toast bread slices or warm baguette in the oven until crisp and heated through.
09 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve immediately alongside warm bread.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour with everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- The soup is rich and velvety without feeling heavy, and the cheddar gives it that sharp, satisfying flavor.
- Serving it with warm crusty bread turns a simple bowl into a complete, cozy meal.
02 -
- Add the cheese off the heat or on very low heat, high heat can make it grainy and separated.
- Blend the broccoli fully if you want a restaurant-smooth texture, or leave some chunks for a rustic feel.
- Taste before serving and adjust the salt, the broth and cheese both add saltiness so go light at first.
03 -
- Grate your own cheddar instead of using pre-shredded, it melts smoother and tastes sharper.
- If the soup gets too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or milk until it reaches the consistency you like.
- A tiny pinch of cayenne at the end brightens the whole bowl without making it spicy.