This classic Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and velvety texture that warms the soul. Using fresh broccoli florets and sharp, aged cheddar, this roux-based soup balances earthy vegetable notes with a creamy, cheesy finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this wholesome, homemade meal proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create a restaurant-quality dish that brings the family together at the dinner table.
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
6 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux, ensuring it does not brown.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Add the chopped broccoli florets, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melt quality, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smoothness. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times before adding the cheese.
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/the-best-broccoli-cheddar-soup/