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Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe

Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

This rich and comforting Cheddar Broccoli Soup combines tender broccoli florets and shredded carrots with a creamy, cheesy broth made from a savory roux base. Enhanced with smoked paprika, ground mustard, and a hint of cayenne pepper, this soup offers layers of flavor balanced with the sharpness of extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. Perfect served piping hot with crusty buttered bread or in a bread bowl, it’s an ideal warming meal for any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter and Oil

  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
  • 1–1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 6 cups chopped broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 cups shredded carrots

Spices and Seasonings

  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon salt total)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Thickening and Liquids

  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 32 ounces reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 3 cups half-and-half

Cheese

  • 12 ounces freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (about 3–1/4 cups)

Serving Suggestions

  • Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Butter and Seasonings: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns golden and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon). Cook the mixture while stirring constantly for 45 seconds to 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
  2. Make Roux: Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter to the pot and allow it to melt completely. Sprinkle in the flour and continuously whisk the mixture for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and to achieve a thickened roux base.
  3. Make Soup Base: Slowly whisk in the reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth until smooth and incorporated. Gradually add the half-and-half while whisking to maintain a smooth consistency. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the bay leaf if using. Let the soup simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until it thickens nicely.
  4. Prepare Broccoli and Vegetables: While the soup base simmers, chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and shred the carrots. Have the shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese ready for the final step.
  5. Add Vegetables to Soup: Incorporate the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots into the soup. Continue to cook on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. For a creamier texture, you may blend a portion of the soup, but leaving it chunky enhances the rustic feel.
  6. Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Gradually stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese a handful at a time, allowing each portion to melt smoothly into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, adding between 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon as needed for perfect seasoning.
  7. Serve: Serve the Cheddar Broccoli Soup immediately, optionally ladled into bread bowls or alongside hearty buttered bread for dipping. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and comfort.

Notes

  • Using reduced-sodium broth helps control the saltiness since cheese adds salt naturally.
  • Half-and-half creates a creamy texture without making the soup too heavy; whole milk is a lighter alternative but will be less rich.
  • Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper quantity depending on your spice preference.
  • Blending part or all of the soup can create a smoother consistency if preferred.
  • Extra-sharp Cheddar cheese provides the best flavor punch; mild Cheddar will result in a milder taste.
  • The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen thickness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheddar Broccoli Soup, Creamy Broccoli Soup, Cheese Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/cheddar-broccoli-soup-recipe/