Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
This creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup combines tender broccoli florets and diced potatoes in a rich, cheesy broth made with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of heavy cream. Perfect as a comforting lunch or dinner, this soup is flavorful, hearty, and simple to prepare.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Vegetables
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups diced russet potatoes
Dairy & Fats
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 cups chicken stock
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sauté Onion: Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. This enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook it until lightly browned, about 1 minute. This will thicken the soup base later during cooking.
- Add Broth: Gradually stir in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. These add extra flavor.
- Simmer Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Thicken Soup: Using a wooden spoon, mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to slightly thicken the soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and heavy cream. Cover the pot and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the soup cool for 2 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted. Season once more with salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately for a warm and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup before adding the cheese.
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for the best rich, tangy flavor.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy broccoli soup, cheddar cheese soup, easy broccoli soup, comfort food soup