Description
This creamy **Broccoli Cheddar Soup** is rich, comforting, and packed with savory cheese and fresh vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly days. The cheesy broth, tender broccoli, and sweet carrots make it a satisfying dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half and half
3 cups chicken broth
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 bay leaves
1 cup carrot, shredded
4 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cornstarch, optional (to thicken)
Instructions
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the shredded carrots and broccoli florets. Cook for about 6 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Soup Base:
- While the veggies are cooking, melt butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Create the Soup:
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add half and half and chicken broth to the pot, stirring well to combine. Add nutmeg and bay leaves. Bring the liquid to a low simmer and cook until the veggies are done (or simmer for 5 minutes if the veggies finish first).
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the drained vegetables (carrots and broccoli) to the soup. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until the cheese has melted and thickened the soup.
- Adjust Consistency:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the soup and bring to a boil until thickened.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves and serve the soup hot with additional cheddar cheese on top, if desired.
Notes
This soup can be made vegan by swapping cheddar cheese for vegan cheese and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup.
Add crispy bacon bits or croutons for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
