Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Printable View)
Velvety blend of tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for a cozy savory meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head broccoli (about 1.1 lbs), cut into florets
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
→ Broth
09 - 4 cups vegetable broth
→ Pantry
10 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
03 - Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form a smooth roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
04 - Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
05 - Add the broccoli florets, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes until the broccoli is fork-tender.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream; heat gently without boiling to prevent separation.
07 - Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a countertop blender in batches), blend until desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only partially.
08 - Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and incorporated. Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste.
09 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated cheddar cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It transforms humble vegetables into something that feels like a warm hug
- The recipe is forgiving enough for beginners but impressive enough for company
02 -
- Temper the cream by adding a splash of hot broth first, or it might curdle
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded to avoid grainy texture
03 -
- Use a box grater for your cheese and toss it in a little flour before adding
- Grate some extra nutmeg and freshly cracked pepper on top before serving