Description
This creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup combines tender broccoli, carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, flavorful broth seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is easy to make on the stovetop and serves four generous portions.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 lb. broccoli
- 2 carrots
Dairy & Butter
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 oz. sharp cheddar, shredded
Pantry
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Dice the onion finely and chop the broccoli into very small pieces. Peel and slice the carrots thinly or into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Sauté onions and flour: In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the flour lightly coats the bottom of the pot and turns a light golden brown.
- Add chicken broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to dissolve the flour and prevent lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high, stirring often, and bring the mixture to a simmer. The broth will thicken to the consistency of gravy.
- Add milk and spices: Lower the heat to medium and whisk in the whole milk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Allow the soup base to come back to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer vegetables: Add the chopped broccoli and sliced carrots to the simmering broth. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes or until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Check tenderness: Test a piece of carrot or broccoli to confirm it has reached your desired softness. If needed, simmer a few minutes longer.
- Melt cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, adding it a handful at a time and stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and add salt if needed, depending on the saltiness of your broth. Stir well before serving.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and better melting quality.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, partially blend the soup with an immersion blender before adding cheese.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the soup’s spiciness.
- Freshly cracked black pepper adds more flavor than pre-ground; adjust to taste.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
