Description
This creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for cozy meals. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich blend of seasonings, this soup combines velvety texture with a cheesy depth that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Units
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Soup Base
- 1 stick salted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6-7 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups heavy cream (can use half and half or whole milk for a thinner soup)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 5 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
- 3 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Lawry's seasoning salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and spices: Add the diced onion and season with Lawry’s seasoning salt, paprika, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook about 5 minutes until onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Add carrots: Stir in shredded carrots and mix well.
- Create the roux: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter texture). Stir to combine.
- Simmer with broccoli: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the chopped broccoli. Stir, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broccoli is tender and the soup thickens.
- Finish with cheese: Reduce heat to low, add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, and stir until completely melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use half and half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup, though it will be less thick.
- To make this soup vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For a smoother texture, blend the soup before adding cheese.
- Freshly grate the cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
