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A bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup with small broccoli florets and shredded carrots, topped with extra sharp cheddar and served with crusty bread

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Tender broccoli and carrots in a velvety sharp cheddar soup, made in one pot in about 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56 g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (720 ml)
  • 2 cups half-and-half (480 ml)
  • 1 1/4 pounds broccoli florets cut small, stems peeled and diced (570 g)
  • 2 carrots shredded or finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded from a block, plus more for topping (225 g)

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Slowly whisk in the broth, then the half-and-half. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add the broccoli, carrots, Dijon, salt, pepper, nutmeg and paprika. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is very tender.
  5. Puree about one third of the soup with an immersion blender, leaving the rest chunky.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar a handful at a time until melted. Do not boil.
  7. Taste, adjust the seasoning and serve topped with extra cheddar.

Notes

Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat gently to 165°F (74°C) without boiling.
Freezing: Freeze before adding the cheese for best texture.
Nutrition is an estimate per serving.