Nothing feels as comforting as a warm, velvety bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. Whether it’s a cold evening or a quick lunch break, this easy-to-make dish serves as the ultimate comfort food.
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious veggies, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesomeness.
This recipe combines tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese to create a soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to make this delicious homemade broccoli cheddar soup, and don’t worry, it’s simple enough for beginners. So, let’s dive right into it!
The Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before we start, let’s take a look at the fresh, wholesome ingredients that make up this irresistible soup:
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- This helps to form the rich base of the soup and sautés the veggies to perfection.
- 2-3 cloves of minced garlic
- Garlic adds a delightful aroma and depth of flavor to the soup.
- 2-3 tablespoons of corn starch
- The cornstarch helps to thicken the soup, giving it a smooth, creamy texture.
- 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- The stock adds richness and a savory foundation for the soup.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- Enhances the flavors and ensures the soup is well-seasoned.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- Adds a bit of spice to balance the creaminess.
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- This gives the soup a subtle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- Onion powder brings an additional layer of flavor, making the soup more aromatic.
- 3 cups of broccoli florets
- Packed with nutrients, broccoli is the star of this dish, adding both flavor and texture.
- 1 large carrot
- Whether you grate, julienne, or finely chop it, the carrot adds a slight sweetness and bright color.
- 2 cups of half & half, milk, or cream
- This adds the luxurious creaminess that makes this soup so comforting.
- 8 oz block of cheddar cheese
- The cheddar is the heart of this recipe, and you can use mild, medium, or sharp, depending on your preference.
Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics
First, you’ll need to melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Butter not only provides flavor but also ensures a rich, velvety base for your soup. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and grated carrots.
Cooking the garlic and carrots for a few minutes until softened allows the flavors to release and build a flavorful foundation for the soup. The carrots will provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, while the garlic adds a depth that enhances the savory notes.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Vegetables
Once your garlic and carrots are softened and fragrant, it’s time to pour in the chicken or vegetable stock. The stock serves as the backbone of the soup, providing a rich, savory flavor that brings all the elements together. Add in the broccoli florets at this stage along with the seasonings: kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the broccoli and carrots are fully cooked. At this point, the vegetables should be tender but still retain their shape.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
Now that the vegetables are tender and the soup has simmered, it’s time to thicken it. For this, you’ll need to prepare a slurry by mixing 2-3 tablespoons of corn starch with water in equal parts. Cornstarch acts as a natural thickener, transforming your soup into a creamy, hearty consistency.
Slowly add the slurry into the pot while stirring continuously. The slurry will thicken the soup without altering the flavor, so you’ll still get that rich, vegetable-filled goodness. As you stir, you’ll notice the texture becoming smooth and luscious.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Next, it’s time to make the soup even more indulgent by stirring in the half & half. You can also use milk or heavy cream, depending on how creamy and rich you want the soup. Pour the cream in slowly while stirring, and let the soup simmer for another minute or two.
Once the cream has fully incorporated, it’s time for the star of the show—the cheddar cheese! Add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely into the soup. The cheese adds a rich, velvety texture and a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly.
Taste the soup at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper based on your preferences.
Step 5: Let it Simmer
After all the ingredients are combined, allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to ensure all the flavors meld together. During this time, the soup will thicken even more, and the cheesy, creamy goodness will reach its peak.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree some or all of the soup. This will give you a silky smooth consistency, but if you like chunks of broccoli and carrot in each bite, you can skip this step.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Now that your broccoli cheddar soup has reached its perfect creamy consistency, it’s ready to be served. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with some extra cheese or even a sprinkle of paprika for a little color.
The soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or homemade garlic bread, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that cheesy, comforting broth. This is a dish that is guaranteed to warm your soul, whether you’re serving it as a meal or a hearty appetizer.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare but packed with flavor. It’s a perfect recipe to try when you want something quick but satisfying, and it’s versatile enough to adjust to your tastes. Whether you like your soup chunky or smooth, this recipe will deliver a warming, cheesy delight that’s bound to be a hit with family and friends.
And remember, you can experiment with different types of cheese or even add extra veggies like cauliflower or zucchini to make it your own. Now go ahead and enjoy this homemade, better-than-store-bought version of broccoli cheddar soup.