Description
A rich and comforting homemade soup made with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, velvety base that is perfect for cozy meals and chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the chopped broccoli, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup if desired.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time until fully melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese for smoother melting.
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent grainy texture.
- Partially blending the soup creates the best balance of creamy and chunky.
- Serve immediately for the smoothest texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: creamy broccoli cheddar soup, homemade broccoli soup, vegetarian comfort soup, easy cheese soup, cozy soup recipe