Description
A rich, velvety soup made with tender broccoli, fresh carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese—ready in 30 minutes and perfect for cozy nights, weeknights, or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion until soft and translucent (4–5 min).
- Make roux: Add remaining butter, then stir in flour. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in broth, then half and half, until smooth.
- Add veggies & spices: Stir in broccoli, carrots, salt, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 min until vegetables are tender.
- Blend (optional): Use an immersion blender to purée partially or fully for desired texture.
- Melt cheese: Turn off heat. Stir in cheddar a handful at a time until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that cause graininess.
- Add cheese off the heat to prevent curdling or separation.
- For vegetarian: use vegetable broth.
- For gluten-free: substitute flour with 1:1 GF blend.
- Freezing not ideal due to dairy, but possible if fully blended and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American