Creamy Stovetop Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Make a rich and velvety broccoli cheddar soup quickly on the stovetop. This recipe delivers classic comfort food flavor with a creamy texture.
- Author: Alice Carrington
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the broccoli florets. Cook until the broccoli is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk. Do not let the soup boil after adding milk.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the soup is smooth.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and heavy cream, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cheese.
Notes
- For a higher protein version, stir in 1/2 cup of cottage cheese (blended smooth first) along with the milk.
- Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- This soup reheats well; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the original consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 55