Broccoli Cheese Soup (Printable)

Tender broccoli in a creamy cheddar broth, perfect for cold days.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

05 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 2 cups vegetable broth
08 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
09 - ½ cup heavy cream

→ Pantry

10 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
11 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
12 - ½ tsp salt
13 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

# How To Make It:

01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
02 - Stir in grated carrot and broccoli florets. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes to begin softening the vegetables.
03 - Sprinkle flour evenly over vegetables, stirring constantly to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste and develop roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk and vegetable broth. Bring mixture to gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until broccoli is completely tender.
05 - Using immersion blender, partially blend soup for chunky texture or blend completely for smooth consistency, according to preference.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until cheese melts completely and soup becomes smooth and velvety.
07 - Season soup with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional cheese or black pepper if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • The texture is incredibly velvety without needing any fancy techniques
  • My actually picky kids asked for seconds which never happens with vegetables
02 -
  • The soup thickens considerably as it cools, so adjust consistency with extra broth when reheating
  • Don't let the milk come to a rolling boil or it might separate and look curdled
  • Grating your own cheese is non negotiable for that smooth, restaurant quality texture
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze half for those nights when cooking feels impossible
  • Use Gruyère mixed with cheddar for a more sophisticated flavor profile
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