Ingredients
Vegetables
- 12 oz fresh broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
Butter and Flour Base
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard (or substitute with about 1/2 tsp regular mustard)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Sauté the onions: Add 1 tablespoon butter to a Dutch oven and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the roux: Add 1/4 cup salted butter to the Dutch oven and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook the mixture for about 1 minute, whisking often to avoid lumps.
- Add broth and half and half: Slowly pour in about one cup of chicken broth while whisking continuously, then add the remaining chicken broth and the half and half gradually, continuing to whisk to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Simmer with vegetables and seasonings: Let the broth and cream mixture cook for a couple of minutes while whisking frequently. Then stir in the broccoli, carrots, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the soup thickens and the vegetables are fork-tender. If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or half and half to loosen it.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender, and blend until you reach your desired texture, whether fully smooth or slightly chunky.
- Add cheddar cheese: Return the blended soup to the pot if needed, then add the grated cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring well after each addition to melt the cheese smoothly into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the soup: Ladle the creamy broccoli cheddar soup into bowls and serve hot. Optional garnishes include extra shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper on top.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or half and half while simmering or before serving.
- The dry mustard adds a subtle tang; if unavailable, use regular prepared mustard as a replacement.
- For an extra creamy texture, use heavy cream instead of half and half.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free