Description
A rich and creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup combining tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory spices in a velvety base made from butter, onions, garlic, and cream. Perfect for a comforting meal that satisfies without fuss.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 stick salted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6-7 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups heavy cream (can use half and half or whole milk, but the soup won't be quite as thick)
- 5 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
- 3 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Lawry's seasoning salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat to create the base for the soup.
- Sauté Onion and Spices: Add the diced onion to the pot and season with Lawry’s seasoning salt, paprika, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Carrots: Stir in the shredded carrots to add sweetness and texture to the soup.
- Add Flour: Stir in the all purpose flour and let it cook down for 2-3 minutes to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Cream: Gradually add the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, stirring to combine smoothly.
- Simmer with Broccoli: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the chopped broccoli. Stir well, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is soft and the soup has thickened.
- Add Cheese: Turn the heat to low and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted completely. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk, but expect a thinner consistency.
- Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Stir the soup occasionally while simmering to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom.
- Customize seasoning for preferred heat or salt levels by adjusting paprika and seasoning salt.
- Broccoli can be chopped in larger pieces for a chunkier texture or smaller pieces for a smoother soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
