Broccoli Cheddar Soup

bowl of broccoli white cheddar soup with homemade croutons.

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food. It's full of white cheddar cheese and tender broccoli florets. I love it topped with homemade croutons or served in a bread bowl! It's hearty, filling, and the perfect cozy soup for an easy weeknight dinner!

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 357kcal

Author Kyleigh Sage

Equipment

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
1 cup broccoli stems finely diced
¼ cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
2 cup vegetable stock substitute chicken stock or water
2 cups half & half substitute whole milk
4 cups broccoli florets
8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese shredded

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cut the broccoli florets into bite sized pieces and set aside. If desired, finely chop about 1 cup of the remaining broccoli stems.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the diced onion, diced broccoli stems, and garlic and sauté for about 10 minutes or until the onions are aromatic and the broccoli stems are tender.
Then add in the flour, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add in the vegetable stock, making sure to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot. Then add in the half & half and bring the soup to a simmer.
Add in the broccoli florets and continue to simmer until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
If desired, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup (alternatively you can remove 2 cups of soup and blend in a standard blender, then add back to the soup).
Then add in the shredded cheese one handful at a time and stir until completely melted and smooth (adding the cheese slowly helps prevent the soup from getting gritty or clumpy).
Remove from the heat, then taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Ladle the broccoli cheddar soup into bowls and top with extra cheese and croutons if you want!

Notes

Store broccoli cheddar soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition