Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Printer-friendly)

Creamy soup with tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese. Comforting and easy to make at home.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
02 - 1 cup carrots, julienned
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

05 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Base & Liquid

09 - 4 cups vegetable broth
10 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

→ Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
14 - Pinch of ground nutmeg

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux base.
04 - Gradually whisk in vegetable broth while stirring continuously to eliminate any lumps.
05 - Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in whole milk and heavy cream, heating gently without allowing the mixture to boil.
07 - Add grated cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring thoroughly after each addition until completely melted and smooth.
08 - Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg to taste.
09 - Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some vegetable chunks for texture if desired.
10 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 45 minutes, which means you can go from craving to eating without losing your mind.
  • Sharp cheddar does the heavy lifting here, so you get real cheese flavor without feeling like you're drowning in dairy.
  • There's something deeply satisfying about how it warms you from the inside out on days when the world feels too cold.
02 -
  • Don't skip the roux—it's what gives this soup its velvety texture, and there's no good substitute for that moment when you whisk in the broth and watch it thicken.
  • Adding the cheese slowly and on low heat is non-negotiable if you want it smooth; high heat will make it separate and grainy, and no amount of stirring will fix that.
  • The soup will thicken as it cools, so if you're making it ahead, it might need a splash of broth or milk when you reheat it.
03 -
  • Buy pre-riced broccoli if you're short on time—it saves 5 minutes of prep and still tastes delicious.
  • Sharp aged cheddar is worth the extra couple of dollars; it melts smoother and tastes exponentially better than block cheddar.
  • If the soup breaks or looks separated, turn off the heat and whisk in a splash of cold milk—it usually comes back together.
Go Back