Description
Indulge in this velvety, restaurant-style Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a comforting classic made right in your kitchen. By using a precise roux-based thickening method and fresh, high-quality ingredients like sharp cheddar and crisp broccoli, this homemade version delivers a luxurious texture and deep savory flavor without any pre-packaged mixes. Perfect for a cozy meal, it relies on a hint of nutmeg to elevate the profile, ensuring a professional, cafe-quality result every time you serve it to your family.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1 cup carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, bite-sized
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent and soft.
Whisk the flour into the butter to create a paste and cook for one minute.
Pour the vegetable broth slowly into the flour mixture while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Add the carrots and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the broccoli florets and cook until tender but still vibrant.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
Gradually add the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
Always grate your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese to ensure it melts smoothly without becoming grainy. Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent the soup from splitting.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg