Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Printable)

Roasted broccoli meets sharp cheddar in this velvety, comforting soup ready in 50 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head broccoli, about 1.1 lb, cut into florets
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

04 - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Pantry

07 - 3 cups vegetable broth
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
02 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic. Cook stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, ensuring a smooth mixture. Bring to a simmer.
05 - Add roasted broccoli to the pot, reserving a few florets for garnish if desired. Simmer for 8 minutes.
06 - Blend soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a countertop blender until completely smooth.
07 - Stir in heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese, and nutmeg. Heat gently over low heat, stirring, until cheese melts and soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved broccoli florets and additional cheddar if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted broccoli adds a deep nutty sweetness you cannot get from boiling alone
  • This soup comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • Make a big batch on Sunday and you have comfort food waiting for you all week
02 -
  • Never boil the soup after adding the cheese or it might separate and become grainy instead of staying smooth and creamy
  • Let the soup cool slightly before pureeing if you are using a regular blender, as hot liquid expands rapidly and can cause dangerous splattering
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • Use freshly grated nutmeg if possible rather than pre-ground, as the difference in flavor intensity is remarkable
Go Back