Description
Follow this recipe to make a rich, thick, and cheesy broccoli and cheddar soup on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Do not brown.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Then, whisk in the milk.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the chopped broccoli, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the pot. Bring back to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding more. Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese, or it may separate.
- Stir in the heavy cream, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- For a thicker soup, mash about one cup of the cooked broccoli against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender briefly on a small portion of the soup.
- This soup pairs well with crusty sourdough bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 85