Best Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Thick, creamy broccoli cheddar soup made from scratch with sharp cheddar and tender broccoli florets is a vegetarian crowd-pleaser. A family-favorite soup that's warming and satisfying year-round.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 270 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • broccoli florets 4 cups
  • carrot 1 cup
  • yellow onion 1 cup
  • sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups
  • whole milk 2 cups
  • low-sodium vegetable broth 3 cups
  • unsalted butter 4 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • ground nutmeg 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 23 g 34%
Protein 13 g 19%
Fat 14 g 47%
Serving size 325g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Melt the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrot, and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened but not browned.

  2. 2

    Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux, avoiding any lumps.

  3. 3

    Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to integrate the roux. Add whole milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—do not let it boil.

  4. 4

    Add the broccoli florets and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally and adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

  5. 5

    Turn off the heat. Add shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring constantly until fully melted and the soup is creamy. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender and combine.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this broccoli cheddar soup recipe?
The key ingredients that define this soup are fresh broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese. Broccoli delivers a hearty texture and vibrant green flavor, while cheddar cheese lends creaminess and robust, tangy depth, making the soup comforting and rich.
Q. Which seasoning makes the biggest difference in flavor?
Ground nutmeg, though used in a small amount, adds warmth and a subtle nutty aroma that balances the richness of the cheese. Combined with kosher salt and black pepper, it enhances and rounds out the soup’s savory profile.
Q. How can I avoid curdling the soup when adding cheese?
To prevent curdling, turn off the heat before adding the cheddar cheese, then stir in small batches. Stirring constantly and not overheating ensures a smooth, creamy texture without breaking the emulsion.
Q. What is the calorie and protein content per serving?
Each serving (325g) provides approximately 270 kcal with 13g of protein. Protein accounts for 19% of the recipe's total calories, making this soup satisfying and balanced for a vegetarian meal.
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