Creamy Broccoli Cheddar (Printable Version)

Rich and creamy blend of tender broccoli and sharp cheddar, perfect for cozy meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head broccoli (approximately 1 lb), cut into florets
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

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

→ Broth

09 - 4 cups vegetable broth

→ Pantry

10 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced carrots, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to brown.
03 - Sprinkle flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form a smooth roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
04 - Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
05 - Add broccoli florets, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 15 minutes until broccoli is fork-tender.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in whole milk and heavy cream, heating gently without bringing to a boil to prevent separation.
07 - Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until velvety smooth, or leave some texture for a chunkier consistency.
08 - Add grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and incorporated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
09 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar cheese if desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Its the kind of soup that makes everyone pause and take that first satisfied sip before saying a word
  • The velvety texture comes from a simple technique that works every single time
02 -
  • Never let the soup boil after adding the dairy or cheese, or it will separate into an unappetizing mess
  • Grating your own cheese makes the difference between silky smooth soup and one with tiny rubbery bits
03 -
  • Save some broccoli florets to steam separately, then add them back in after blending for extra texture
  • Let the soup sit for 5 minutes off the heat before serving—the texture becomes even more luxurious

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