Description
An ultra-creamy, gentle broccoli cheddar soup made with simple ingredients like sharp cheddar and nutmeg. Perfect for a quiet, self-care evening when you need nourishment without stress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large heads broccoli, chopped into florets and stems (about 600g)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Crushed crackers, croutons, or bacon bits for topping
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Chop broccoli florets and stems, dice onion, mince garlic, and grate cheese.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and butter. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux until it smells nutty.
- Slowly pour in broth and milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir occasionally until thickened.
- Add broccoli to the pot. Cover and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes until broccoli is very tender.
- Remove pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend soup until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture if desired.
- Return pot to low heat. Gradually add grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
- Stir in nutmeg and white pepper. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Serve hot in warm bowls, topped with optional crackers, croutons, or bacon bits.
Notes
Grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that cause graininess. Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent seizing. Save broccoli stems for extra flavor. This soup does not freeze well due to dairy; store in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 5-8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 18
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, comfort food, self-care meal, easy soup, creamy soup, vegetarian, single serving, cozy dinner