Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender broccoli florets with a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce for a bowl of pure indulgence. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this soup is packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Made with a velvety base of sautéed onions, garlic, and potatoes, it’s blended to perfection for a smooth texture, then loaded with sharp cheddar cheese for that irresistible cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this broccoli cheddar soup is sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a cozy, comforting meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- Optional: ½ cup cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Crusty bread or croutons
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the butter or olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Potatoes and Broccoli:
- Add the diced potatoes, broccoli florets, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Blend for Creaminess (Optional):
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of broccoli and carrots for texture. Alternatively, blend half of the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot.
4. Add the Cheesy Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and cream cheese (if using). Gradually add 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the soup is creamy. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of cheese for garnish.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or thyme if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and serve with crusty bread or croutons on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
