Description
This velvety, cheese-forward soup is the ultimate comfort dish, blending fresh broccoli florets and sharp, aged cheddar into a rich, roux-thickened broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this restaurant-quality meal is hearty, nutritious, and incredibly smooth. By using freshly grated cheese and a carefully prepared base, you achieve a professional-grade consistency every time. It is a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing classic that is easy to prepare right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, grated
4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it foams.
Add the diced onions and cook for five minutes until translucent and soft.
Whisk the flour into the butter to create a paste and cook for two minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the chopped broccoli and grated carrots to the liquid.
Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the heavy cream and smoked paprika, warming through gently.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Always grate your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt. Use high-fat European butter for the best flavor profile. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg