It’s loaded with cheese, greens, and the warmth that makes winter bearable. Yes, it’s the cheddar broccoli soup. Popularised by restaurant chains like Panera, the creamy broccoli soup is comfort food at its best. Whether you’re in the mood for a light supper or want something downright delicious yet simple to pair with your favourite veggie rolls or garlic bread, cheddar broccoli soup fits the bill.
Variations of the recipe exist, with some opting to char the broccoli before adding it to bring out a touch of smokiness, and others adding nutmeg to enhance the flavour. However, this is a beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal steps, simple equipment, and comes together in under an hour. It’s what you need when your stomach’s grumbling but cooking an elaborate meal feels like a hassle. So, get chopping, grating, and measuring and try this cheddar broccoli soup recipe today!
Take a large pot and add butter. Place it on medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft. Important: avoid browning; this soup works best with soft, not caramelised onions.
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Add the flour, cream and broth
Once the onions are sautéed, sprinkle the flour over them and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. Whisk in the broth slowly, making sure there are no lumps. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Now, add the half-and-half cream and stir well. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the soup base to thicken slightly.
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Add the vegetables
Add the broccoli and carrots to the mix. Now, cook on medium-low heat for 20 minutes or until the vegetables turn tender (but not mushy). This will make the soup chunky. For a smoother consistency, remove 1 cup of soup and blend it. Now, stir in the blended soup with the remaining mix. This will yield a smoother version
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Add the cheese
Add the salt and pepper and give a gentle mix. Now, turn the heat to low and add the grated cheddar cheese. Make sure the heat is low, or else the soup will get grainy. Turn off the heat and serve it hot with croutons, crusty bread, or toasted garlic bread.