A simple and comforting creamy broccoli cheddar soup recipe, perfect for a cozy meal. This one-pot soup is easy to make and a family favorite.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium)
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups broccoli florets (from about 1 lb broccoli)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker soup)
1/4 cup water (if using flour)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add broccoli florets and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.
If you want a thicker soup, whisk together the flour and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering soup while stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Stir in the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Heat through but do not boil.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Serve hot.
Notes
For an extra creamy soup, you can blend half of the soup using an immersion blender or carefully transfer half to a regular blender. Return to the pot and stir.
This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
For a copycat Panera Bread experience, use sharp cheddar cheese and ensure the soup is well-seasoned.