Indulge your senses in the delightful symphony of flavors and textures that this broccoli cheddar soup promises. With a mere 10-minute prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, this recipe effortlessly transforms humble ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort that’s perfect for any occasion. Picture the sizzling sound of unsalted butter meeting the heat of a pot, creating the foundation for a savory masterpiece. The aromatic dance of onions, seasoned with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, follows suit, infusing the kitchen with an inviting fragrance.
As the onions tenderize, garlic makes its entrance, filling the air with its rich aroma, signaling the next step in this culinary adventure. The addition of all-purpose flour transforms the pot’s contents into a golden roux, a testament to the depth of flavor to come. The gradual introduction of whole milk or the velvety alternative of unsweetened almond milk, coupled with vegetable broth, orchestrates the creation of a luxurious base that sets the stage for the starring ingredients.
Enter the protagonists: broccoli florets and julienned carrots, their vibrant colors and robust textures promising both visual appeal and a wholesome bite. Dijon mustard joins the ensemble, adding a subtle tang that harmonizes with the richness of the soup. As the pot simmers, the vegetables tenderize, and the flavors meld into a symphony of savory goodness.
But the pièce de résistance is yet to come. The gradual integration of shredded cheddar cheese, a heaping two cups of it, transforms the broth into a velvety elixir of comfort. Each addition is met with gentle stirring, allowing the cheese to melt seamlessly, creating a creamy concoction that encapsulates the essence of indulgence.
And when the moment arrives to ladle this masterpiece into a bowl, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper becomes the finishing touch, enhancing the aroma and inviting anticipation. For those seeking an extra layer of decadence, homemade croutons, with their golden-brown exterior and satisfying crunch, are the ideal companions.
In just 35 minutes, this broccoli cheddar soup not only satiates the palate but also wraps you in a warm embrace of home-cooked goodness. It’s a culinary journey that proves that comfort can be both swift and sumptuous, making it an instant favorite in any kitchen.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep Time: 10minutes mins
Cook Time: 25minutes mins
Total Time: 35minutes mins
Serves 4
This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is easy to make in just 30 minutes! Creamy, rich, and flavorful, it’s comfort food at its best. Serve it with homemade croutons or good crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 large carrot, julienned or finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, about 2 heaping cups
- Homemade croutons, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, then sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the flour turns golden. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously.
- Add the broth, broccoli, carrot, and mustard and stir to combine. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Gradually add the cheese, stirring after each addition, until all the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season to taste and serve with croutons, if desired.