Description
Homemade broccoli cheddar delight brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables. Hearty ingredients combine for a quick, satisfying meal packed with rich cheese and tender vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 32 oz (907 g) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 6 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 7 tbsps (105 mL) unsalted butter, divided
- 6 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
- 1 ½ tsps minced garlic
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp ground mustard
- 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Base: In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Caramelize onions until translucent and golden, developing a rich flavor foundation.
- Spice Awakening: Incorporate garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and cayenne, stirring to release aromatic oils. Season with salt and pepper to enhance depth.
- Roux Creation: Whisk remaining butter with flour, cooking for two minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth thickening agent. Gradually pour in chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Vegetable Integration: Add broccoli florets and carrots to the simmering liquid, allowing vegetables to become tender while infusing the creamy base with their natural sweetness. Optional bay leaf can enhance overall complexity.
- Cheese Transformation: Remove from heat and gently fold cheddar cheese into the soup, creating a luxurious, silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning to perfect the flavor profile.
- Serving Finale: Ladle the creamy broccoli cheddar soup into warm bowls, optionally serving in buttered bread bowls for an indulgent presentation.
Notes
- Roux Mastery: Perfect your roux by whisking continuously for exactly two minutes to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, flavorful base without lumps.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese freshly and add off the heat to prevent separation, maintaining a silky smooth texture and rich cheese flavor.
- Vegetable Precision: Cut broccoli florets uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Spice Balance: Adjust cayenne carefully; start with a small pinch to control heat level without overpowering the delicate cheese and vegetable flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg