Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup – 30-Minute Dinner

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This soup needs just one pot and about forty-five minutes of your time. You stir in some sharp cheddar until it melts into a smooth sauce.

The texture should be thick but pourable like heavy cream. If it looks too thick add a splash of milk right away.

About the Ingredients

1 pound (450g) fresh broccoli florets

Fresh broccoli works best but frozen florets are fine too. Skip the stems since they are tough and woody.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Butter adds richness here. Use olive oil if you want a dairy-free version though the taste changes slightly.

1 medium onion chopped

Yellow onions are standard but sweet onions work well too. Chop them small so they cook quickly.

2 cloves garlic minced

Garlic adds depth fast. Fresh garlic is better than jarred stuff for this dish.

3 cups (710ml) chicken broth

Chicken broth gives the base its savory taste. Vegetable broth makes this vegetarian friendly.

2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded bags have anti-caking agents that stop it from melting smoothly.

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Flour thickens the soup before the cheese goes in. Cornstarch works if you need gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Steam the broccoli

Cook broccoli in boiling water for three minutes then drain. Keep it bright green and crisp so it does not turn mushy.

2. Make the roux

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for one minute until it smells nutty.

3. Build the base

Pour in broth slowly while whisking to avoid clumps. Simmer for ten minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine ingredients

Add cooked broccoli and half the cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the liquid.

5. Finish the soup

Turn off heat and stir in remaining cheese. Season with black pepper only if you need more flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Do not let the soup boil after adding the cheese. Boiling makes the cheese grainy and oily.
• Stir constantly while melting the cheese into the roux. This prevents lumps from forming in the sauce.
• Taste before adding extra salt. The broth and cheese are often salty enough already.

Delicious Variations

• Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch.
• Stir in diced potatoes for a heartier meal.
• Mix in corn kernels for a sweet contrast.

How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Frequently Asked Questions

Try making this tonight and see how easy it really is.

Written by Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett focuses on budget-friendly soups and comfort food that fit the dump-and-go method, using chicken and beef to create weeknight dinners the whole family will love. She writes about making hearty meals from simple, affordable ingredients, with an eye on reducing food waste. Her practical angle is showing that comfort food doesn't need to be complicated or expensive.