Rich, creamy soup filled with broccoli, sharp cheddar, and hearty toppings. Comfort food at its best.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped (about 1 large head)
02 - 1 medium carrot, diced
03 - 1 small onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup celery, diced
→ Dairy
06 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, plus extra for garnishing
10 - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
→ Pantry
11 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
→ Toppings
16 - 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
17 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions
18 - 1/4 cup sour cream
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Melt the unsalted butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
02 - Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
03 - Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth to avoid lumps. Add the chopped broccoli, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
04 - Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is fork-tender.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese until fully incorporated and smooth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
06 - Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and the soup is creamy.
07 - For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially, leaving some texture if desired.
08 - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream as preferred.
