Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Soul

Indulge in pure comfort with "Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Soul," a creamy, hearty dish that's perfect for cozy nights or a comforting midday meal. This soul-warming classic combines tender broccoli florets and sweet grated carrot with a luscious base of sharp cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and velvety cream, creating the ideal balance of rich and wholesome flavors. The addition of sautéed onion and garlic enhances the depth of flavor, while a hint of paprika adds optional warmth. Simmered to perfection and partially blended for the perfect creamy-yet-chunky texture, this one-pot recipe is ready in just 40 minutes and serves up six generous bowls of comfort. Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for dunking, and let the soul-soothing goodness of this broccoli cheddar soup brighten your day!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5

Stir in the milk and heavy cream, then add the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 6

Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup a few times to create a creamy texture while still retaining some chunks of broccoli. (Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.)

Step 7

Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the soup. Be sure to keep the heat on low to prevent the cheese from clumping.

Step 8

Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2625.7 grams (2625.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2937

Total Fat 231.60g	297%
Saturated Fat 142.00g	710%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 703mg	234%
Sodium 8388mg	365%
Total Carbohydrate 104.80g	38%
Dietary Fiber 16.00g	57%
Total Sugars 41.00g
Protein 110.20g	220%

Vitamin D 263IU	1314%
Calcium 2944mg	226%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 2861mg	61%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.8%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 14.2%