Broccoli Cheddar Soup

ladle full of cheddar cheese soup with broccoli

5 from 7

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This delicious and easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a homemade version of the popular Panera soup, using pantry staples, all in one pot. It’s hearty, creamy, and boasts the most incredible flavor! Great for lunch or a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: broccoli cheddar soup, panera broccoli cheddar soup

Servings:

Ingredients

5 tablespoons unsalted butter , divided
1 small sweet onion , diced small
1/4 cup flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 & 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
1 large carrot , cut into matchsticks (1 cup)
1 stalk celery , thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese , shredded (2 & 1/2 cups)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter; add in the onion and saute, stirring, until translucent, 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium-low and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Add in the flour and whisk until dissolved and combined.
Gradually add in the milk, whisking constantly until no lumps or flour remain, then whisk in the chicken broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle bubble, whisking occasionally for 5 minutes.
Add in the broccoli, carrot, and celery; gently simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Reduce heat to low; stir in the cheese until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the salt, pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne.
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Make it vegetarian. Swap out the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.

Reduce the calories. Use low fat milk instead of whole milk to cut back on calories, although keep in mind it won't be as thick and flavorful.

Nutrition