I’m always looking for way to make some of my restaurant favorites at home because I honestly believe that certain foods just taste better when made at home, using my seasoned pots and spice blends. The first time I had broccoli cheddar soup was at Panera Brea, of course, and I would go there a few times a week to get my soup fix. If you have had ever had theirs then you know exactly what I’m talking about; it’s creamy, the broccoli in tender, and it’s just so good every single time.
So because I love it so much I figured it was time to learn how to make it myself and lucky for all of us, it’s such an easy recipe. The base of the soup is just like any other and it continues to build its flavors and texture as it cooks. As I say in all of my soup and stew recipes, feel free to explore your spice cabinets and add some of your favorite seasonings. Creole is my favorite seasoning at the moment, so I used that instead of the popular cayenne seasoning for used in most broccoli cheddar soup recipes.
A few notes about this recipe:
- I recommend using fresh broccoli, not frozen. Fresh broccoli gives you better control over the integrity of the broccoli as it cooks.
- I don’t recommend freezing the soup due to the dairy, however it can hold up in the fridge for 1-3 days.
How to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1
*I used a dutch oven for this recipe; I suggest using a heavy bottomed pot.
Add the butter and oil to a large pot and once the butter is melted added in the onions. Cook the onions are they are tender. Add in the seasonings and allow everything to cook for 1-2 minutes.
Step 2
Once the seasonings and onions have cooked down, add in the rest of the butter, stirring it as it melts and then whisk in the flour. Continue to whisk the flour into the mixture to cook the flour, it should be somewhat of a thick paste. Slowly pour in the stock/broth and continue to whisk.
Step 3
Add in the half and half, still whisking the soup mixture for about 3-5 minutes and then reduce the heat to low. Add in the bay leaf and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the mixture to thicken.
Step 4
Add in the matchstick carrots and chopped broccoli crowns, cooks for 20-25 minutes or until your broccoli has reached your desired tenderness. Stir in the cheese and simmer for another 5 minutes and then remove the bay leaf. Serve immediately, enjoy!
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy and delicious classic broccoli cheddar soup!
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter, sliced in tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 diced medium onion
- 1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups chopped broccoli crowns
- 2 cups shredded carrots/matchsticks
- 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottomed pot on medium heat, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter to the pot. Once the butter is melted add the onions. Saute until the onions are tender.
- Add in the creole seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper and mix into the onions, about 1 minute. Stir occasionally.
- Add the remaining butter and once it has melted add in the flour and whisk to combine, 3-5 minutes. Whisk continuously until the the flour and butter has thickened.
- Slowly add in all of the stock, while still whisking.
- Add in the half and half, still continuously whisking as you pour in the half and half.
- Reduce the heat to low and add in the bay leaf. Simmer for 15 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
- Add in the broccoli crowns and matchstick carrots. Cook for 20 minutes or until the broccoli reaches your desired tenderness.
- Stir in the cheese and allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve with your favorite bread and enjoy!
Keywords: Broccoli cheddar soup recipe
Adapted from Chelsea’s Messy Apron