Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup
This broccoli cauliflower cheddar cheese soup combines tender florets of broccoli and cauliflower with shredded carrot and sharp cheddar in a creamy vegetable stock-based broth. A roux made from butter, onion, garlic, and flour creates a smooth and velvety texture, while seasonings provide gentle warmth. The soup cooks until the vegetables are just tender, then cheese is stirred in for richness and melt-in-your-mouth comfort.
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 ½ cups yellow onion diced (1 small onion)
- 4 garlic finely chopped, cloves
- salt to taste
- 3 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups vegetable stock 2 if using Instant Pot
- 2 cups half-and-half room temperature
- black pepper to taste, freshly ground
- ⅛ tsp white pepper
- 2 cups broccoli chopped, florets
- 2 cups cauliflower chopped, florets
- 1 carrot shredded, large
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded* (2 cups once shredded)
Instructions
Stovetop Directions
- In a dutch oven or stockpot, melt butter over medium heat and add diced onion. Sautee for a minute, then add garlic with a pinch of salt; continue sauteing for 2 minutes.
- Whisk in flour, continuing to whisk for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour down. Whisk in vegetable stock, incorporating with the flour mixture. Add half-and-half, salt, and pepper (to taste), and white pepper. Then add broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot. Simmer - do not boil - for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are just tender enough to be pierced with a fork.
- Remove from heat, and stir in shredded cheese in batches. Adjust salt and pepper as your taste desires, and serve!
Instant Pot Directions:
- Using the sautee function of your Instant Pot, melt butter and add diced onion. Sautee for a minute, and add garlic with a pinch of salt. Whisk in flour, continuing to whisk for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour down. Add white and black pepper, and an additional pinch of salt. Whisk in 2 cups vegetable stock, incorporating with the flour mixture. Add broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot.
- Put the lid on the Instant Pot, making it is sealed. Set to high pressure for zero minutes. Once it's come to pressure, carefully quick release the pressure.
- While the Instant Pot is working its magic, warm the half-and-half in a small saucepan on the stove.
- Once you've released the pressure after cooking, stir in half-and-half. Add shredded cheese in batches, stirring to melt in between each addition. Adjust salt level according to taste (since you weren't able to while cooking).
Notes
- Shred carrots yourself using the large holes on a box grater for better freshness and texture.
- Grate your own cheddar to avoid anti-caking agents, which can affect cheese melting and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat soup on the stovetop or microwave to warm it without breaking the texture.
- Look for cheddar labeled vegetarian if dietary needs require it.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 552
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 552kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 26g | 130% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 127mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 1108mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 663mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 4404IU | 88% |
| Vitamin C | 72mg | 80% |
| Calcium | 596mg | 60% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.