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Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This cheesy, creamy broccoli cheddar soup tastes like Panera and is made with healthy ingredients! The perfect comfort food.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 4 (to 6) servings
Calories: 363 kcal
Course: Main Course , Soup , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 carrots scrubbed and cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch pieces
  • 8 cups broccoli florets about 2 heads
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets about 12 ounces or 1 small head
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, about 2 teaspoons
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup 2% milk whole milk, or half-and-half (the higher the fat, the richer the soup)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard to taste (I use 2)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional
  • 4 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 cup), plus additional for serving, do not use pre-shredded cheese, which does not melt as smoothly
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large Dutch oven or similar large, sturdy soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the onion softens and begins to turn translucent, adjusting the heat as needed so it becomes tender but does not brown, about 5 to 8 minutes.
  2. Add the carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, and garlic. Cook until the broccoli is very lightly sautéed and bright green, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high.
  4. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring periodically, until the vegetables are completely tender, about 15 minutes.
  5. Puree the soup, either in batches in a blender (be careful not to overfill it—blenders love to splatter) or directly in the pot with an immersion blender. Leave the soup as chunky or as tender as you like.
  6. Heat the pot over low. Stir in the milk (or half-and-half), mustard, nutmeg, and cayenne.
  7. Place the cheddar in a bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over the top. With your fingers, toss to coat the shreds evenly.
  8. Working only 1 small handful at a time, add the cheese very slowly to the soup, stirring constantly and allowing the cheese to melt completely before the next addition. Stir in the Parmesan. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Enjoy warm with crusty bread and additional cheese sprinkled on top.

Notes

  • TO STORE: Refrigerate soup in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze soup in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1(of 4) Calories 363kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 30g (10%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 0.3g Cholesterol 51mg (17%) Potassium 1261mg (36%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 9322IU (186%) Vitamin C 203mg (226%) Calcium 428mg (43%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4(to 6) servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 363

% Daily Value*

Serving 1(of 4)
Calories 363kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 30g 10%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 51mg 17%
Potassium 1261mg 27%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 9322IU 186%
Vitamin C 203mg 226%
Calcium 428mg 43%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.