Ingredients
Method
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pot, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a thick paste, known as a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth (you can also carefully transfer it in batches to a countertop blender). For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
Incorporate Milk and Cheese: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like extra warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious and comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6
