Name: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion); 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic; ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¾ teaspoon ground mustard; ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 32 ounces low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 3 cups half-and-half; 1 bay leaf (optional); 6 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups shredded carrots; 12 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese; Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional for serving)

Description

The Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight is a quintessential comfort food that weaves together the soothing richness of cheddar cheese with the fresh, verdant taste of broccoli. This soup is an ideal choice for a hearty dinner that promises to satisfy cravings with its velvety texture and deep, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ teaspoon ground mustard
⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
32 ounces low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3 cups half-and-half
1 bay leaf (optional)
6 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 cups shredded carrots
12 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional for serving)

Instructions

Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden, about 3-5 minutes. Incorporate garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds to 1 minute.
Make the roux: Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and melt. Whisk in the flour continuously for 2 minutes, until the mixture slightly thickens.
Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth ensuring it combines well, followed by a slow addition of half-and-half, reducing heat to medium-low. Add the bay leaf if using, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, until it thickens.
Prep vegetables: While the mixture simmers, proceed to chop the broccoli and shred the cheese.
Cook vegetables: Add broccoli and carrots to the soup, simmering on low heat until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Add cheese: Remove from heat and gradually mix in the cheddar cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, serving with or in buttered bread bowls for an indulgent dining experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes