Soup – glorious soup!! I love the soup they have at Panera (Paradise Bakery in some places), and almost always opt for a big bowl of this when they have it. This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is warming, and really hits the spot on a cold winter day. I’ve been known to order this in summer, too. 
After eating this at every opportunity in restaurants – making Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home was always going to happen – but it was a tall order. Could I really replicate it and love it as much as the original?
Um. Yes.
The Husband, thankfully, is one of those people that agrees with me that soup can be an entire meal (if you have enough of it) and happily ate a big serving of this. He said “this is likely the best soup you’ve ever made). Now… I make a LOT of soup, so hearing that made me sure that this version is a winner.
It has a rich cream base, with the broccoli added in, and finished with a lot of cheese.
[Tweet “Broccoli Cheddar Soup #creamy #cheesy #broccoli #vegetarian #soup #recipe”]
Speaking of the cheese. DO take the extra step to grate your own. Pre-grated has additives that make this soup gritty and you really want it to be smooth and silky. You just DO. Enjoy this delicious, rich and flavorful version of an old favorite!
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs butter
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 cup melted butter not a typo - you need 2 amounts of butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups half&half
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable (to be vegetarian)
- 1 lb fresh broccoli stems included
- salt/pepper to taste
- 12 oz freshly grated cheddar cheese
Directions
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In a large saucepan, heat the butter until melted, then cook the onions until softened.
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Add the garlic, and cook 30 seconds more, then remove onions/garlic and set aside.
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Add the melted butter to the saucepan, and blend the flour in with a whisk.
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Whisk in the half & half, then add the chicken stock.
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Simmer for 10-15 minutes (do not boil) until thickened.
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Add the broccoli, and the onions/garlic in, and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes (until the broccoli is tender).
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Season to taste.
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Remove from heat and puree all or half (if you like it chunky) in a blender.
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Return to heat, and stir in the cheddar.
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Serve, with extra cheese on the top.
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Then, get a second bowl after you ate the first.
Framed Recipes says
Sounds delicious Kylee. – Sreelatha
Priya Shiva says
delicious and comforting soup! Perfect for the coming winter…
Molly Kumar says
There's nothig like a homemade broccoli cheddar soup in wnters n this looks scrumptious.