Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Name: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 tbsp butter; 1 onion, diced; 1/3 cup flour; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups whole milk; 4 cups chopped broccoli florets; 1 carrot, grated; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; Salt and pepper, to taste

6 servings15 min prep30 min cookEasy

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Story updated September 18, 2026

Broccoli cheddar soup is a relatively modern American creation, closely associated with the Panera Bread chain, which popularized it in the late 20th century, though similar cheese-and-vegetable soups existed earlier. It has since become a widely loved comfort food in its own right.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

3 tbsp butter
1 onion, diced
1/3 cup flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups whole milk
4 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 carrot, grated
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook the onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
2Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
3Slowly whisk in the broth and milk, making sure no lumps remain, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4Add the broccoli and carrot, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
5Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and nutmeg, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
6Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if a thicker texture is desired, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.

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