Ingredients:

  • 500g fresh broccoli, stems diced small and florets cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 150g yellow onion, finely diced
  • 120g carrots, julienned or grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 60g unsalted butter
  • 30g all-purpose flour
  • 480ml low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 480ml whole milk or half-and-half
  • 0.5 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 225g sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Melt the butter. Place 60g unsalted butter in a heavy bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 150g diced onions and the finely chopped broccoli stems.
  2. Sauté the aromatics. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the onions are translucent and the stems begin to soften. Note: This builds the flavor foundation and ensures the stems aren't crunchy in the final bowl.
  3. Fragrance boost. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until you can smell the garlic clearly.
  4. Create the roux. Sprinkle 30g all purpose flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the flour smells slightly nutty and looks like a golden paste.
  5. Whisk the liquids. Slowly pour in the 480ml broth and 480ml milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and no flour lumps remain.
  6. Season the base. Add 0.5 tsp dry mustard powder, 0.25 tsp nutmeg, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.
  7. Simmer the vegetables. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Stir in the broccoli florets and 120g julienned carrots. Cover the pot.
  8. Cook the broccoli. Simmer for 12–15 minutes until the florets are tender crisp and bright green.
  9. Kill the heat. Reduce the temperature to low or turn it off entirely. This is the safety zone for the cheese.
  10. The cheese fold. Gradually add the 225g freshly grated cheddar, stirring in small handfuls until the soup is velvety and the cheese is fully integrated. Do not let it boil again. Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe My Creamy Comfort Classic — My easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe is pure comfort Creamy cheesy and packed...Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Family Comfort Classic — Try my cheesy broccoli rice casserole! It's creamy, comforting, and perfect a...Best Homemade Pimento Cheese Dip Perfectly Sharp Creamy — Forget the jarred stuff This easy Pimento Cheese Dip recipe delivers authenti... $img_2$