Print

Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick, creamy Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup topped with bright green broccoli florets.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make a rich, velvety soup that tastes just like your favorite restaurant’s version using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut small
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Do not brown.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until it thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in the milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and dry mustard powder.
  6. Add the small broccoli florets. Simmer gently until the broccoli is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Remove the pot from the heat.
  8. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding more. Do not boil after adding cheese, or the sauce may separate.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  10. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Shred your own sharp cheddar cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
  • For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cheese.
  • If you want a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water (a slurry), added at the end of step 3.

Nutrition