Mommy Cooking

HEALTHY

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

By Mommy Tiana · Quick Weeknight Specialist

4.9 (223 ratings)
Rated 4.9 out of 5

⏱️ Prep 10m · 🔥 Cook 25m · ✅ Total 35 min · 🍽️ Serves 6 · 📊 Medium

🥦

Mommy Tiana calls this her convince-them soup — the one that gets broccoli onto plates that usually reject it on sight. A blender and a good sharp cheddar do most of the persuading.

🧺 Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
  • ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Make the roux: Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw taste.
  3. Add liquids: Slowly whisk in broth, then milk, until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
  4. Cook the vegetables: Add broccoli and carrot. Simmer 12-15 minutes until broccoli is tender and soup has thickened.
  5. Finish with cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

380 calories

Calories

17g

Protein

26g

Fat

20g

Carbs
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💡 Chef's Tip

Chop the broccoli small so it's easy for little ones to eat and blends seamlessly into every spoonful — no picking around big florets.

🥗 Pairs Well With

  • Roasted carrots on the side for extra sweetness
  • Crusty whole-grain bread with butter for dipping
  • A simple green salad to lighten up the meal
  • Steamed cauliflower stirred in for even more veggies

❄️ Storage & Freezer Notes

  • Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months, though dairy-based soups can separate slightly.
  • Reheat: warm slowly over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk to bring the texture back together.

👶 Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas

  • Serve in a 'soup mug' with cheese toast soldiers for dipping.
  • Blend the soup extra smooth for picky eaters who don't love visible broccoli bits.
  • Top with fun cheese shapes cut with a small cookie cutter.