Soup season has arrived and I’m here for all of the delicious bowls of heart warming meals. Every time I hear someone say Broccoli I think of Dana Carvey’s SNL Choppin' Broccoli song. If you haven’t heard it or have no idea what I’m talking about Google it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

So, naturally I was singing it while making this Cheese and Broccoli Soup! Hey Dana, can you add Soup to the song? It could go something like this “she’s Choppin' Broccoli - AND MAKING SOUP”

Well I’m sure that won’t happen but I can tell you this did happen. Probably one of the creamiest Cheese and Broccoli Soups I’ve ever made and I’m sharing it with you today. Enjoy my friends!

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
AUTHOR: Mary Mammoliti / Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon + 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock
2 cups fat-free half-and-half (regular half-and-half may be substituted; whole milk or 2% milk will work but soup won’t be as creamy)
3 cups broccoli florets, diced into bite-size pieces + 1 cups stems
2 large carrots, peeled, and sliced into very thin rounds
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
pinch cayenne pepper, optional
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese, with a small amount reserved for garnishing bowls

NOTE: Do not use pre-grated cheese in ziptop bags because that cheese is resistant to melting and won’t incorporate well. ⁣

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, add 1 tablespoon butter, the diced onion, and sauté over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

2. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and set the pan aside.

3. In a large stock pot over medium heat add 4 tablespoons butter, flour, and whisk continuously for 3 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. This is your roux.

4. Slowly whisk the vegetable stock into the roux (flour mixture), add the cream to your pot and whisk to combine.

5. Allow mixture to simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened. TIP: Whisk intermittently to keep a creamy constancy.

6. While the mixture is simmering, chop the broccoli and carrots and add the to the soup at the end of your simmering time of 15 minutes and add the onion and garlic you previously set aside to the pot.

7. Add the salt, pepper, paprika, dry mustard powder, and cayenne and stir to combine, and continue to simmer over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Stirring occasionally to avoid burning the soup.

8. While your soup simmers, grate the cheese and add most of the cheese at the very end of your cooking time, reserving a small amount for garnishing bowls. Stir the cheese into the soup until melted and incorporated.

9. Transfer soup to bowls, garnish with reserved cheese, and enjoy.

   NOTE: Soup will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days.