Creamy Cheddar and Broccoli Soup with Southern Spice
A comforting bowl of smooth cheddar cheese soup with tender broccoli florets and a hint of southern-inspired seasoning. This american-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs unsalted butter, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 cups, chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter until foaming. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5-6 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the onion mixture, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups whole milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups chopped broccoli florets, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Step 5: Using an immersion blender, carefully puree about half of the soup to create a creamy texture with some broccoli chunks remaining; alternatively, blend half in batches in a blender and return to pot.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten flavors.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Cheddar and Broccoli Soup with Southern Spice take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Cheddar and Broccoli Soup with Southern Spice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Cheddar and Broccoli Soup with Southern Spice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Cheddar and Broccoli Soup with Southern Spice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Creamy Cheddar and Broccoli Soup with Southern Spice?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
