Make a creamy, cheesy bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup packed with tender broccoli florets and rich flavor. This single serving recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients and is ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes!
In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a smooth base for the soup.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to ensure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Stir in the milk and heavy cream, combining thoroughly.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, cumin, chili powder, and salt, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
Add the chopped broccoli to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the broccoli cooks evenly and the flavors meld.Pro Tip: Chop your broccoli into fine, bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly in the soup.
Taste the soup and add additional salt if necessary. Ladle the soup into a bowl and enjoy while hot.
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Notes
Read the Recipe First: Before you begin, take a moment to read through the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section. This will help you understand each step and ensure your broccoli cheddar soup comes out just right. All the details you need are right here, so don’t skip over anything!
Pick the Best Broccoli: Choose broccoli with a vibrant green color and firm stems. Avoid any that show yellowing, browning, or floppy florets, as these are signs of age. Store your broccoli in the crisper drawer and use it within a week for the freshest flavor. For ideas on using leftover broccoli, see the suggestions below.
Prep Your Broccoli Florets: To cut a broccoli crown into florets, slice close to the base of each cluster where it meets the main stem. Break larger pieces into bite-sized florets to ensure they cook evenly in the soup.
Keep the Heat Low: Cook the soup over low heat to avoid curdling or grainy textures. Slow and steady wins the race for a creamy, smooth finish.