Broccoli Cheddar Soup

📝 Ingredients

• 1/2 stick butter (4 tablespoons)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp Season All, divided
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth, divided
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 bag frozen broccoli, rinsed
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1/8 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 (8 oz) block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. 1

   Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft.

2. 2

   Sprinkle in 1 tsp Season All and the flour. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until the flour is incorporated and forms a thick, pasty mixture.

3. 3

   Gradually stir in the 2 cups of chicken broth and half-and-half, adding a little at a time and stirring until smooth.

4. 4

   Add the broccoli, Dijon mustard, carrots, and black pepper. Stir to combine and increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

5. 5

   Turn off the heat and lightly blend the soup using an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also carefully transfer the soup to a food processor and blend in batches.

6. 6

   Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup broth, shredded cheddar cheese, and remaining 1 tsp Season All. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is combined.

7. 7

   Add additional chicken broth or half-and-half as needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.

💡 Tips for Success

• Shred your own cheese: Shredding an 8-ounce block of sharp cheddar helps it melt smoothly into the soup.
• Control the texture: Lightly blend the soup to keep some broccoli pieces, or blend longer for a smoother soup.
• Adjust the thickness: Add more broth for a thinner soup or half-and-half for a creamier consistency.
• Keep the heat low: Turn off the heat before adding the cheese to help it melt smoothly without becoming grainy.
• Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.