Light Broccoli Cheddar Soup
I absolutely love Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup and wanted to replicate it but with a healthier version. This is half the fat and calories of Panera’s version, but with all of the flavor you know and love. Fresh broccoli makes this a winner 30 minute pot of soup dinner!
Lightened Up Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients
This recipe makes about 8 cups of soup. I really recommend using the freshest ingredients possible. Stay away from frozen broccoli, it just won’t taste as good!
- Butter: If using salted, taste test before seasonings go into the soup. You can always add, but you can’t subtract!
- Onion: White or yellow.
- Granulated Garlic: To disperse the flavor throughout the whole soup.
- Flour: This helps create a roux, which keeps the soup thick without the addition of heavy cream.
- Milk: We use 2% milk. You can also use evaporated milk (in a can) for a creamy silky finish.
- Chicken Broth: Kitchen Basics is my favorite brand.
- Carrots: I buy matchstick carrots in a bag to save time on cutting them (the flavor is the same with carrots) and I like the texture of them in the soup. Almost like a noodle!
- Broccoli: Fresh! Buy precut florets to save time if you prefer. No frozen broccoli allowed here.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper & nutmeg. You only need a hint of nutmeg, but it’s the special ingredient that the soup needs for a warmth and depth of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: You can use reduced fat cheese, but I opt for regular for a better flavor. We cut the fat way down by using reduced fat milk. Shred your own! Pre shredded has additives and it does not melt as well.
Sauté Vegetables
In a soup pot, melt butter, and add onions and granulated garlic. Sauté until translucent, then add carrots, and continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes. Slowly add flour, and stir until the vegetables are fully coated.
Chopping Broccoli Florets
You can buy pre chopped, or you can chop your own. For this soup, you really can modify the cut of the broccoli to your liking. I like mine a little thicker, big chunks of broccoli coated in cheesy broth just speaks all kinds of yumminess to me! Prepare the broccoli, and then set it aside.
Cheddar Soup Broth
After the carrots and onions have sautéed and they’re fully coated in flour, add the chicken broth, and whisk well to eliminate any lumps. Next, add milk, and whisk again. Reduce heat to low, and add in broccoli, followed by cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine, until a silky cheddar broth is reached. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg. Continue to cook on low until broccoli is tender
*Remember, if you used salted butter, go light on the salt. Taste test and add more if needed.
Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup
That’s it! Once the soup is done, serve it with a topping of sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. I also love this with a garnish of chives for some added flavor.
This soup would be great served with Focaccia Muffins! I could also see it going great with Ham and Cheese Scones. If you’re a big fan of soup, we just posted this Rotisserie Chicken Ditalini Soup. On the same one pot note, this Creamy Carmelized Onion Orzo is restaurant quality good.
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Lightened Up Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp butter (if using salted, modify salt addition below)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2.5 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup matchstick cut carrots
- 4.5 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, melt butter on medium heat. Add onions, and granulated garlic. Once transclucent, add carrots.
- Slowly add flour to carrot and onion mixture. Stir to combine until onions and carrots are fully coated.
- Slowly pour in chicken stock, and whisk until no lumps remain. Add milk. Continue to stir for a few minutes to ensure no lumps remain.
- Add broccoli, and cheddar cheese to soup. Stir to combine. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Allow soup to cook on low for 10 minutes, or until broccoli is fork tender, stirring often.
- Remove from heat once broccoli is tender, and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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