Broccoli Cheddar Soup Creamy (Recipe for Printing)

Creamy soup brimming with broccoli, cheddar, and carrots. Ideal comfort on a cold day.

# What You Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 9 1/2 ounces)
08 - 2 cups half-and-half
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup peeled and grated carrot (about 2 medium carrots)
11 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 8 ounces mild yellow cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups), plus more for serving
13 - Homemade croutons, for garnish (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Melt unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
02 - Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and stir frequently until the mixture is lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes.
03 - Add chopped broccoli florets, half-and-half, low-sodium chicken broth, grated carrot, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
04 - Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
05 - Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese by the handful, stirring until each portion is melted before adding more. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar and croutons as desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For enhanced depth of flavor, opt for homemade chicken broth.
02 - Adjust cheddar cheese quantity to match your preference for richness.
03 - Supplement with vegetables such as potatoes or celery to boost nutritional content.