Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of broccoli cheese soup, especially when it's topped with some crunchy homemade croutons. This recipe is one of our favorites, and it's incredibly easy to make. So grab your pot and let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 3 garlic cloves, chopped

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets

• 1 large carrot shredded

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 8-10 ounces fresh shredded cheddar cheese, about 2 heaping cups

• Homemade croutons, for serving, optional

To start, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook off the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup.

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the vegetable broth and stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the chopped broccoli florets and shredded carrot to the pot. Stir in the Dijon mustard. Cover the pot and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, continue stirring until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the soup.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the soup hot, topped with homemade croutons if desired.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad or a crusty bread. It's also a great way to sneak some vegetables into your family's diet, as the creamy cheese sauce is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.

So the next time you're in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal, give this Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe a try. It's quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!