Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup diced onions yellow or white
- 1 cup shredded carrots I used matchsticks that I cut into half inch pieces
- 2 1/2-3 cups broccoli florets chopped small
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk I use skim/fat free
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or more as desired
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the veggies
In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt your butter. Add the diced onions, carrots, and broccoli. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully tender yet; they’ll cook more in the broth. - Add the liquids and flour
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, milk, and cream, stirring as you go. Once the liquids are combined, sprinkle in the flour. It’s best to add the flour slowly and whisk well to avoid lumps – you’re aiming for a smooth, thickened soup. - Season and simmer
Add the kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch (or more if you like a little heat) of red pepper flakes. Keep the heat on medium and let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir frequently so the soup doesn’t stick to the bottom, and watch as it thickens up to that cozy, creamy consistency. - Add the cheese
Here comes the best part! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time, until it’s all melted and the soup is velvety smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Now, resist the urge to eat it straight out of the pot (or don’t – I won’t judge!). - Serve and enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to dig in! I love to top mine with a little extra shredded cheese or even a few croutons for crunch.
Notes
Serving and presentation ideas
Serve this soup with a warm crusty baguette or a homemade bread bowl if you’re feeling fancy! A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or a few croutons on top makes it look just as good as it tastes. For a fun presentation, try serving it in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl – it’s classic Panera style and adds an extra level of comfort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner