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The Recipe · No.509 · Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup, and where to source it

Broccoli Cheddar Soup — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Broccoli Cheddar Soup American 5best2buy.com

Melt the cheese off the heat and add it a handful at a time, because boiling shredded cheddar makes it seize into grainy strings. Grate the cheese yourself; pre-shredded is coated in anti-caking starch that ruins the texture.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Broccoli
The star; chop florets small so they cook fast and keep their green.
1.5 lb
Sharp cheddar
Grate a good aged block yourself for a clean melt and real bite.
3 cups
Butter
The base of the roux that thickens the soup.
4 tbsp
All-purpose flour
Cooked into a roux so the cheese has structure to cling to.
1/4 cup
Whole milk
The dairy body of the base; warm it before adding to speed the thickening.
2 cups
Chicken bone broth
Thins the base and adds savor behind the cheese.
2 cups
Carrot & onion
Grated carrot adds color and sweetness; onion is the aromatic base.
1 each
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Build the rouxSweat the diced onion in butter, add the flour, and cook 2 minutes to a blond roux.
  2. Make the baseWhisk in the milk and broth gradually, add grated carrot, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes.
  3. Cook the broccoliAdd the chopped broccoli and simmer 8-10 minutes until fork-tender but still green.
  4. Melt in the cheesePull the pot off the heat and stir in the cheddar a handful at a time until smooth; season and do not boil after.
The Toolkit

Heavy pot · Whisk · Box grater · Chef knife · Ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Broccoli Cheddar Soup ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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