Description
This Creamy Roasted Broccoli and Cheese Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich, roasted taste of broccoli with a smooth, cheesy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features roasted broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese, all blended to a creamy consistency and seasoned with thyme and black pepper.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 16 oz bag broccoli florets (or 4-5 cups fresh)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Liquids & Broth
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Thyme sprigs (optional)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Roast the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Spread the broccoli florets on a sheet pan, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat evenly and roast for 10 minutes to bring out a deep, roasted flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the broccoli roasts, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant, but not browned.
- Simmer Soup Base: Add the roasted broccoli, cubed potatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme sprigs to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes and broccoli are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the thyme sprigs from the pot. Using a hand immersion blender or transferring the soup carefully to a high-powered blender, blend until smooth and creamy. Return to pot if needed and keep warm.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- To make the soup vegan, substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
- For a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth or water when blending.
- You can roast the broccoli a few minutes longer for a smokier flavor if preferred.
- Use fresh thyme if available for best flavor; dried thyme can be substituted but add less as it is more concentrated.
- This soup freezes well — store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.