Super Simple Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I love soup.

It's easy to make, filling, freezes beautifully and usually pretty cost effective.  Soup is awesome! And now that we are heading back into Fall- soup season is officially back.  WooHoo!!

Here's one of our favorites, Broccoli Cheddar.  Really, who doesn't love Broccoli Cheddar Soup?!?  This recipe is low in fat, full of veggies and kid approved.  Now that's awesome!

Add your veggies to your broth!

Super Simple Broccoli Cheddar Soup

2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
3, 8oz packages frozen or fresh broccoli
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 large carrot, grated
fresh black pepper
heavy cream- optional

Melt your butter and then add the flour to create a paste, this is called a Roux.  When your Roux thickens a little, start to slowly add your chicken broth and milk.  Go slowly and allow this to thicken & bubble.  Be careful not to scald the milk!

Now slowly add your shredded cheddar cheese.  Make sure you find one that melts easily and doesn't clump.  For this reason, we never use Tillamook, which is usually the brand I buy most often.  Instead, I like to use Open Nature from Safeway.  It's made without any antibiotics or cows treated with RBST.  And it melts beautifully!  By the way- I usually add about 1 1/2 cups of cheese and save the rest to sprinkle on top when served.  You can also add more cheese if you like it cheesier- totally up to you!

Blend & add your last bag of broccoli

Once your cheese has melted, add 2 bags of broccoli.  If it's frozen, no need to thaw or cook first- it will cook in your broth.  Add your shredded carrot and fresh cracked black pepper.  I usually do about 1 tsp pepper- just give it a taste test.

Simmer on low for about 20 minutes.

Get out your Immersion Blender and blend all those broccoli chunks.  Now add your 3rd bag of broccoli and simmer for another 20 minutes.  I like to finish the soup with about 1/2 cup of half & half or heavy cream.  Gives it a nice rich flavor without so many extra calories!

Serve with grated cheddar cheese and a yummy roll.  Perfection!

*PS- don't add any salt!  The soup will be salty enough with the cheddar cheese.

Enjoy!