Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Sauté aromatics and thicken
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4 minutes until softened and lightly translucent.
- Add the garlic and flour, then cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour smells slightly nutty.
Build the creamy base
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Add the potatoes and smoked paprika and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender. Mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup.
Cook broccoli and melt cheese
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5–6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Keep the simmer gentle to preserve the color.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar and Dijon mustard until the cheese is fully melted and the soup looks smooth and glossy.
Finish and season
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well and serve hot. Keep the pot on low so the cheddar stays melted.
Notes
For the thickest texture, mash more of the potatoes during the simmer. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much. Freezing isn’t recommended because the dairy can separate after thawing. For a dairy-light swap, use evaporated milk plus reduced-fat cheddar, noting the soup may be less thick and less smooth.
