Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Printer-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 1 medium sweet onion, diced
02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 2 cups russet potatoes, diced
04 - 5 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped

→ Dairy & Pantry

05 - ¼ cup unsalted butter
06 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
07 - 3½ cups chicken stock
08 - ½ cup heavy cream
09 - 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

→ Seasonings

10 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
11 - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Let's Cook!:

01 - Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
02 - Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
03 - Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
04 - Stir in chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
05 - Stir in potatoes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
06 - Using a wooden spoon, mash potatoes until slightly thickened, if desired; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
07 - Stir in broccoli and heavy cream. Cook, covered, until broccoli is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool 2 minutes.
08 - Stir in cheese, a handful at a time, until smooth, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
09 - Serve immediately.

# Recipe Notes:

01 - A rich and creamy homemade soup that's perfect for cold days. The potatoes help thicken the soup naturally while the sharp cheddar adds amazing flavor.