Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Bacon

Name: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Bacon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 16 oz bacon, chopped; 1.5 head broccoli, chopped; 2 cup sharp cheddar, freshly shredded; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2.5 cup chicken broth; 2 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 0.25 cup flour; 1 tsp chicken bouillon; 0.5 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Servings---

Prep Time20 Mins

Cook Time30 Mins

Difficulty---

Ingredients

bacon, chopped
16 oz
broccoli, chopped
1.5 head
sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
2 cup
shredded carrots
1 cup
onion, diced
1
garlic, minced
6 cloves
chicken broth
2.5 cup
heavy cream
2 cup
unsalted butter
2 tbsp
flour
0.3 cup
chicken bouillon
1 tsp
salt
0.5 tsp
black pepper
1 tsp
smoked paprika
1 tsp
cayenne pepper (optional)
0.3 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.

Add the butter to the pot with the bacon drippings. Stir in the diced onion, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne, if using. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion softens, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in about half of the chicken broth while whisking, then add the remaining broth until the base is smooth. Add a splash more broth if the mixture seems too thick.