Broccoli Ham and Cheese Soup
So cheesy, creamy and hearty! Loaded with ham, cheese, potatoes and TONS of broccoli! It is the perfect cozy, comforting soup for any time of the year. Adult and kid-friendly!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 ounces fully cooked ham, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 russet potato, peeled and cubed
- 16 ounces broccoli florets, finely chopped
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ham, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes; set aside.
- Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Whisk in flour and thyme until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in potato. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potato is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Using a potato masher, mash potatoes until desired consistency is reached. Stir in ham, broccoli and heavy cream. Cover and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Gradually stir in cheese until smooth; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve immediately.