Check out our #1 spot earned healthy broccoli cheddar soup recipe! It's an absolute favorite soup with a creamy texture, cheesy flavor & loaded with tons of veggies.
To a large pot add olive oil and warm to medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, celery and carrots and sauté 8-10 minutes until softened.
Stir in flour and then slowly add in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine.
Add in broccoli florets, beans, salt, dried thyme, pinch chili flakes and a couple turns ground pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, turn to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes with the lid mostly on until broccoli is tender.
Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to pulse to desired consistency OR blend in batches in a blender to desired consistency and return to the pot.
Stir in the cheese, 2-2 1/2 cups depending on how cheesy you want it, add more salt and/or pepper to your liking and then serve.