Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

  1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste until the mixture is pale gold.
  3. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the broccoli florets, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
  5. Remove the pot completely from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and smoked paprika until smoothly melted.