There is something incredibly satisfying about broccoli cheddar soup. Like mac and cheese, this beloved classic is all about comfort — it’s rich, cheesy, and indulgent.
I wanted this soup to feel rich and thick without being too heavy. I found that using equal parts chicken stock and half-and-half did just that. The half-and-half created a layer of richness, while the chicken stock balanced the soup, added depth, and brought out the flavors in the garlic powder. While you can definitely use fresh minced garlic in addition to garlic powder (or as a substitution), I found that garlic powder alone added the right amount of garlic essence and brought out the flavors in both the onion and Dijon mustard.