Broccoli Cheddar Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup on a chilly winter evening. I remember the first time I tried it at a cozy café, the aroma of melting cheese and tender broccoli wafting through the air was irresistible. As the soup warmed my hands, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of comfort wash over me. I wanted to recreate that feeling at home, and this recipe became my go-to. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those cozy moments, and I love how it brings family and friends together around the table. The rich, creamy texture combined with the sharpness of the cheddar is simply divine, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

It’s not just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl! This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for chilly evenings or as a comforting meal any day of the week. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it highlights the vibrant flavors of fresh ingredients. As I stir the pot, the enticing scents fill my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with loved ones.

Ingredient List for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

When it comes to the ingredients for this Broccoli Cheddar Soup, each one plays a significant role in creating that comforting, savory flavor. The fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic, and rich cheeses come together to create a dish that warms the heart. Let’s dive into the key players:

• 1 small onion, chopped: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
• 1 medium carrot, chopped: Brings color and a hint of sweetness.
• 1 celery stalk, chopped: Offers a subtle crunch and enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic goodness.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing the vegetables.
• 3 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the soup and adds a creamy texture.
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid for the soup.
• 1 cup fat-free milk: Adds creaminess without too many calories.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Fresh black pepper, to taste: Adds a bit of spice and depth.
• 6 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces: The star ingredient, full of nutrients and flavor.
• 1-1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar: The key cheese for that deliciously melted top.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds an extra layer of flavor.

Instructions for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Making this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a breeze! You’ll feel like a kitchen pro as you stir and sauté your way to wholesome goodness. Let’s get started!

1. Begin by carefully chopping the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic using a chopper or mini food processor. This helps create evenly sized pieces that will cook uniformly.
2. In a large pot or a Dutch Oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped vegetables along with the salt and black pepper. Sauté on low heat until the veggies are soft, which should take about five minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
3. Next, stir in the flour to create a roux. This step is crucial for thickening your soup. Cook for two minutes to eliminate the raw taste of the flour. You’ll notice the mixture become slightly golden.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until everything is combined, and the mixture is smooth.
5. Now, add in the milk and raise the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a boil while continuing to stir. The soup will start to thicken as it heats up.
6. Once boiling, fold in the broccoli florets and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients, and let it cook uncovered on low heat until the broccoli is tender, which usually takes about ten minutes. You want it to be vibrant green and soft but not mushy!
7. For a thicker texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for just a second or two. If you don’t have one, carefully remove one to two cups of soup, blend it, and return it to the pot. This will give your soup a beautiful creamy consistency.
8. Lastly, gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the soup. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve your Broccoli Cheddar Soup hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese if desired. It’s perfect for a cozy meal!

Ways to Customize

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some tips:

• Try different cheeses: Experiment with cheese varieties, like gouda or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor twist.
• Add protein: Mix in cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
• Extra veggies: Throw in peas or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Texture variations: Adjust the thickness by blending more or less of the soup to your preference.

What Complements This Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving your Broccoli Cheddar Soup is all about enhancing the experience. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

• Crusty bread: Nothing pairs better than a slice of warm, crusty bread or a buttery baguette to dip in.
• Garden salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette is a great balance to the creamy soup.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: For a classic comfort meal, serve with grilled cheese for dipping.
• Occasions: This soup is great for a cozy night in, family gatherings, or even when you need a warm hug during a winter evening.
• Storage: Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting bowl of warmth that brings people together. The combination of creamy texture, sharp cheddar, and fresh broccoli creates a delightful dish that everyone will love. So why wait? Try making this delicious soup tonight; your taste buds will thank you!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

The ultimate comfort food, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrition. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Bring warmth and flavor to your table tonight!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Soups

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 270 kcal

Equipment

• Dutch Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 small Onion chopped
• 1 medium Carrot chopped
• 1 stalk Celery chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons Flour AP, whole wheat or gluten-free flour
• 3 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup Fat Free Milk
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 to taste Fresh Black Pepper
• 6 cups Broccoli Florets chopped into small pieces, about 2 heads
• 1-1/4 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

 

• Chop onion, carrot, celery, garlic in a chopper or mini food processor.
• In a large pot, melt the butter. Add the chopped vegetables, salt and pepper and sauté on low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
• Add the milk and increase heat to high until it comes to a boil, then add broccoli florets, Parmesan cheese, and stir well.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cook uncovered over low heat until broccoli is cooked, about 10 minutes.
• Using an immersion blender quickly blend part of the soup for a quick second or two. If you don’t have an immersion blender, remove about 1-2 cups of soup and blend, then add it back to the soup. This helps thicken it a bit.
• Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly.
• Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese, if desired.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup. Just leave out the cheese before freezing and add it back in when reheating.
• Pairing: This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad.
• Occasions: Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends.
• Texture: Adjust the thickness by blending more or less of the soup to your preference.

Keyword Broccoli Cheddar Soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, vegetable soup

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Meet Maya Carlson

I believe that every dish tells a story through its colors and textures. I apply my artistic eye to everything we make. I love being hands-on with every recipe, helping to plate a savory stew just as beautifully as a dessert. I enjoy the challenge of making every single genre of food look as good as it tastes. If we are cooking, I am right there in the mix, styling and seasoning until it’s perfect.