Cozy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy broccoli cheddar soup to embrace the chill of autumn or winter days. This soup blends tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and sharp cheddar in a velvety base, creating a bowl of absolute comfort. Paired with crusty bread or served in a bread bowl, it’s a classic that promises cozy satisfaction every time.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup has a reputation as a hearty, comforting choice for good reason. It’s rich, cheesy, and loaded with veggies for a wholesome boost. Here’s why this recipe is so popular:

• Unbelievably Creamy: With a mixture of milk, cream, and freshly grated cheddar, this soup has an indulgent texture.
• Vegetable-Packed: Broccoli and carrots add color, nutrients, and flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Adaptable: You can adjust the thickness, texture, and even the cheese to make it truly your own.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Main Ingredients

• Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and is the base for the roux.
• Onion (1 small, diced): Adds depth and sweetness.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For aromatic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Helps thicken the soup.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth (2 cups): Adds savory flavor; choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Whole Milk (2 cups) & Heavy Cream (1 cup): Together, these give the soup its creamy, luxurious texture.
• Broccoli Florets (4 cups, chopped): The star ingredient!
• Carrot (1 large, shredded): Adds a hint of sweetness and color.
• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, freshly grated, plus extra for garnish): Sharp cheddar brings out the best cheesy flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season to taste.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle warmth to enhance flavors.

Optional Tools

• Immersion Blender or Standard Blender: To adjust the soup’s texture to your liking.
• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking the soup from start to finish.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Then, add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously to form a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden. This step removes the raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup base.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring it’s smooth. Add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrot to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Blend for Desired Consistency

For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup to your preferred texture. Alternatively, carefully blend half of the soup in batches, then return it to the pot.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Season

Lower the heat to prevent curdling. Gradually stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar if desired. Serve alongside crusty bread or in a bread bowl for the ultimate cozy meal.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out the meal:

• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: For dipping into the creamy soup.
• Bread Bowl: Hollow out a small round loaf and ladle the soup inside for an extra treat.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy, so fresh cheddar is best.
2. Add Cheese Slowly and Lower the Heat: Cheese can curdle if the soup is too hot; melt it in slowly for a smoother texture.
3. Adjust the Texture: Blend to your desired consistency, whether you prefer chunky or smooth.
4. Boost Creaminess: Substitute half-and-half for extra creaminess if you’d like.
5. Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper at the end since the cheese is naturally salty.

this Recipe

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerator

Store leftover broccoli cheddar soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warm.

Freezer

To freeze, let the soup cool completely and pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen broccoli in this soup?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it straight to the pot without thawing, and cook until it’s tender.

Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
To lighten it up, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap whole milk for a lower-fat milk. Reducing the cheese slightly can also lower calories, though it may affect the flavor.

What can I use as a substitute for cheddar?
Other cheeses like Gruyère or a blend of cheddar and Parmesan add great flavor. Make sure the cheese you choose melts well.

How do I prevent the cheese from curdling?
Lower the heat before adding cheese, and add it gradually, stirring well. Avoid boiling the soup after the cheese has been added.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Soup

This broccoli cheddar soup is comfort food at its best! With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and the perfect balance of veggies and cheese, this is a go-to for any chilly day or cozy night in. Easy to make and delightful to eat, it’s bound to become a family favorite.

Looking for more cozy soups? Check out our other favorites:

• Crock-Pot Crack Potato Soup
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Chili

We’d love to see how your broccoli cheddar soup turns out! Share your photos and tag us on Pinterest. And don’t forget to leave a review below – happy cooking!

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g

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