Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that brings together fresh broccoli, rich cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect choice for lunch or dinner, suitable for cozy gatherings or a quick meal on a busy day. This soup stands out for its smooth texture and delicious flavor, making it an instant favorite among family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this soup can be on your table in no time.
• Creamy and Delicious: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and half-n-half creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lunch with friends or a cozy dinner at home.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh broccoli, this soup is not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels or add ingredients like croutons to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Broccoli Cheddar Soup, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to combine nicely.
• Whisk: Helps mix flour into the broth smoothly, preventing lumps in your creamy soup.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes dicing onions and carrots quick and easy.

Ingredients

For this delightful Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Base Ingredients

• 8 Tablespoons Butter (divided)
• 1 large Onion (finely diced)
• 1 large Carrot (shredded or finely diced)
• 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1/2 cup Flour (or cornstarch)

Broth and Seasonings

• 3 cups Chicken Broth (if you want a thicker soup, use 2 1/2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Mustard Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups Broccoli (chopped)
• 2 1/2 cups Half-n-Half
• 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)

Optional Garnishes

• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Garlic Butter Homemade Croutons (optional)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 Tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add onions and carrots. Cook for about 7-8 minutes while stirring often. Then add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 2: Create the Base

Add the remaining 4 Tablespoons of butter. Stir in flour until combined. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking to mix well. Include dried mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cream

Incorporate chopped broccoli and half-n-half into the pot. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes or until broccoli is softened. Gradually add cheese in half-cup portions, stirring well after each addition to maintain a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Final Touches

Taste your soup for seasoning adjustments. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with optional homemade garlic butter croutons or alongside buttery crusty bread for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be a delightful experience that enhances its rich flavors. Pairing it with the right accompaniments makes for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

With Homemade Garlic Butter Croutons

• These croutons add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

Accompanied by Buttery Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• A sprinkle of additional sharp cheddar on top can elevate the dish, making it even more indulgent.

With a Fresh Green Salad

• A light salad on the side offers freshness and balances the richness of the soup.

Served with Pickled Vegetables

• Pickles provide a tangy contrast, brightening each spoonful of soup.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Adding chopped parsley or chives as a garnish adds color and fresh flavor.

How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creating the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your soup is creamy and flavorful.

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli has a better texture and flavor compared to frozen, enhancing your soup.
• Gradually add cheese: Adding cheese in small amounts prevents it from clumping together, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth or add cornstarch gradually until reaching your desired consistency.
• Taste test frequently: Adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout cooking to ensure balanced flavors.
• Simmer gently: Cooking on low heat after adding cream keeps the soup creamy without curdling.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread
   This classic choice complements the soup perfectly with its buttery, garlicky goodness.
2. Caesar Salad
   A Caesar salad brings crisp romaine, parmesan cheese, and croutons that enhances overall flavor.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   The nutty flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs nicely with the richness of the soup for a well-rounded meal.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   These colorful peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices offer a hearty side that balances out the creaminess.
5. Baked Potatoes
   Simple baked potatoes are filling and can be topped with sour cream or chives for added flavor.
6. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory broccoli cheddar soup.
7. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad adds protein and freshness to complement your comforting bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Broccoli Cheddar Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using low-quality cheese: The flavor of your soup heavily relies on the quality of cheese you use. Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy taste.
• Not sautéing vegetables properly: Failing to sauté onions and carrots long enough can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant before adding other ingredients.
• Adding all cheese at once: Dumping all the cheese at once can lead to a grainy texture. Gradually add cheese, stirring well after each addition to maintain creaminess.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: It’s important to taste your soup as you go. Don’t skip this step; adjust salt and pepper based on your preference for the best flavor.
• Overcooking broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy and lose its vibrant color. Add broccoli towards the end of cooking for a tender-crisp texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh and prevent any odors from affecting its taste.

Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Duration: Freeze your soup for up to 2-3 months.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed throughout, usually around 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broccoli Cheddar Soup made of?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup consists of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, cream, chicken broth, and various seasonings that combine to create a rich, comforting dish.

Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth while keeping all other ingredients the same.

How do I thicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, consider using less chicken broth or adding cornstarch mixed with water during cooking. This will help achieve your desired consistency.

What can I serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

This delicious soup pairs well with crusty bread or homemade garlic butter croutons. A simple salad also complements it nicely.

Final Thoughts

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only creamy and flavorful but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether enjoyed as a cozy lunch or dinner option, this recipe invites customization such as adding spices or different vegetables. Try making it today for a comforting meal that everyone will love!

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Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich and creamy dish that brings together fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese in a comforting bowl of goodness. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this delectable soup is not only quick to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or as a cozy meal on busy days. The smooth texture, combined with the vibrant flavors of sautéed vegetables and spices, makes it an instant favorite among family and friends. Whether enjoyed with homemade garlic croutons or crusty bread, this soup is sure to warm your heart.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 1 large carrot, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup flour (or cornstarch)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups broccoli, chopped
• 2 1/2 cups half-n-half
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the onion and carrot; sauté for about 7-8 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the remaining butter and stir in flour until well combined. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix in chopped broccoli and half-n-half; let simmer for about 20 minutes until broccoli softens. Gradually add cheese in half-cup portions while stirring to keep the mixture creamy.
4. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with optional garnishes like croutons or parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture. Add cheese gradually to maintain creaminess. For a thicker soup, reduce broth or add cornstarch gradually.