Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to elegant gatherings. This creamy soup combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese with the nutritional benefits of broccoli, making it a delightful choice for both kids and adults. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course with crusty bread, its smooth texture and vibrant color make it irresistible. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this delicious soup that stands out for its flavor and heartiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This soup can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Creamy: A blend of cheddar cheese and fresh vegetables creates a rich taste and satisfying texture.
• Nutrient-Packed: With broccoli as a star ingredient, you’re adding vitamins and minerals to your meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone or pair it with homemade croutons or crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.
• Kid-Friendly: Its cheesy goodness makes it appealing to even the pickiest of eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without splatter.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of ingredients, especially when incorporating flour into the mixture.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertop while providing a stable surface for food prep.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

For the Liquid Component

• 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth

For the Vegetables

• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, julienned or finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Cheese

• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, about 2 heaping cups

Optional Topping

• Homemade croutons, for serving

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook while stirring for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Then sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the flour turns golden brown.

Step 3: Incorporate Milk

Slowly pour in your choice of milk (whole or almond), whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming in your mixture.

Step 4: Add Broth and Vegetables

Pour in the vegetable broth along with the chopped broccoli florets, julienned carrot, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together well.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to your soup. Stir after each addition until all cheese has melted and your soup is creamy.

Step 7: Serve

Taste your soup and season as needed before serving. Ladle into bowls and top with homemade croutons if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Serving it creatively can elevate your meal and delight your guests.

With Homemade Croutons

• Crunchy Texture: Top your soup with homemade croutons for an added crunch.
• Herb-Infused: Use herbs like thyme or rosemary on the croutons for extra flavor.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Bright Flavor: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to brighten the flavor.
• Visual Appeal: The green herbs add a beautiful contrast against the creamy soup.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• Light Refreshment: Pair with a light side salad, such as mixed greens, to balance the richness of the soup.
• Flavor Variations: Include ingredients like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing touch.

Served in Bread Bowls

• Edible Dish: Present your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible serving option.
• Satisfying Meal: This makes the meal more filling and enjoyable.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• Classic Pairing: Serve alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a nostalgic comfort food combo.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses to complement the flavors of the soup.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• Gourmet Touch: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth to each bowl.
• Flavor Enhancer: Infused oils, such as garlic or chili oil, can add an exciting twist.

How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Making the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience:

• Bold Seasoning: Season generously throughout cooking for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli and quality cheese for the best taste and texture.
• Slow Cooking: Allow the soup to simmer gently to develop deeper flavors without overcooking the broccoli.
• Creamy Consistency: Whisk continuously when adding milk to avoid lumps and achieve creaminess.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your soup during preparation to adjust seasoning as needed.
• Reheating Tips: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pairing side dishes can enhance your Broccoli Cheddar Soup experience. Here are some delectable options:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy soup wonderfully.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables provide a hearty addition.
3. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds freshness and texture.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring depth of flavor and color to your meal.
5. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce paired with creamy dressing that matches well with soup.
6. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad made with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella can be a delightful contrast in textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold milk or broth can lead to lumps. Always warm your liquids slightly before adding them to the pot.
• Overcooking broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can turn it mushy and dull its bright color. Aim for tenderness but still vibrant green.
• Not whisking properly: Failing to whisk continuously when adding flour can result in clumps. Make sure to keep whisking until smooth.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting the seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always season to taste at the end.
• Ignoring cheese quality: Using pre-shredded cheese may affect the texture. Opt for block cheese and shred it yourself for a creamier result.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will last for about 3-4 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing tightly.

Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Label containers with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated, adding more broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy and comforting dish made with fresh broccoli and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for chilly days.

Can I customize my Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach, or even toss in some cooked chicken for extra protein.

How do I make my Broccoli Cheddar Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, you can add a bit more flour while cooking or blend part of the soup and stir it back in for a creamier texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Broccoli Cheddar Soup stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it a great option for meal prep throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers warmth and satisfaction on any day. Its creamy texture combined with rich flavors makes it versatile enough for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste!

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