Why Make This Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not just any soup; it’s a comforting blend of flavors that warms your soul. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with the goodness of broccoli. Making your own soup from scratch can be a delightful experience. The taste of fresh ingredients combined with the satisfaction of preparing a hearty meal is truly rewarding. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak some veggies into your diet. Whether you want a cozy family dinner or a simple lunch, this soup fits the bill perfectly.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creating your own Broccoli Cheddar Soup is straightforward and can be done in just a few easy steps. Let’s go through the process together.

Ingredients:

5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
2 cups whole milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1 stalk celery, finely diced
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 cup extra shredded cheddar for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Melt the Butter: Start by melting 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Look for the butter to become foamy, which indicates it’s melting properly.
Cook the Onions: Next, add the finely chopped 1/2 medium yellow onion to the pot. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
Add Flour: Once the onions are cooked, whisk in 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture until it becomes lightly golden, which will take around 1-2 minutes. This step helps to thicken the soup later.
Gradually Add Chicken Stock: Slowly pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken stock, making sure to whisk continuously. This will help you avoid any lumps forming from the flour mixture.
Season It Up: Add salt and black pepper to taste. The amount will depend on your preferences, but a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper is a good starting point.
Stir in Veggies: It’s now time to add in the veggies. Stir in 1 stalk of finely diced celery and 2 1/2 cups of chopped small broccoli florets. Mix them well into the soup base.
Bring to Boil: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This process should take around 5-7 minutes.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. This will allow the broccoli to become tender. You should be able to pierce it easily with a fork.
Add Milk: After the broccoli is cooked, stir in 2 cups of whole milk. Continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
Incorporate Cheddar: Remove the pot from heat and gradually add 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the soup. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the mixture.
Final Seasoning: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A bit more salt or pepper might be needed based on your liking.
Serve: Finally, serve the soup warm. If desired, add some extra shredded cheddar on top for a cheesy garnish. This soup is perfect alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple yet delightful. Here are a few ideas to enhance your serving experience:

Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping. A sourdough or baguette works well to soak up the creamy goodness.
Salad on the Side: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
Toppings Galore: Offer your guests some options for toppings, such as extra shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, or croutons for added texture.

How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you happen to have leftovers—or if you want to make the soup ahead of time—here’s how to store it:

In the Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, also be sure to heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the soup for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Again, let it cool, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above.

Tips to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To make your Broccoli Cheddar Soup even better, consider these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Fresh broccoli adds a bit more crunch and taste to the soup.
Experiment with Cheeses: You can mix different cheeses for a unique flavor. Try adding Monterey Jack or Gruyère along with cheddar for a creamier taste.
Add Garlic: Sauté some minced garlic with the onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother soup, consider blending a portion of the soup once the broccoli is tender. This will give you a creamy texture while keeping some chunks.
Garnish Creatively: Besides cheese, you can use chopped chives, green onions, or a drizzle of olive oil for garnishing.

Variation

While the classic version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup is delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste:

Add Protein: Incorporate shredded chicken or crumbled sausage to make it heartier. This can transform it into a complete meal.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other veggies such as carrots, peas, or cauliflower for more nutrition and flavor.
Make it Spicy: To add a kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during cooking.

FAQs

1. Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and use a vegetarian cheese option.

2. Can I use store-bought cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese?
While you can use a cheese sauce for convenience, shredding your cheese provides a fresher flavor and better melting texture.

3. How do I make it gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup.

4. How can I thicken my soup without flour?
If you want a thicker soup without using flour, consider blending a portion of the soup until smooth. You can also add more broccoli or use mashed potatoes.

5. Can I use dairy alternatives?
Yes, feel free to replace whole milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other dairy alternative. Select a cheese that melts well for the best results.

With its creamy texture and rich flavor, Broccoli Cheddar Soup is sure to become a beloved dish in your home. Follow these simple steps to prepare it, and you’ll see how easy it is to enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Author: ethanmiller
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting blend of creamy flavors, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is packed with goodness and perfect for cozy family dinners or simple lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
2 cups whole milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1 stalk celery, finely diced
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 cup extra shredded cheddar for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat until foamy.
Cook the onions until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the flour and cook until lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Gradually add the chicken stock while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir in the celery and broccoli florets, mixing them well.
Bring to a gentle boil, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
Simmer for 12-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Add the milk and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Incorporate the cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra cheddar.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh broccoli. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Comfort Food, Soup Recipe