When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing better than a hot bowl of homemade broccoli cheddar soup. No matter how ravenous you are, this traditional comfort dish will warm your soul and sate your hunger. Making this delicious, creamy treat from home is easier than you might think, and the effort is well worth it.
Envision a smooth soup foundation that has been enriched with the strong tastes of broccoli and sharp cheddar; every spoonful would bring a flood of comforting memories. This recipe is ideal for both casual family dinners and more formal dinner parties, and it will satisfy both experienced and amateur cooks.
The Perfect Marriage of Flavors
Two powerful components, broccoli and cheddar cheese, come together in perfect harmony to form the foundation of this cherished dish. Broccoli, a nutritional powerhouse, contributes its verdant green color and earthy undertones, while the sharp, sour cheddar makes it all the more luxurious and rich.
The meticulous balancing of flavors and textures, however, is what takes this soup to a whole new level. With their wonderful crunch, the broccoli florets and the silky soup base provide a warm and pleasant experience for your taste receptors.
A Simple Yet Satisfying Ritual
Even though it sounds like a lot of work, making your own Broccoli Cheddar Soup is actually rather relaxing and easy. The most enticing fragrances will flood your kitchen as you sauté the aromatic veggies and slice the broccoli, making you hungry for the pleasure that is to come.
After the soup base has simmered for a while, the cheddar cheese can be added. See the shredded cheese turn into a silky, delicious mixture as it melts into the creamy liquid; you’ll want more and more of this as you eat it.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch broccoli (about 4 cups florets)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk (or cream for an extra indulgent soup)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crispy bacon bits or croutons for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Remove the broccoli’s florets from their stalks after washing and trimming. Separate the stems by chopping them into little pieces. Cut the carrots and onion into small parts.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter or heat the oil in a big Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped carrots, broccoli stalks, and onion. Once the vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma, sauté for around 5 minutes. After one more minute, stir in the minced garlic.
- Make the Roux: Make a roux by stirring the flour into the sautéed veggies. To remove the raw flour flavor, simmer for two to three minutes while stirring continuously.
- Add the Liquids: Whisk constantly as you slowly add in the chicken or veggie broth to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and stir in the milk (or cream).
- Simmer the Soup: After the soup has simmered for a while, add the broccoli florets and cook for another ten to fifteen minutes, or until the broccoli is soft but has a little crisp.
- Add the Cheese: Take the soup pot off the stove and melt the shredded cheddar cheese in it, handful by handful. Stir in the cheese until it’s all combined. To taste, add salt and pepper.
- Savor the Delight! As a garnish, you can add crispy bacon bits or croutons to the bowls of boiling hot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. To make it a whole dinner, serve with some fresh salad or crusty bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Definitely! You can substitute frozen broccoli florets for fresh ones in this dish. Toss them into the soup once they have thawed.
2. What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese will melt the best and have the best flavor. On the other hand, if you prefer smoked cheddar or a combination of cheeses, go ahead and try it instead.
3. Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Just swap out the chicken broth for veggie broth and add almond or oat milk, which are plant-based alternatives to dairy milk. To make it vegan, just leave out the cheddar cheese or substitute it with another kind of vegan cheese.
4. How long does this soup keep in the fridge?
The correct way to store broccoli cheddar soup in the fridge is in an airtight container. Once opened, it will keep for up to four days. For hectic weeknights, this is the ideal dish to prepare in advance.
5. Can I freeze this soup?
Definitely! Freezing this soup is a dream come true. After it has cooled entirely, transfer it to containers that can be frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating over medium heat or in the microwave; stir often to avoid curdling. Serve warm.