ULTIMATE BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

Imagine a bowl filled with creamy, cheesy goodness, flecked with vibrant green broccoli florets, offering the ultimate comfort on a chilly day. This Broccoli Cheddar Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more with every spoonful. Get ready to create the most satisfying and delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup you’ve ever tasted – I promise you’ll love it!

Ingredients: The Key to Soup Success

For the Soup Base:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

For the Broccoli and Cheese:

• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use a good quality cheese for the best flavor!)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked bacon crumbles
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped chives or green onions
• Croutons

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Soup!

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

Step 2: Create the Roux

1. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup. Make sure the flour is fully incorporated and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor!
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Dairy

1. Stir in the milk and heavy cream.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
3. Heat gently, but do not boil. Boiling can cause the dairy to curdle.

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

1. Add the chopped broccoli florets to the soup.
2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want the broccoli to be cooked through but still retain some bite. If you prefer softer broccoli, cook for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

1. Remove the pot from the heat.
2. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it is completely melted and smooth. Stir continuously to prevent the cheese from clumping.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Ladle the Broccoli Cheddar Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, sour cream, chopped chives, or croutons.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Troubleshooting and Tips: Your Soup Success Guide

Preventing a Grainy Texture:

Sometimes, cheese soups can turn out grainy. To prevent this, make sure the soup is not boiling when you add the cheese. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheese gradually, ensuring it’s fully melted before adding more. Using pre-shredded cheese can also contribute to graininess due to the cellulose added to prevent clumping, so shredding your own cheese is always best.

Adjusting the Thickness:

If your soup is too thick, simply add more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup. Cook for a few minutes until thickened.

Spice It Up!:

Want to add a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick! You can also use a pepper jack cheese for a subtle heat.

Broccoli Variations:

If you’re not a fan of large broccoli florets, you can puree a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a smoother texture. Just be sure to leave some florets whole for visual appeal and texture.

Make it Your Own: Delicious Variations

Creamy Tomato Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

Add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) or a cup of tomato puree for a richer, more complex flavor.

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Soup:

Substitute half of the broccoli with cauliflower florets for a slightly different flavor profile.

Spicy Chorizo Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

Sauté some chorizo sausage with the onions and garlic for a smoky, spicy twist.

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

Use vegan butter, plant-based milk and cream, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast to create a dairy-free and delicious version. You can also use a vegan cheddar cheese alternative.

Soup-er Sides: What to Serve with Your Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a delicious side. Here are a few of my favorite options:

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
• Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
• Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Baked Potato: A loaded baked potato complements the soup beautifully.

Other Soup Recipes You’ll Love!

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious soup recipes:

• High Protein Lasagna Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup that tastes just like lasagna!
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup: (Yup, sharing it again because it’s so good!)
• French Garlic Soup: A simple yet elegant soup with a rich garlic flavor.
• Potsticker Soup: A fun and flavorful soup with potstickers, vegetables, and a savory broth.
• Philly Cheesesteak Soup: All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a comforting soup.
• Crockpot Soups Perfect Fall: A collection of easy and delicious crockpot soup recipes perfect for the cooler months.

Storage and Reheating: Soup for Later!

Storing Leftovers:

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute or so, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to separate.

Freezing:

While you can freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the texture may change slightly after thawing, particularly the dairy components. It’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore the original consistency.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Soup Recipe!

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting lunch. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and vibrant broccoli, it’s a soup that everyone will love. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a soup that will warm your heart and soul!