Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm, comforting, and delicious dish featuring a rich and creamy texture balanced by crisp fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy meals and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups milk or heavy cream
Pantry
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or xanthan gum for low carb)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and chopping your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Dice the onions finely and mince the garlic cloves to get those savory flavors ready to bloom.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic in the pot, stirring constantly. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste and create a thick base for the soup.
- Add Broth and Broccoli: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to blend away any lumps from the roux. Toss in the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and simmer on low heat until the broccoli is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to lightly puree some of the soup, leaving a bit of chunky texture for a satisfying bite, or transfer half the soup to a blender and pulse it.
- Stir in the Cheese and Cream: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Pour in the milk or cream, stirring until fully incorporated. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve Hot: Once creamy and flavorful, your Broccoli Cheddar Soup is ready! Ladle into bowls and enjoy a comforting first sip.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar: The stronger the cheese, the more pronounced the flavor in your soup.
- Don’t over-blend: Leaving some broccoli texture makes every spoonful satisfying and rustic.
- Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that prevent smooth melting.
- Sauté slowly: Cooking onions gently brings out their natural sweetness without browning them too much.
- Adjust thickness: Thicken with more flour or thin with extra milk to get your perfect soup consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheese soup, vegetable soup, warm soup
