To make a delicious broccoli cheddar soup, start by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth, simmering until the broccoli is tender. Blend the mixture until smooth, and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese along with 1 cup of heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy soup is perfect for chilly days and serves great with crusty bread. There's plenty more to explore about variations and tips for the best results!
Key Takeaways
- Combine 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, 1 cup diced onions, and 2 cloves minced garlic for the base of the soup.
- Use 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth and simmer until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, then stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy texture, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with croutons, and enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal.
History
Broccoli cheddar soup has roots that trace back to the mid-20th century, when the combination of broccoli and cheese became popular in American cuisine.
This creamy dish emerged as a comfort food, appealing to families looking for quick and nutritious meals. As the health benefits of broccoli gained recognition, it found its way into various recipes, and adding cheese made it even more enticing.
You might've noticed how this soup reflects the growing trend of incorporating vegetables into everyday meals, making them more accessible and enjoyable.
Over the years, broccoli cheddar soup has evolved, inspiring countless variations across restaurants and kitchens.
Today, it remains a beloved staple, combining nostalgia with the satisfaction of a wholesome dish.
Recipe
Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting dish that combines the nutrition of fresh broccoli with the rich, creamy flavor of cheddar cheese. This soup is perfect for chilly days, providing warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread for a complete meal. Making broccoli cheddar soup at home is easier than you might think, and the result is a fresh, flavorful bowl that beats any store-bought version.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can customize it by adding other vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delicious broccoli cheddar soup that will impress your family and friends. Grab your ingredients, and let's get started on this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Croutons for garnish
To make the soup, begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for another minute. Gradually whisk in the broth, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the broccoli florets and cook until they're tender, about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot, garnished with croutons if desired.
When making broccoli cheddar soup, feel free to experiment with the cheese type. While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can mix in other varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist. Additionally, if you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some cooked broccoli before blending and stir it back into the soup.
This recipe can also be easily doubled for larger gatherings, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy your homemade creation!
Cooking Steps
To get started on your Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you'll want to sauté the onions until they turn translucent.
Then, add garlic and sauté for a bit longer before tossing in the broccoli and stock.
After that, blending everything until smooth and stirring in the cheese will bring your soup to life!
Step 1. Sauté Onions Until Translucent
Sautéing onions until they're translucent is an essential step that enhances the flavor of your broccoli cheddar soup.
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chopped onions. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to cook evenly.
You'll want to sauté the onions for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you're looking for a soft, slightly golden texture. This process releases their natural sweetness, which will deepen the soup's overall flavor.
Once the onions reach that perfect translucent state, you'll be ready to move on to the next delicious step in your soup-making journey. Enjoy the aroma!
Step 2. Add Garlic and Sauté
With the onions now translucent and fragrant, it's time to add garlic to the mix. Mince about three cloves of garlic and toss them into the pan.
Immediately, you'll notice a burst of aroma filling your kitchen. Stir the garlic into the onions, allowing it to sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it; garlic can burn quickly, which would give your soup an unpleasant bitterness.
You'll want the garlic to become golden and fragrant, enhancing the flavors of the onions. Once it reaches that perfect stage, you're set to move on to the next step.
This savory foundation will elevate your broccoli cheddar soup, making it even more delicious. Enjoy this aromatic moment!
Step 3. Add Broccoli and Stock
Now that you've got that aromatic base, it's time to add about four cups of chopped broccoli along with six cups of vegetable or chicken stock.
Stir everything together to combine the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will allow the broccoli to become tender and absorb the delicious flavors from the stock.
Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As you cook, keep an eye on the broccoli; you want it soft but not mushy.
This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your creamy soup. Enjoy the delightful aroma!
Step 4. Blend Until Smooth
Once the broccoli is tender, it's time to blend everything together for that creamy texture.
Carefully transfer the soup mixture into a blender, filling it no more than halfway to avoid spills. Secure the lid tightly, and start blending on low speed. Gradually increase to high speed until the soup is completely smooth.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse it a few times instead. You might want to do this in batches, especially if you've made a large quantity.
Once blended, return the soup to the pot. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Now you're one step closer to enjoying a delicious bowl of broccoli cheddar soup!
Step 5. Stir in Cheese Until Melted
After returning the blended soup to the pot, it's time to add the star ingredient—cheese.
Sprinkle in your shredded cheddar, allowing it to melt into the creamy goodness. Stir the cheese in gently, ensuring it combines evenly with the soup. Keep the heat on low to prevent scorching, and watch as the cheese transforms the soup into a rich, velvety delight.
If you're craving extra cheesiness, feel free to add more cheese to taste. Once everything's melted and incorporated, take a moment to taste it. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
You'll want your broccoli cheddar soup to have that perfect balance of flavors. Now you're almost ready to serve this comforting dish!
Final Thoughts
As you savor the comforting flavors of your homemade broccoli cheddar soup, it's clear that this dish is more than just a meal—it's a warm hug on a chilly day.
The creamy texture and rich cheese meld perfectly with the vibrant broccoli, creating a delightful balance of taste and nutrition. You can easily customize this soup to suit your preferences, whether by adding extra vegetables or adjusting the seasoning.
It's a versatile recipe that shines as a hearty lunch or dinner option. Plus, it's an excellent way to sneak in some greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Soup?
Absolutely, you can use frozen broccoli for your soup!
It's a convenient option that saves you time on prep work. Just make sure to thaw it first, then chop it into smaller pieces if needed.
Frozen broccoli often retains its nutrients, so you won't miss out on health benefits.
It'll cook down nicely in the soup, giving you that delicious flavor and creamy texture you're looking for.
Enjoy your cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If you're looking to substitute cheddar cheese, you've got some tasty options.
Try using Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or go for Gruyère for a rich, nutty taste.
If you want a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or you can use cashew cheese for creaminess.
Just remember to adjust the seasoning since each cheese brings its own unique flavor profile to your dish.
Enjoy experimenting!
How Long Does Broccoli Cheddar Soup Last in the Fridge?
Broccoli cheddar soup typically lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge when stored properly.
Make sure you keep it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it's best to toss it.
To enjoy it longer, consider freezing the soup, which can extend its shelf life to about 3 months.
Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
Is This Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes, this soup can be gluten-free! If you use gluten-free broth and verify that any additional ingredients, like cheese or thickening agents, are also gluten-free, you're good to go.
Always check labels for hidden gluten in pre-packaged items. If you're making it from scratch, you can easily control what goes in, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.
Just double-check everything to stay safe!
Can I Freeze Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes, you can freeze leftover soup!
Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
It'll taste great, just like fresh!
Arf, an author and an innovative enthusiast of coffee, coffee alternatives, and tea, plays a crucial role as a contributor to the esteemed Cappuccino Oracle platform. Renowned for his curiosity and passion for these captivating beverages, Arf has carved out a unique space for himself in the world of exploration and writing. He realized that coffee, coffee alternatives, and tea are not mere drinks to keep one awake, but universes of flavors and stories waiting to be explored.
