Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting, creamy dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its rich, velvety texture and the vibrant flavor of fresh broccoli paired with sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a favorite in homes and restaurants alike. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and a smooth, cheesy broth creates a delightful balance that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether served on a chilly day or as a quick weeknight dinner, this soup is easy to prepare and perfect for the whole family. Plus, it’s adaptable to different dietary preferences and can be served with a variety of sides to complement its rich flavor.

This broccoli cheddar soup recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Made with wholesome ingredients like broccoli, carrots, and sharp cheddar, it’s a dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. The smooth and creamy base, made with butter, flour, and half-and-half, coats the vegetables, creating a rich and delicious texture. For an extra layer of flavor, a touch of paprika and cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth, while the sharp cheddar cheese ties everything together for a cheesy, decadent finish. Whether you’re serving it in a bread bowl or alongside some crusty bread, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

This broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day. The rich and creamy texture combined with the freshness of the vegetables makes it filling and satisfying.

2. Easy to Make

With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave a delicious homemade meal without much hassle.

3. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily make adjustments to suit your tastes. Want it spicier? Add more cayenne pepper. Prefer it extra cheesy? Add more cheddar! You can also tweak the vegetables and broth to cater to dietary preferences.

4. Kid-Friendly

The mild flavors and creamy texture make this soup a hit with kids. It’s a great way to sneak in vegetables and introduce them to new flavors in a fun, comforting way.

5. Ideal for Leftovers

This broccoli cheddar soup makes excellent leftovers. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day. You can easily store it and enjoy it for meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Yellow onion
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Ground mustard
• Ground cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper
• Flour
• Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Half-and-half
• Bay leaf (optional)
• Broccoli (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• Shredded carrots
• Grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• Hearty buttered bread (optional)
• Bread bowls (optional)

Variations

• Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Swap the butter and half-and-half for plant-based alternatives, such as coconut oil and coconut milk, and use vegan cheese.
• Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup and ensure it’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Cheddar and Bacon Broccoli Soup: For extra flavor, crisp up some bacon and crumble it into the soup for a savory, smoky twist.
• Extra Veggie Broccoli Soup: Add extra vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach for a nutrient-packed version of this classic soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and shred the carrots.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in the paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute to release their flavors.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Add the remaining butter to the pot and melt it. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a golden color.

Step 5: Add Liquids

Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Cook the Vegetables

Add the chopped broccoli, carrots, and bay leaf (if using) to the pot. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Blend and Finish the Soup

Once the vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt and create a creamy, cheesy soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the soup hot, optionally with a slice of hearty buttered bread or in a bread bowl for a more indulgent meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep an eye on the broccoli to ensure it doesn’t become mushy. It should remain tender but still vibrant and green.
• Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter soup, you can use milk instead of half-and-half, but the soup will be less creamy.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar cheese will melt more smoothly into the soup, providing a better texture and flavor.
• For a Smooth Soup: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust seasoning to suit your preferences. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne to balance the flavors.

How to Serve

This broccoli cheddar soup is perfect on its own or paired with some hearty sides. Serve it with warm, buttered bread for dipping, or for a more indulgent experience, serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl. A crisp side salad also complements the richness of the soup nicely, adding freshness to balance the creamy texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup tends to thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth or milk when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to return it to the desired consistency.

Reheating

Reheat the soup over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe container for a quick meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor.

3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese as alternatives.

4. How can I make the soup spicier?

Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

5. Can I add protein to this soup?

Yes, adding cooked chicken or bacon would be a great way to incorporate protein.

6. How do I make this soup smoother?

For a smooth soup, blend it with an immersion blender or regular blender until it reaches the desired consistency.

7. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or a mild cheddar for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I use half-and-half substitutes?

Yes, you can use whole milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream for a lighter version.

9. Is this soup gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as it uses regular flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.

10. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Be sure to add the cheese slowly, stirring continuously, and avoid boiling the soup once the cheese is added to prevent clumping.

Conclusion

This broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Easy to make, full of flavor, and adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as a crowd-pleasing starter, it’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful!

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