Why Make This Recipe
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a cozy and satisfying dish that everyone loves. It combines the goodness of broccoli with the creamy richness of cheddar cheese. This soup is simple to make and perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm meal. It is hearty enough to serve as a main dish or as a delightful side. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the flour and mix well.
- Whisking constantly, gradually pour in the milk.
- Add the chicken broth and chopped broccoli florets.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and then the heavy cream.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serve this delicious soup hot. You can top it with extra cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of pepper. Pair it with some crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It makes a great lunch or a comforting dinner option.
How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To store leftover soup, let it cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for about 2-3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme or bay leaves while cooking.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best taste, but you can also use frozen if that’s what you have.
- If you want a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender.
Variation
You can make this soup vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
FAQs
1. Can I use different cheese?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese like gouda, mozzarella, or a spicy cheese for a unique flavor.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk and non-dairy cheese instead.
3. Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it includes healthy ingredients like broccoli and can be lower in calories if made with low-fat milk and reduced cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A cozy and satisfying Broccoli Cheddar Soup that combines broccoli with creamy cheddar cheese, perfect for chilly days.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the flour and mix well.
- Whisking constantly, gradually pour in the milk.
- Add the chicken broth and chopped broccoli florets.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and then the heavy cream.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve hot with extra cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of pepper. Pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
