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Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy soup that combines fresh broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese in a smooth, velvety base. Perfect for cozy lunches or dinners, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a rich and flavorful bowl of warmth that’s easy to customize and perfect any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups milk or cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg

Optional Add-ins and Variations

  • Nutritional yeast (to replace cheese for dairy-free version)
  • Plant-based milk (almond, oat, etc. for dairy-free version)
  • Cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits (for added protein)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spice)
  • Diced carrots or cauliflower (for extra veggies)
  • Cheese blends like gouda, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and build layers of flavor.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. This foundation develops the soup’s rich taste.
  3. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to thicken the soup and create a subtle toasted flavor that complements the cheddar cheese.
  4. Add liquids and broccoli: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, then pour in the milk or cream. Add the broccoli florets and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Blend and add cheese: For a smoother texture, carefully blend part or all of the soup using an immersion or standard blender in batches. Return the soup to the pot and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg at this stage.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain tender-crisp texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Cook the roux slowly enough to remove raw flour taste while developing a nutty flavor.
  • Blend only part of the soup to retain some broccoli texture and create a balanced consistency.
  • Season the soup after adding cheese to avoid over-salting because cheese adds saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, creamy soup, cheese soup, comfort food, broccoli soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/broccoli-cheddar-soup/