Warm up with a bowl of homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a comforting and creamy delight that’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a hearty, wholesome meal. This soup blends tender broccoli with rich cheddar cheese and a hint of garlic and onion, making it a delicious and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates a velvety texture that’s incredibly comforting.
- Nutritious: Packed with broccoli, this soup is a great way to enjoy a healthy vegetable in a delicious form.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Let’s dive into how you can make this flavorful and creamy soup!
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets: The main ingredient, providing both texture and nutrition.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a savory depth to the soup.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor with a fragrant kick.
- 4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth: The base of the soup, adding richness and depth.
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese: For a gooey, cheesy finish.
- 1 cup of heavy cream: Adds creaminess and a smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons of butter: For sautéing and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 small diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
- Add the chopped broccoli and 4 cups of broth to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3. Blend the Soup:
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
4. Add Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
5. Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese if desired.
Broccoli cheddar soup
This hearty soup is packed with broccoli, cheese, and a hint of garlic. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of heavy cream
2 tablespoons of butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the broccoli and broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Using an immersion blender or a blender, puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese if desired.
- Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- For a Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can use a potato masher to partially mash the broccoli before blending.
- Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese like Gruyère or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
- Garnish Options: Top with croutons, fresh herbs, or a swirl of cream for added texture and visual appeal.
Conclusion:
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a classic comfort food that combines the best of creamy textures and savory flavors. With its rich cheddar cheese and tender broccoli, it’s a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or making it the main course, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Enjoy a bowl of this creamy goodness and savor the warmth and flavor that makes this soup truly special.