There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of brócoli cheddar soup, especially on a chilly day when the wind is howling outside. The creamy texture combined with the rich, cheesy flavor makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug. I remember the first time I made this soup; it was a rainy afternoon, and I was craving something hearty. As the aroma filled my kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel cozy and content. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular in your home. It’s not just food; it’s pure comfort in a bowl!
Ingredients for Brócoli Cheddar Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious brócoli cheddar soup. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that creamy, cheesy goodness!
- 2 cups of broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is best for that vibrant color and flavor. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a richer taste, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheese.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: This adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to your soup. Just chop it up nice and fine!
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for that aromatic punch. Don’t skimp on this one!
- 4 cups of vegetable broth: This forms the base of your soup. You can use homemade or store-bought—whatever you have on hand!
- 1 cup of milk: Whole milk gives it that creamy texture, but you can substitute with any milk you prefer.
- 3 tablespoons of butter: This is for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a rich flavor to the soup.
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the soup. Make sure to cook it briefly to get rid of that raw taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simply season to your preference. A little taste-testing goes a long way!
How to Prepare Brócoli Cheddar Soup
Ready to dive into making this delightful brócoli cheddar soup? Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, comforting bowl in no time!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. It’s important to use medium heat here; too high, and you might burn the butter. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s completely melted and bubbly, but keep an eye on it—don’t let it brown!
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and you can smell the heavenly aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen. You want them to be softened but not browned—this is where the flavor magic happens!
Step 3: Add Flour
Now, sprinkle in your 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir it in for about 1 minute. This step is crucial as it helps to thicken your soup, giving it that luscious texture we all love. Cooking the flour briefly gets rid of that raw, floury taste!
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetable Broth
Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it—stir occasionally and watch for those delightful bubbles. Once it’s boiling, it’s time to add the star of the show: the broccoli!
Step 5: Add Broccoli
Add your 2 cups of broccoli florets and let them simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender but still vibrant green. This is the perfect time to taste a piece and see if it needs a little more cooking!
Step 6: Stir in Milk and Cheese
Now, lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as the cheese melts into the soup, creating that creamy, cheesy texture we crave. Stir until everything is well combined and your soup is smooth and dreamy!
Step 7: Seasoning
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. A little sprinkle here and there can elevate the flavors, so don’t be shy! Just remember to taste along the way to get it just right.
Step 8: Optional Blending
If you’re in the mood for an ultra-smooth soup, you can blend it using an immersion blender. Just be cautious—if you’re using a countertop blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches if necessary. This will give you a velvety texture that’s simply irresistible!
Nutritional Information for Brócoli Cheddar Soup
When it comes to comfort food, I always like to know what I’m working with nutritionally, and this brócoli cheddar soup is no exception! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so they’re just a guideline:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
This creamy bowl of goodness not only warms your soul but also gives you a good dose of nutrients from the broccoli and cheese. Enjoy every spoonful, knowing it’s not just delicious, but also has some nutritional benefits!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This brócoli cheddar soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli creates a depth of flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Creamy Texture: With its velvety consistency, each spoonful is a delight that warms you from the inside out.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This soup is a hearty option for vegetarians, packed with nutrients and flavors without any meat.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings, like croutons or a sprinkle of extra cheese!
- Comfort in a Bowl: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days when you just want to curl up with something warm and delicious.
Tips for Success
To ensure your brócoli cheddar soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips that I swear by!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli really makes a difference in flavor and texture. Look for florets that are bright green and firm. If you can, use organic veggies for the best taste!
- Cheese Matters: For a rich, delicious flavor, go for sharp cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and enhances the overall taste of the soup. Grating your own cheese will give you better melting results than pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: When cooking the onion and garlic, take your time. Allow them to soften and become fragrant, which will lay the groundwork for a flavorful base. You want them to be soft, not browned!
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the mixture. On the other hand, if you want it lighter, add a bit more milk or broth. Feel free to get creative with the texture!
- Taste as You Go: Seasoning is key! Always taste your soup before serving, and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, flavors can develop as it simmers, so it’s okay to adjust at the end!
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a few days, but it also freezes well if you need to save some for later!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a brócoli cheddar soup that’s not just good, but absolutely unforgettable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to store your delicious brócoli cheddar soup so you can enjoy it later without losing any of that creamy goodness! First things first, if you have any leftovers, let the soup cool completely at room temperature. This is super important because putting hot soup directly into the fridge can create condensation and spoil the texture.
Once it’s cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container. I love using glass jars because they’re easy to stack and reheat in! Make sure to label it with the date so you know when you made it. Your soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. This helps prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even heating. If you find that the soup has thickened up a bit, don’t worry! Just add a splash of milk or vegetable broth to loosen it up and stir until it’s creamy again.
If you want to reheat a single serving, you can pop it in the microwave! Just transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely to avoid splatters, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot.
And if you find yourself with a stash of leftovers that you can’t finish in time, you can freeze the soup! Just pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It should keep well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up on the stovetop or microwave as described above. Enjoy your comforting soup any time you like!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect brócoli cheddar soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that you might have:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great substitute and can make your life easier. Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking so it warms through without getting mushy.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
If cheddar isn’t your favorite, you can use other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary based on the cheese you choose!
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk, and use a dairy-free cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.
What can I serve with brócoli cheddar soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. You can also add croutons on top for some extra crunch and flavor!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños while sautéing the onions. It’ll give your soup a nice kick!
These tips should help you navigate any questions you might have while making your brócoli cheddar soup. Happy cooking!
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Brócoli Cheddar Soup: 7 Comforting Steps to Warm You Up
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup that is comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of milk
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
- Add broccoli and simmer until tender.
- Stir in milk and cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Blend for a smooth texture if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best flavor.
- Adjust cheese quantity to taste.
- For a thicker soup, blend more of the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup
