Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and flavor-packed soup, broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate choice. Not only is it perfect for a cold day, but it’s also nutritious, featuring fresh broccoli and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Chelsea’s Messy Apron elevates the traditional broccoli cheddar soup with easy-to-follow instructions and top-notch flavors that make it a household favorite.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Butter

The recipe starts with 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which adds richness and serves as a base for sautéing.

Onion

You’ll need 1 small yellow onion, diced finely, to create depth in the soup’s flavor.

Garlic

2 teaspoons of minced garlic help to bring out a warm and aromatic undertone.

Flour

1/4 cup all-purpose flour thickens the soup, giving it the creamy texture we love.

Chicken broth

4 cups of chicken broth serve as the soup base, carrying the flavors perfectly.

Heavy cream

Adding 1 cup of heavy cream makes the soup velvety smooth and extra luxurious.

Milk

You’ll use 2 cups of whole milk, which adds creaminess while keeping the soup balanced.

Broccoli

You’ll need 3 cups of fresh broccoli, chopped into florets, as the star ingredient.

Shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese bring a rich, cheesy flavor to this comforting dish.

Carrots

1/2 cup shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and color to the soup.

Salt, pepper, and other spices

Don’t forget to season the soup with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and any additional seasoning of your choice.

Prep Time

This soup doesn’t take much time to prepare, with most of the work consisting of simple chopping and grating. You can have all your ingredients ready in about 15 minutes. A quick preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Once prepped, you’ll need about 30 minutes for the soup to cook fully. This includes a gentle simmering process to meld the flavors together. In total, this recipe can be completed in roughly 45 minutes, which is just enough time to create a homemade, restaurant-quality dish. This recipe serves about 4–6 people, making it an excellent choice for a family meal or for storing leftovers for next-day lunches.

Indulge in a hearty bowl of broccoli cheddar soup today, and enjoy a rich blend of textures, flavors, and comfort!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Start Vegetables

1. Begin by cutting 4 tablespoons of butter into smaller pieces for even melting.
2. Add the butter to a large stockpot over medium heat.
3. Dice 1 cup of yellow onion finely and add it to the pot once the butter has melted.
4. While the onions are cooking, mince 2 teaspoons of garlic and add it to the pot with the onions. Stir occasionally, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, usually 4-6 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Flour Mixture

1. Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked onion mixture. Stir until the flour is completely incorporated and combined.
2. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.

Step 3: Add Liquids

1. Gradually and very slowly, while continuously stirring, add in 2 cups of chicken stock (or vegetable broth) to the flour mixture. Whisk well so there are no lumps.
2. Once combined, slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream while still stirring.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken. This may take 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

1. Finely chop about 5 cups of broccoli florets and measure 1 cup of matchstick-cut carrots. Add both the broccoli and carrots to the pot.
2. Stir everything to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated and submerged in the soup.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

1. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Blend the Soup (Optional)

1. If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup. Alternatively, transfer batches of the soup to a blender, blend, and return to the pot.
2. For a chunkier texture, you can skip blending or blend only a portion of the soup.

Step 7: Add Cheese

1. Grate 2 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese.
2. Reduce the heat to low, then gradually stir in the grated cheddar cheese, a small handful at a time, allowing the cheese to completely melt before adding more.
3. After all the cheese has been added, stir the soup to mix evenly and taste for seasoning.

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Garnish

1. Add salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
2. Optionally, garnish with additional shredded cheese, croutons, or chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Note 1: Consistency Adjustments

1. If the soup becomes too thick during the simmering or reheating process, thin it out with some additional chicken stock, vegetable broth, or milk until the desired consistency is achieved.

Note 2: Cheese Quality

1. Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that may result in a grainy soup texture.

Note 3: Storing Leftovers

1. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

Note 4: Freezing the Soup

1. Cream-based soups like this one don’t freeze particularly well, as the dairy content can separate upon thawing and reheating. It’s best to enjoy this soup fresh or within a few days after making it.

Note 5: Recipe Variations

1. To make the soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
2. Feel free to swap out the cheddar or add additional cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a more complex flavor.

Cook techniques

Cutting the broccoli

Cut the broccoli into very small, bite-sized pieces, about the size of a dime. This ensures optimum creaminess in the soup and that every bite will feature small broccoli pieces without overwhelming the texture.

Making a roux

Prepare the roux by whisking together melted butter and flour. This helps thicken the soup and keep the texture creamy without becoming overly heavy.

Shredding cheese

Freshly shred the cheese for the best results. Pre-shredded bagged cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly because of added starches and preservatives, which can leave a grainy texture.

Blending for creaminess

For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender or transfer small portions to a blender. Blend very briefly to incorporate the flavors while still keeping a slightly chunky texture for balance.

Adding cheese gradually

Stir the cheese into the hot soup in small handfuls, allowing each addition to melt fully before adding more. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, rich consistency.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be substituted for fresh broccoli, but fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor. Make sure to thaw and drain frozen broccoli before use.

What type of cheese works best?

Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for optimal flavor and creaminess. It melts more smoothly and provides a richer taste compared to pre-shredded options.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it slowly over low heat while stirring frequently to maintain texture and prevent the cheese from separating.

How do I prevent the soup from being grainy?

Ensure the cheese is added slowly and over low heat to prevent clumping or separation. Freshly shredded cheese also gives better results than pre-shredded varieties.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup further?

If the soup is too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the soup over medium heat. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the soup has thickened.

Can I freeze this soup?

It’s not recommended to freeze soup with dairy, as the texture can change significantly upon thawing. The cheese and cream may separate, leading to a less smooth consistency.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup packed with rich flavor from fresh vegetables and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s simple to make, highly comforting, and perfect for a cozy meal. This soup is a crowd-pleaser, offering the ideal balance of creamy texture and nourishing ingredients.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Tomato Basil Soup

Pair this soup with a warm baguette for a simple and satisfying meal.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

Serve these Parmesan breadsticks alongside the soup to make it an even heartier option.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Complete your meal by pairing the soup with loaded baked potatoes for an extra indulgent combination.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Enjoy a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and filling dinner.

Caesar Salad

Add a fresh and crunchy Caesar salad to balance the richness of the soup.