Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is pure comfort! Creamy, cheesy, and easy enough for weeknights. My secret? Don't overcook the broccoli. Get the recipe now!

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for something warm and comforting? I know I do! This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is my go-to. It's like a warm hug in a bowl, seriously!

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn't love a good cheese soup recipe ? this one's special. it's not just any broccoli cheddar soup .

It's a creamy broccoli cheddar soup that's packed with flavour and super easy to make.

Brief Overview

The cheddar soup recipe is rooted in good ol' american comfort food. think grandma's kitchen, but with a quicker prep time.

This is a totally doable homemade soup recipe , that can be done in about 50 mins! this broccoli soup recipes yields about six servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Main Benefits

One of the best things? broccoli is packed with vitamins! so, this healthy broccoli potato cheese soup is actually kinda good for you.

It's a great dish when you want something satisfying without hours in the kitchen. this particular broccoli cheddar soup is special because of it's simplicity.

It's quick, easy, and uses everyday ingredients. plus, it is a perfect soups on a budget recipe.

Ready to see what makes this soup so magical? Let's dive into the ingredients...

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this dreamy broccoli cheddar soup recipe . It's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's dive right into the heart of this amazing Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup ! We'll break it down, so it's simpler than your favourite cuppa.

Main Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) . Go for a decent quality butter, the flavour really does make a difference.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. Look for one that's firm and doesn't have any soft spots. Nobody wants a slimy onion!
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, but the pre-minced stuff in a jar works in a pinch, right?
• All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (30g) . Plain flour, nothing fancy.
• Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (946ml) . I swear by a good quality stock. You can also use chicken broth if that is what you have.
• Whole Milk: 2 cups (473ml) . Full fat is your friend here for the ultimate creamy broccoli soup vibe.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon . Sea salt or kosher salt, whatever you prefer.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon . Freshly ground is always the best.
• Nutmeg: Pinch (optional). Don't skip it! It adds a lovely warmth.
• Broccoli: 1 large head (about 1 pound/450g) , cut into florets. The broccoli should be firm, a good dark green, and without any yellowing.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 8 ounces (about 2 cups/225g) , grated. Block cheese grated is what makes this Cheddar Soup Recipe stand out.

Seasoning Notes

This Delicious Soup Recipe is all about building flavour!

• Essential spices: Salt, pepper, and that sneaky bit of nutmeg. Honestly, that combo just works .
• Flavour enhancers: A bay leaf simmered in the broth can add depth. Just remember to take it out before serving!
• Aromatics: Don't be afraid to experiment! A tiny bit of smoked paprika will add a smoky kick.
• Substitution options: If you're out of nutmeg, a pinch of mace works beautifully.

Equipment Needed

You don't need a kitchen the size of Buckingham Palace to make this Homemade Soup Recipe !

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup to perfection.
• Immersion blender: Not a must, but it creates that silky smooth texture. A regular blender works too, just be careful with hot liquids.
• Cheese grater: You need that cheesy goodness grated!
• Cutting board and knife: To chop those veggies like a pro.

Now, let's get cooking! Honestly, you'll love how easy this cheese soup recipe is.

Alright, let's dive into my take on a classic: creamy dreamy broccoli cheddar soup (easy peasy!) . honestly, this broccoli cheddar soup recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly day.

You know? that kind of comfort food that just gets you. forget slaving away for hours; this is soups on a budget kind of goodness!

Prep Power: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get organised, like a proper cook. mise en place is just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together.

" chop 1 medium yellow onion (about a cup), mince 2 cloves of garlic , and cut 1 large head of broccoli into florets.

Grate 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese . prepping the ingredients beforehand makes the whole broccoli cheddar soup process flow.

Time-saving tip? buy pre-cut broccoli if you’re really in a rush. just don't tell anyone i said that! safety moment: keep those fingers away from the blade when chopping.

You want soup, not a trip to a&e!

From Pot to Plate: Step-by-Step Soup-erbness

Right, here's how we turn simple ingredients into delicious soup recipes :

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it softens (about 5 minutes ). Then, throw in the garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing.
2. Roux-dimentary: Stir in ¼ cup flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes . Whisk constantly. We don’t want floury soup, now do we?
3. Liquid Gold: Slowly whisk in 4 cups of vegetable broth . Then stir in 2 cups of milk , ½ teaspoon salt , ¼ teaspoon pepper , and a pinch of nutmeg if you're feeling fancy. Bring it to a simmer.
4. Broccoli Bonanza: Add the broccoli florets and cook until they’re tender-crisp (about 10- 15 minutes ). They should be easily pierced with a fork.
5. Blend It (Maybe): Use an immersion blender to make it smooth. If not, it's okay to blend half the broccoli cheddar soup . If using a regular blender, vent the lid and do small batches!.
6. Cheese, Please: Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the 8 ounces of cheddar cheese until it's all melted and gorgeous.

Pro Tips: Soup Secrets Revealed

• Freshly grated cheese is a MUST . Pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that mess with the melt. You want that creamy, ooey-gooey goodness.
• Don't boil the soup after adding the cheese . It can separate and become grainy, which is just a tragedy.
• This soup is all about customisation. Throw in some cooked potato for a healthy broccoli potato cheese soup .

Honestly, making a homemade soup recipe is easier than you think! this creamy broccoli cheddar soup is a surefire winner, and you can totally brag about making it from scratch.

Now, off you pop to make some magic in the kitchen! you'll have a delicious bowl of cheddar soup in no time.

Alright, let's talk about those extra little touches! after all, it's the details that elevate this broccoli cheddar soup recipe from just "good" to "oh my gosh, this is amazing!" trust me, these tips and tricks will be your new best friends.

Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Soup Nailed!

Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate Up!

Okay, so you've made this delicious soup. now what? presentation matters, you know? a simple bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup looks even better with a sprinkle of fresh chives.

It just makes it pop , doesn't it?

Think about some crunchy croutons on top too! or, for a bit of fancy, a swirl of cream. serve it with a toasted baguette for dipping.

Honestly, i love a good grilled cheese sandwich with my cheddar soup recipe , it's proper comfort food. if you're feeling fancy, try a side salad.

A light vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely.

Storage Tips: Save it for Later!

So you've got leftovers? lucky you! this creamy broccoli soup keeps well. just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for 3-4 days. for reheating, a gentle simmer on the stove is best. if you're in a rush, the microwave works too.

Just stir it occasionally to prevent hot spots.

Can you freeze it? yes, but with a little asterisk. the texture might change slightly. it might not be as creamy as it was originally.

But it's still tasty! thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. i would skip freezing if you are planning to add potatoes.

Variations: Your Soup, Your Way!

Want to mix things up? go for it! for a vegetarian adaptation , make sure you are using vegetable broth.

For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. honestly? a dash of hot sauce works wonders too.

Seasonal swaps? absolutely! in the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash for a sweeter, earthier flavor. it would change the name to butternut and broccoli cheddar soup, though! in the summer, you could add some fresh corn kernels.

It's all about using what's in season and what you fancy.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Let's be real, this broccoli cheddar soup is seriously tasty. but it's also got some goodness in it! you're getting vitamins and fiber from the broccoli.

Plus, dairy gives you calcium. let's say approximately, each serving has about 280 calories.

Remember, this homemade soup recipe is all about balance. a little bit of cheesy goodness with some healthy veggies. it's good for the soul, innit? plus, this recipe can work great for soups on a budget , it's relatively inexpensive to make a big batch.

Honestly, with these notes in mind, you're well on your way to making the perfect bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup .

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. now go forth and get cooking! you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my broccoli cheddar soup recipe isn't grainy?

The dreaded grainy soup! A couple of things can cause this. First, avoid boiling the soup after you add the cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to separate. Secondly, grating your own cheese from a block is key! Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose which prevents it from melting smoothly. It's like trying to make a perfect cuppa with lukewarm water – just won't work.

Can I make this broccoli cheddar soup recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often meld and deepen overnight. Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, do it gently over low heat, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Just like a fine wine, it gets better with a bit of time (but not too much – aim to eat within 3-4 days).

I don't have an immersion blender. Can I still make this soup?

You bet! An immersion blender definitely makes it easier, but a regular blender works too. Just be very careful when blending hot liquids. Blend in batches, only filling the blender halfway, and vent the lid by removing the center piece. Cover the lid with a towel and hold it down firmly while blending to prevent any…explosions. Think of it as defusing a bomb, but with soup.

How can I make this broccoli cheddar soup recipe healthier?

There are a few simple swaps you can make! Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk or even try unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat cheddar. Load up on the broccoli! More veggies mean more nutrients and fiber, so it's a win-win. It is not a salad, though, remember that!

What if I want to add a bit of a kick to my broccoli cheddar soup?

Spice is the variety of life! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it simmers. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end works wonders too. If you're feeling adventurous, try using a smoked cheddar cheese for a smoky, slightly spicy flavour profile. Just don’t go overboard and turn it into a vindaloo!

Can I freeze this broccoli cheddar soup recipe?

Freezing broccoli cheddar soup is a bit tricky, as the dairy content can sometimes change the texture when thawed. The texture of the soup might change a little, but it will still taste great! To minimize separation, cool the soup completely before freezing in airtight containers or freezer bags. When thawing, do it slowly in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring frequently. Maybe eat it within 2-3 months.

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