Broccoli cheddar soup recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that warms you up on chilly days. Packed with fresh broccoli and melted cheese, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious. It can be a wonderful side dish or the star of your meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why Make This Recipe

There are plenty of great reasons to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup. First, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t take long to cook. The rich flavors of cheddar cheese paired with fresh broccoli make it a family favorite. Also, it’s a fantastic way to get more veggies into your diet. Finally, you can customize it according to your taste, making it as creamy or thick as you desire.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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:

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

2. Add Broccoli and Broth: Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the chopped broccoli and broth into the pot. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Simmer the Soup: After it reaches a boil, lower the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for around 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

4. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy.

5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the blended soup. Continue heating until the cheese has melted and is well combined.

6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve it hot, and you can garnish it with additional cheddar cheese if you wish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can add extra cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish. This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. You can also serve a light salad alongside it to complete your meal.

How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To store leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to leave some space for the soup to expand. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.

Tips to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor. Frozen broccoli can work, but fresh is always tastier.
• Make sure not to overcook the broccoli when boiling it. You want it to be tender but still vibrant in color.
• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder or onion powder into the soup before blending.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a little more cheese and cream.

Variation (If Any)

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for added nutrition and flavor. If you enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cheese?
   Yes, you can use low-fat cheese to make the soup lighter, but it may not melt as smoothly.

2. Can I make this soup vegan?
   Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, non-dairy cream, and vegan cheese for a delicious vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth. Always check labels for any added ingredients.