Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe

This rich and comforting Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a classic for a reason. It's packed with tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese, making it a perfect hearty meal for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch.

Servings: 4-6 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 50 minutes Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• For the Soup Base:

  • 60 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter

  • 1 medium onion (~120 g), finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 40 g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour

  • 700 ml (3 cups) chicken or vegetable broth

  • 475 ml (2 cups) whole milk or 2% milk

  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

• For the Broccoli & Cheese:

  • 500 g (1.1 lb) fresh broccoli, cut into small florets (stems peeled and finely diced, if desired)

  • 250 g (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven

• Whisk

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Cheese grater

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients (10 minutes): Start by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. If using the stems, peel them and dice them finely. Shred your cheddar cheese; freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother than pre-packaged.

2. Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes): In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Make the Roux (3 minutes): Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken your soup.

4. Add Liquids (5 minutes): Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form. Then, slowly whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

5. Cook the Broccoli (10 minutes): Add the broccoli florets (and diced stems, if using) to the simmering soup. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork.

6. Finish the Soup (5 minutes): Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it's completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and an optional pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

7. Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For Smoother Cheese: Always use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy.

• Avoid Boiling: Once you add the cheese and heavy cream, avoid bringing the soup back to a rolling boil, as this can cause the dairy to separate or become grainy.

• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the broccoli against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender for a few pulses (don't over-blend unless you want a completely smooth soup).

• Gluten-Free Variation: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water (a slurry) added at the end to thicken.

• Add Carrots: For a classic broccoli cheddar experience, add 1 medium carrot, finely diced, along with the onions in step 2.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the other seasonings for a little heat.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (approximate)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Protein: 20 g

• Carbs: 25 g

• Fat: 30 g

Shopping List

• Unsalted butter

• Onion

• Garlic

• All-purpose flour

• Chicken or vegetable broth

• Whole milk or 2% milk

• Heavy cream

• Fresh broccoli

• Sharp cheddar cheese

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Nutmeg (optional)

Allergen Tags

contains: dairy, gluten (if using wheat flour)

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Quick summary: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with tender broccoli and sharp cheddar, ready in 50 mins.