One of my favorite memories from my childhood is coming home on a chilly fall day to the comforting aroma of cheddar broccoli soup simmering on the stove. The rich, velvety texture combined with the sharpness of the cheddar cheese and the earthy flavor of the broccoli is a match made in soup heaven. As I ladle myself a generous bowlful, I can’t help but marvel at how a few simple ingredients can create such a soul-warming dish.
The beauty of cheddar broccoli soup is not just in its taste but also in its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences – whether you prefer a smoother texture by pureeing it entirely or like a bit of a bite with chunky broccoli florets, this soup is adaptable to your liking. Personally, I enjoy a balance of both so that each spoonful is a delightful mix of creamy and chunky goodness.
When making cheddar broccoli soup, I always opt for sharp cheddar cheese as it adds a robust flavor that stands up well to the broccoli. A tip I picked up along the way is to add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly to ensure it melts evenly and avoids clumping. This method results in a silky smooth soup that is irresistible with every spoonful.
As the soup simmers on the stove, I find myself eagerly anticipating the moment when I can finally dig in. I love to serve it with a generous sprinkle of extra cheddar on top and a side of crusty bread for dipping. The combination of flavors and textures never fails to put a smile on my face and warm me from the inside out.
So, whether you’re reminiscing about fond childhood memories or simply craving a cozy, comforting meal, cheddar broccoli soup is a must-try. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that is perfect for any day of the week. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and warmth as it has brought me over the years. Cheers to hearty soups and happy hearts!
Key Ingredients in Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Creating the perfect cheddar broccoli soup requires a careful selection of ingredients that work harmoniously to bring out the flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli florets are the star of this soup, providing a hearty and nutritious base. They add a vibrant green color and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese and cream.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth serves as the flavorful liquid base of the soup, infusing it with savory notes and providing depth of flavor. It also helps to cook the broccoli to tender perfection.
- Grated Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese brings a bold and tangy flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall richness and creaminess. It melts beautifully into the soup, creating a velvety texture that is pure comfort in every spoonful.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds luxurious richness and a smooth, creamy consistency to the soup. It helps to balance out the sharpness of the cheddar cheese, creating a velvety texture that coats your taste buds with every bite.
- Diced Onion: Onion adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup, complementing the broccoli and cheese. It softens and caramelizes as it cooks, enhancing the overall depth of flavor in the dish.
- Butter: Butter is used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a rich and savory essence to the soup. It also helps to create a flavorful base for the dish and contributes to its creamy texture.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the soup with a pungent and aromatic flavor that elevates the overall taste profile. It adds a layer of complexity and depth to the dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour is used as a thickening agent to give the soup its luscious and velvety consistency. It helps to bind the ingredients together and create a smooth texture.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing out the sweetness of the onions and bringing out the savory notes of the broth and cheese.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and warmth to the soup, enhancing its overall depth of flavor. It also provides a pleasant contrast to the creamy and rich elements of the dish.
How to Make Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup
- STEP 1: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under running water and set them aside. Ensure the broccoli florets are rinsed well to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim them into bite-sized pieces, discarding any tough stems. Set the prepared florets aside for later use in the soup.
- STEP 2: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Take a large pot or Dutch oven and melt the butter over medium heat. Swirl the butter around the pot to coat the bottom evenly, allowing it to melt and sizzle gently.
- STEP 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the melted butter. Sauté the aromatics until they become soft, fragrant, and translucent, releasing their flavors into the butter.
- STEP 4: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to make a roux. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously to combine the flour with the butter, forming a thick paste known as a roux. Cook the roux for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- STEP 5: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. While stirring the roux, slowly pour in the chicken broth into the pot. Continue stirring vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth and velvety base for the soup.
- STEP 6: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Introduce the washed and trimmed broccoli florets into the pot with the broth and roux. Season the soup with salt and black pepper, adjusting the amounts based on your preference for seasoning.
- STEP 7: Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli florets are tender and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- STEP 8: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. Blend the soup until you achieve your preferred consistency, whether you desire a completely smooth texture or prefer some small chunks of broccoli remaining for added texture.
- STEP 9: Stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Add the heavy cream and grated sharp cheddar cheese to the pot of blended soup. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a lusciously creamy and cheesy base.
- STEP 10: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Give the soup a taste test and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more salt or black pepper if desired to balance the flavors to your liking, enhancing the overall taste of the cheddar broccoli soup.
- STEP 11: Serve the Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup hot with additional shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired. Enjoy! Ladle the hot and creamy cheddar broccoli soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for added richness. Serve the soup alongside crusty bread or your favorite side dish, and savor the comforting flavors of this delicious homemade soup.
Serving Suggestions for Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup
1. Crusty Bread Bowl: For a fun and creative twist, hollow out a round loaf of crusty bread to create a delicious edible bowl for your cheddar broccoli soup. Not only does this add a rustic charm to your presentation, but it also provides the perfect vessel for dipping and savoring every last drop of creamy goodness.
2. Panko-Crusted Baked Cheese Sticks: Elevate your soup experience by serving crispy panko-crusted baked cheese sticks on the side. These golden and cheesy delights offer a delightful textural contrast to the velvety soup, adding a satisfying crunch with each bite. Dip them in the soup for a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.
3. Garnish with Crumbled Bacon and Chives: Take your cheddar broccoli soup to the next level by garnishing it with a sprinkle of crumbled crispy bacon and freshly chopped chives. The salty richness of the bacon harmonizes beautifully with the creamy cheese soup, while the chives add a touch of freshness and color. This garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a burst of flavor with each spoonful.
How to Store Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Once you’ve prepared a steaming pot of delicious cheddar broccoli soup, you may find yourself with leftovers that you can enjoy later. Storing this comforting soup properly is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor for future meals.
One way to store cheddar broccoli soup is to let it cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Make sure the soup is divided into smaller portions according to your serving needs. These containers can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heat distribution.
Another method to extend the shelf life of your cheddar broccoli soup is by freezing it. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remember to leave some room for expansion as the soup freezes. Frozen cheddar broccoli soup can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove, stirring gently to recombine any separated liquids.
For those looking to save time during busy weekdays, consider making a double batch of cheddar broccoli soup and freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers. This way, you can simply thaw a serving or two as needed for a quick and comforting meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch. Just be sure to label the containers with the freezing date to keep track of freshness.
Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze your leftover cheddar broccoli soup, these storage methods allow you to enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish whenever the craving strikes. By following these simple storing tips, you can savor the flavors of this homemade soup for days to come, bringing warmth and comfort to your meals.
Conclusion
I hope this journey into the heartwarming world of cheddar broccoli soup has left you feeling inspired and eager to recreate this cozy classic in your own kitchen. From selecting the freshest ingredients to following each step with care and passion, making this soup is not just about nourishing your body but also feeding your soul with comforting flavors and cherished memories.
With the detailed recipe provided, you now have all the tools you need to whip up a pot of the best cheddar broccoli soup that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and bring smiles all around the table.
If you have any questions, need clarification on a step, or simply want to share your experience making this soup, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback, comments, and stories are always welcomed with open arms. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of simmering cheddar broccoli soup fill your kitchen with love and comfort.
Feel free to print this article for easy reference or to share with fellow food lovers who appreciate a good homemade soup. And remember, the joy of cooking lies not just in the final dish but in the journey of creating something delicious from the heart.
Warm wishes and happy cooking!
Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Description
Velvety smooth cheddar broccoli soup, a harmony of rich cheddar cheese, tender broccoli florets, and aromatic spices. A comforting bowl of goodness that will warm your soul with each spoonful.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under running water and set them aside.
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In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to make a roux.
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Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
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Add the broccoli florets to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
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Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
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Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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Serve the Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup hot with additional shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired. Enjoy!
Note
- To ensure a smooth and creamy texture, it is recommended to blend the soup using an immersion blender. However, if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave some broccoli florets whole or partially blend the soup.
- When adding the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, make sure to reduce the heat to low to prevent the soup from curdling.
- For a richer flavor, you can use sharp cheddar cheese instead of regular cheddar.
- To make the soup vegetarian, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Garnish the soup with additional toppings such as croutons, bacon bits, or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to thin it out if needed.
