How to Make Delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting classic that combines the nutritious benefits of broccoli with the rich, creamy taste of cheddar cheese. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress, a health-conscious eater, or simply a broccoli lover, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

To get started, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Sour cream for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Chop the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You can also peel and chop the stalks if you like.
2. Grate the Cheese: Grate the cheddar cheese and set it aside.
3. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the onion.
4. Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking Instructions

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Melt the Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Base

1. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
2. Pour in Broth: Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

1. Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Blend and Cream

1. Blend the Soup (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until you reach your desired consistency. You can also transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
2. Add Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Season

1. Stir in Cheddar: Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly into the soup.
2. Season: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Finishing Touches

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

1. Thicken or Thin (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer it a bit longer. If you want a thinner consistency, you can add a bit more broth or water.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. Garnish (Optional): Add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl for extra creaminess. You can also sprinkle some extra grated cheddar, croutons, or chopped chives on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious broccoli cheddar soup with:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad complements the rich flavors of the soup.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

There you have it—a hearty, delicious broccoli cheddar soup that's sure to become a favorite in your household. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with us. Happy cooking!

Feel free to leave feedback or any questions in the comments below. And if you're looking to refine your culinary skills, don't hesitate to check out more of our recipes.

Enjoy your homemade broccoli cheddar soup!