Why Make This Recipe
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that warms you up on chilly days. This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious, packed with vitamins from the broccoli and protein from the cheese. It’s easy to make and can be a great meal on its own or paired with bread. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak some vegetables into your diet!
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked chicken or protein of choice
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
- Add the broccoli florets and sauté for a few minutes.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- If desired, add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serve hot in bowls, and for a little extra flair, you can top the soup with some additional shredded cheese or croutons. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- For a smoother texture, blend the soup longer.
- If you like a chunky soup, reserve some broccoli florets to add back in after blending.
- Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, nutty flavor.
Variation
You can add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for more flavor and nutrition. Try adding spices like cayenne pepper for a little heat or fresh herbs like parsley for a fresh taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well. Just reduce the cooking time slightly as it is already blanched.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth, this soup is gluten-free.
3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip any meat additions.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Or any cheese of your choice.
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup milk or cream Use cream for a richer flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked chicken or protein of choice
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
- Add the broccoli florets and sauté for a few minutes.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
Blending
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- If desired, add cooked chicken for extra protein.
Serving
- Serve hot in bowls, topped with additional shredded cheese or croutons if desired. Pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
