Broccoli and Cheddar Soup Recipe
Broccoli and cheddar soup is a classic comfort food that is easy to make at home. It is rich, creamy, and cheesy, with chunks of broccoli and carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
This soup is perfect for a cold day, or any time you crave a satisfying and delicious meal. You can make it in less than an hour with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
Plus, it is vegetarian-friendly if you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. This recipe will show you how to make the best broccoli and cheddar soup ever, with step-by-step instructions and tips.
Broccoli and Cheddar Soup Recipe
Broccoli and Cheddar Soup is a comforting blend of creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and savory goodness that’s perfect for cozy nights or anytime you crave a bowl of heartwarming goodness. Here is the recipe for Broccoli and Cheddar Soup.
Broccoli and Cheddar Soup Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | ¼ cup |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Flour | ¼ cup |
| Chicken or vegetable stock | 3 ½ cups |
| Potatoes peeled and diced | 2 cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Broccoli florets, chopped | 5 cups |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
Directions
1. Sautéing Onion and Garlic
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Allow them to cook until they become soft and translucent, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Sautéing onion and garlic in butter releases their flavors and creates a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Adding Flour and Cooking
Once the onion and garlic are soft, stir in the flour. The flour helps to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture. Cook the flour for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the pot or forming lumps. This step ensures that the raw taste of the flour is cooked out and helps to create a roux, which is a thickening agent for the soup.
3. Gradually Whisking in Stock
Gradually whisk in the stock, which could be chicken or vegetable stock, into the pot with the onion, garlic, and flour mixture. Whisking continuously helps to incorporate the stock smoothly into the mixture and prevents lumps from forming. Bringing the mixture to a boil allows the flavors to meld together and helps to activate the thickening properties of the flour.
4. Simmering to Thicken
Once the stock is incorporated, reduce the heat to simmer and allow the mixture to cook for about 15 minutes. Simmering helps to reduce the liquid and thicken the soup slightly. This step intensifies the flavors and creates a rich and hearty base for the soup.
5. Adding Potatoes, Salt, and Pepper
Add diced potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Potatoes add substance and texture to the soup while salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Incorporating Broccoli and Cream
Once the potatoes are tender, add chopped broccoli florets and cream to the pot. Continue cooking until the broccoli is soft, which typically takes about 10 minutes. The cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup, while broccoli adds color, nutrients, and a fresh flavor.
7. Stirring in Cheese
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt into the soup, stirring occasionally. The cheese adds a deliciously creamy texture and a rich, cheesy flavor to the soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed by tasting the soup and adding more salt or pepper to suit your taste preferences.
8. Serving
Once the cheese is melted and the soup is well seasoned, your broccoli and cheddar soup is ready to be served. Enjoy it hot with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Conclusion
Broccoli and cheddar soup is a hearty and tasty soup that you can enjoy any time of the year. It is easy to make with basic ingredients and a few simple steps.
You can customize it to your liking by adding more or less cheese, cream, or vegetables. You can also freeze it for later use, or refrigerate it for up to 4 days.
This soup is a great way to use up leftover broccoli or cheese, and it is sure to please everyone in your family. Try this recipe today and see for yourself how good homemade broccoli and cheddar soup can be.
