There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of soup that wraps you in comfort, don’t you think? My absolute favorite has to be brócoli cheddar soup. I still remember the first time I made it; my whole family gathered around the kitchen, the rich aroma of melting cheese and sautéed onions filling the air. It was one of those moments where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the soup did! Making this at home is a joy because it’s so easy and rewarding. Plus, it’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh broccoli that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself while still being healthy. Trust me, once you whip up this delightful soup, it’ll become a cozy staple in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients for brócoli cheddar soup
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
How to Prepare brócoli cheddar soup
Making brócoli cheddar soup is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be a hit in your kitchen! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cozy bowl of deliciousness in no time. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt butter over medium heat. In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter until it’s bubbly and fragrant. This is where the magic starts!
- Add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. The aroma will be irresistible!
- Stir in flour, cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot, stirring constantly for about a minute to create a roux. This will help thicken your soup.
- Add broth, bring to boil. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring. Increase the heat and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Add broccoli, simmer until tender. Carefully add the fresh broccoli florets, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- Stir in milk and cheese, melt together. Pour in the whole milk and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is creamy and luscious. Oh, it’s looking good!
- Season and blend if desired. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, now’s the time to blend it until silky—just a few pulses in a blender do the trick!
And there you have it! A warm, comforting brócoli cheddar soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up this delicious soup!
- Creamy and comforting: The rich, velvety texture and cheesy flavor make every bowl feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.
- Nutritious with fresh broccoli: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this soup is a great way to sneak in some greens while still enjoying a comforting meal.
- Perfect for any season: Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a cozy spring day, brócoli cheddar soup is always a delightful choice!
Tips for Success with brócoli cheddar soup
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also gives your soup a vibrant color. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Adjust cheese to your liking: Feel free to play around with the amount of cheddar cheese. If you want it extra cheesy, go for it! Just remember to taste as you go.
- Blend for desired texture: If you like your soup creamy, blend it until smooth. For a chunkier texture, pulse it a few times or leave some broccoli florets intact.
- Season gradually: Start with a little salt and pepper, then adjust to your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Experiment with spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper can add a lovely depth of flavor. Just a hint goes a long way!
- Make it ahead: This soup keeps well, so feel free to make it a day ahead. The flavors deepen and get even better!
Variations of brócoli cheddar soup
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a warm, spicy twist that’ll wake up your taste buds!
- Different cheeses: Swap out the cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor. Each cheese brings its own character to the soup!
- Add vegetables: Toss in some diced carrots or cauliflower for added nutrition and a pop of color. You can even sneak in some spinach for extra greens!
- Herb infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or basil toward the end of cooking for a fragrant, fresh flavor that brightens the soup.
- Nutty addition: Top your soup with roasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for a lovely crunch that contrasts the creamy texture.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives, like nutritional yeast for cheesiness and almond or oat milk for creaminess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for brócoli cheddar soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This brócoli cheddar soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or cozy lunches later in the week. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. It should stay good for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious soup again, here’s the best way to reheat it:
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Microwave: Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Just a quick note: if you’ve frozen the soup, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Nutritional Information for brócoli cheddar soup
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for a serving of my delicious brócoli cheddar soup. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
These numbers make it easy to enjoy this comforting soup guilt-free! It’s a great balance of creamy deliciousness and nutrition, perfect for warming you up and keeping you satisfied.
FAQ about brócoli cheddar soup
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine in this soup. Just make sure to thaw it first and you might want to adjust the cooking time a bit since it’ll cook faster than fresh. It’s a great time-saver!
How can I make this soup vegan?
You can easily make this brócoli cheddar soup vegan by swapping out the cheddar cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative and using almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. Nutritional yeast is also a fantastic option to add that cheesy flavor without the dairy!
What can I serve with brócoli cheddar soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You could also serve it with some crispy croutons on top for that extra crunch. Trust me, it makes for a delightful combination!
Brócoli cheddar soup: 7 Secrets to Cozy Comfort Cooking
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A creamy and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup that is comforting and delicious.
Składniki
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of milk
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
- Add broccoli and simmer until tender.
- Stir in milk and cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Blend for a smooth texture if desired.
Uwagi
- Use fresh broccoli for best flavor.
- Adjust cheese quantity to taste.
- For a thicker soup, blend more of the soup.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 9g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Słowa kluczowe: broccoli cheddar soup
