Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this soup delivers rich flavors with a velvety texture. Made with fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a delightful choice to serve at lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – This recipe comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor – The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and aromatic vegetables creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish – Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for dipping.
- Nutritious Ingredients – Packed with broccoli, this soup provides vitamins and minerals while still being indulgent.
- Customizable – Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or extra veggies to make it your own.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before you start. Having everything at hand will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Cooking spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot – This accommodates all ingredients comfortably while allowing for even heating.
- Whisk – Ideal for mixing flour into the broth smoothly, preventing lumps in your soup.
- Knife – A good kitchen knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables for uniform cooking.
Ingredients
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup made with fresh broccoli, cream, and sharp cheddar cheese.
For the Base
- 8 Tablespoons Butter (divided)
- 1 large Onion (finely diced)
- 1 large Carrot (shredded or finely diced)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
For Thickening the Soup
- 1/2 cup Flour (or cornstarch)
- 3 cups Chicken Broth (if you want a thicker soup, use 2 1/2 cups)
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried Mustard Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
For the Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Broccoli (chopped)
- 2 1/2 cups Half-n-Half
- 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Garlic Butter Homemade Croutons (optional)
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Heat the Base
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 Tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add onions and carrots and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Add the remaining 4 Tablespoons of butter. Stir in flour. Pour in chicken broth and use a whisk to mix together. Add dried mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cream
Add chopped broccoli and half-n-half. Let simmer for about 20 minutes or until broccoli is softened. Gradually add cheese in increments of 1/2 cup, stirring well after each addition to maintain creamy consistency.
Step 4: Final Seasoning
Taste for seasonings. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with homemade garlic butter croutons or buttery crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate the dining experience. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or alongside other delights, there are many ways to make it special.
With Homemade Garlic Butter Croutons
- Adding garlic butter croutons enhances the soup’s flavor and texture. They provide a delicious crunch that complements the creamy soup.
Accompanied by Freshly Baked Bread
- A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. Consider sourdough or a rustic baguette for an enjoyable pairing.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- For cheese lovers, sprinkle additional grated sharp cheddar cheese on top before serving. This creates a delightful melty layer that enhances each bite.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley or chives can add a fresh touch. Sprinkle them on top just before serving for added color and flavor.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Perfecting your Broccoli Cheddar Soup is all about technique and careful ingredient choices. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is always a hit.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese make a big difference in flavor.
- Control the Thickness: For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth slightly or use cornstarch for added thickness.
- Add Cheese Gradually: Incorporating cheese in small amounts helps maintain the creamy consistency without clumping.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing Broccoli Cheddar Soup with complementary side dishes can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens offers freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and add a hearty element.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with quinoa, beans, or rice for a filling side that complements the soup well.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic choice! Crispy grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of broccoli cheddar soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy seasoned potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside the smoothness of the soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad adds contrasting temperatures and flavors, making for an interesting meal combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some to watch out for:
- Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese can result in a grainy texture. Opt for sharp cheddar for a smooth and rich flavor.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing onions and carrots builds flavor. Don’t rush this process; cook them until they’re soft before adding other ingredients.
- Not whisking well: Failing to whisk the flour with broth can lead to lumps. Ensure you whisk thoroughly to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Overcooking the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses its vibrant color. Simmer just until tender for the best results.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! The right amount of salt and pepper enhances the flavors, so adjust according to your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3–5 days.
- Allow soup to cool completely before sealing the container.
Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20–30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
Can I use frozen broccoli for Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well. Just add it directly to the soup without thawing.
What can I substitute instead of half-and-half?
You can use heavy cream or a combination of milk and cream for a lighter option while still keeping it creamy.
How can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegan?
Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for flavor.
What should I serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or homemade garlic butter croutons for added texture.
How do I thicken my Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth or add more flour or cornstarch.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Try this recipe today; it’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy, comforting, and rich in flavor, Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make soup combines fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese for a velvety texture that warms you up on chilly days. In just under an hour, you can prepare this nutritious meal that’s not only delicious but also customizable. Serve it as a main course or alongside crusty bread for dipping, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion (finely diced)
- 1 large carrot (shredded or finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup flour (or cornstarch)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups broccoli (chopped)
- 2 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add onions and carrots; cook until soft (7–8 minutes). Stir in garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add the remaining butter and stir in flour until blended. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Mix in dried mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped broccoli and half-and-half; simmer for about 20 minutes until broccoli is tender. Gradually stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving with optional garlic butter croutons or warm bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg