Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp (57g) unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups (473ml) half & half
• 2 cups (473ml) chicken broth
• ½ tsp smooth Dijon mustard
• 4 cups (approx. 300g) broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated/shredded (about ¾ cup or 75g)
• 2 cups (approx. 225g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium cheddar recommended)

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until onions are soft and translucent (3-4 minutes).
• Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is slightly golden and there are no lumps.
• Slowly pour in the half & half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add chicken broth and Dijon mustard, whisking to combine thoroughly.
• Add chopped broccoli and shredded carrot to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
• Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each handful is fully melted before adding the next. Stir until the soup is smooth and creamy.
• Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed (more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes). Serve hot with a big slice of crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:30g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Soup

Cuisine:American

Let's Talk Soup: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is Calling

Fancy a bowl of Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup ? Honestly, who doesn't? I mean, cheesy goodness meets healthy greens – it's a win-win! This isn't just any soup; it's a hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you need a little something extra.

A Bowlful of History and Comfort

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup isn't some fancy, new-fangled creation. It's rooted in classic American comfort food recipes , born from a love of simple, satisfying flavors.

My Nan used to whip this up, a bowl of it, always brings back warm memories. This easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe is beginner-friendly and takes about 30 minutes to make.

It yields 4 generous servings, so it's perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for a few days.

Why You'll Adore This Soup

Besides tasting amazing, this homemade broccoli cheddar soup is packed with vitamin C from the broccoli. It's the perfect dish when you're feeling a bit under the weather.

I think Broccoli cheddar soup recipe is a good choice for quick weeknight meals or lunch on a chilly day.

Honestly, it's a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

The Cheese and the Greens: Ingredients We Need

Alright, time to gather your ingredients. You’ll need butter, onion, garlic, flour, half & half, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, broccoli, carrot, and plenty of cheddar.

I prefer using sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but medium works great too. Trust me, this quick broccoli cheese soup is all about using good quality ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ready to make some magic? This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is all about simple ingredients and even simpler equipment. Honestly, anyone can nail this.

We’re aiming for homemade broccoli cheddar soup perfection. So, let's gather our bits and pieces.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy broccoli cheddar soup .

• Butter: 4 Tbsp (57g) of unsalted butter. Good quality butter equals good soup!
• Onion: 1 small yellow onion, diced.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Flour: ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour.
• Salt: 1 tsp of standard table salt.
• Pepper: ¼ tsp of black pepper. Freshly cracked is the best!
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ - ½ tsp (optional), if you like a bit of warmth.
• Half & Half: 2 cups (473ml).
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups (473ml). This can be homemade, or the good old carton stuff.
• Dijon Mustard: ½ tsp smooth Dijon. It really adds that special something.
• Broccoli: 4 cups (approx. 300g) of chopped broccoli florets. Fresher the better!
• Carrot: 1 medium carrot, grated (about ¾ cup or 75g). Don't skip this!
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (approx. 225g) shredded cheddar. Sharp or medium is recommended. Pre-shredded works, but grating your own guarantees that perfectly melty cheddar cheese soup .

Seasoning Secrets for Flavor Bombs

Honestly, the secret's in the seasoning.

• Essential Spice Combo: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes create depth.
• Flavor Enhancers: Dijon mustard really elevates the creamy soup recipe here. You know? The homemade broccoli cheddar soup just sings!
• Quick Sub: If you are out of Dijon, a bit of Worcestershire sauce adds a similar umami note.

Equipment You'll Need

No fancy gadgets required.

• Large pot or Dutch oven. This helps make this a one-pot broccoli cheddar soup .
• Wooden spoon or spatula.
• Whisk.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cutting board.
• Knife.
• Grater. A box grater is your best bet for the carrot and cheese.

Making this creamy broccoli cheddar soup shouldn't be a chore. Enjoy the process of creating some serious comfort food recipes !

Alright, let's get this show on the road! Who's up for some Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup ? Honestly, it's one of my all-time favourite comfort food recipes .

I mean, seriously, what's not to love about cheesy, veggie-packed goodness?

Cooking Method: Broccoli Cheddar Bliss

This isn’t just any soup; this is your new favourite. I am going to walk you through my easy broccoli cheddar soup method, from start to finish.

I once accidentally added way too much garlic. Let’s just say the soup cleared the room. Learn from my mistakes, eh?

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, the essential mise en place . Dice that onion, mince the garlic, chop your broccoli. Grate the cheese yourself for peak meltiness, trust me on this! Saves you from stringy soup.

Organisation is your friend here. Prepping everything takes 10 minutes , tops. Safety first, though: watch those fingers when you are chopping!

Step-by-Step Process: Soup-er Simple

1. Melt 4 Tbsp (57g) butter in a big pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you are feeling spicy) for 3- 4 minutes until softened.
2. Sprinkle in ¼ cup (30g) flour . Whisk like your life depends on it for 1- 2 minutes until golden. This creates a broccoli cheddar soup with roux .
3. Slowly pour in 2 cups (473ml) half & half , whisking like mad to avoid lumps. Add 2 cups (473ml) chicken broth and ½ tsp Dijon mustard .
4. Toss in 4 cups (approx. 300g) broccoli and 1 medium carrot, grated/shredded . Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until the broccoli is tender.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Add 2 cups (approx. 225g) cheddar cheese , a handful at a time, stirring until melted.

Pro Tips: Soup Secrets

Want to level up your homemade broccoli cheddar soup ? Never boil the soup with cheese. Low and slow melts it perfectly.

The best broccoli cheddar soup comes from patience. For a quick broccoli cheese soup , chop your veggies super small.

This reduces cooking time. Avoid this mistake of over boiling or a lumpy soup will be a result. This is one of the best creamy soup recipes .

Honestly, this one-pot broccoli cheddar soup is so simple, you'll be making it every week. Perfect for meal prepping or just a cosy night in.

What are you waiting for? Get cooking! I promise you’ll love it.

Recipe Notes for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Right, let's chat about a few extra bits for this Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe . It's not just about following the steps, you know? It's about making it your easy broccoli cheddar soup .

Honestly, these little tweaks can make all the difference.

Serving Ideas: Make it a Meal

Think about how you want to serve this creamy soup recipe . Plating matters, even if it's just for yourself! A swirl of cream on top always looks posh, doesn't it? A sprinkle of extra cheddar is a given.

On the side? Crusty bread is a must . Maybe even a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping. Oh my gosh, a comfort food recipe heaven! For something lighter, a side salad cuts through the richness nicely.

A crisp glass of dry white wine or a light beer complements the soup perfectly.

Storage Savvy: Keep it Fresh

Leftovers? No problem! Store your homemade broccoli cheddar soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. That's the golden rule, isn't it?

Freezing is an option, but the texture might change slightly. The cheese can sometimes get a bit grainy. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.

Stir it often! You can add a splash of milk or broth if it's too thick. Avoid high heat; it can cause the cheese to separate.

Adaptations: Make it Yours

Need a quick broccoli cheese soup fix that fits your diet? For a veggie version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Use plant-based cheddar too!

Want a low-carb version? Reduce the amount of flour in the roux. Or use a keto-friendly thickener. For a seasonal twist, try adding roasted butternut squash in the autumn for a sweeter flavour.

You can experiment, love!

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, let's keep it real simple. This creamy broccoli cheddar soup has vitamins and fibre from the broccoli. The cheese gives you calcium and protein.

Of course, there's a bit of fat from the cream and cheese, but everything in moderation, right?

Honestly, this one-pot broccoli cheddar soup is a hearty and warming meal, perfect for a chilly day. It's great for getting the kids to eat their greens too! Don't be intimidated by the broccoli cheddar soup with roux part.

It’s easier than it sounds, I promise.

So, there you have it – my totally unique tips and tricks for the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar soup . Now go forth and create a bowl of cheesy, broccoli-filled goodness.

You've got this!