Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting classic perfect for a chilly day. It’s packed with tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese, all simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different cheeses, vegetables, or spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup Carrots, shredded
- ½ cup Yellow Onion, diced
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: In a pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter. After the butter melts, add the onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the flour. Stir to make a roux, and cook it for 2–3 minutes while stirring often.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then add the broccoli and carrots. Bring everything to a boil and let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Turn off the heat and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, then slowly add the cheese a small handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and blended.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a winner because it’s:
- Comforting: Warm, creamy, and cheesy – perfect for a cozy meal.
- Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a breeze to prepare.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
- Satisfying: Hearty and filling, this soup is a meal in itself.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
- Garnish with bacon crumbles, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before adding the cheese.
- Add the cheese in small handfuls, off the heat, to prevent the cheese from clumping and becoming grainy.
- If you are using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well to avoid watery soup.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 601kcal
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 29g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Cholesterol: 149mg
- Sodium: 1076mg
- Potassium: 376mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 4952IU
- Vitamin C: 41mg
- Calcium: 512mg
- Iron: 1mg
Conclusion
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a comforting classic. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this delightful soup.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While cheddar is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp provolone for a different flavor profile.
Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Be sure to check the label of the bouillon powder to ensure it’s vegetarian as well.
Q3: How can I make this soup lower in fat?
A: To reduce the fat content, you can use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While you can freeze this soup, the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content. It’s best to freeze it before adding the cheese, then add the cheese when reheating.
Q5: How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A: If your soup is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. You can also blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to thicken it naturally.
