Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cooking comfort food often brings back cherished memories. There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup on a chilly day. This dish always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter echoed through the kitchen as we waited for the meal to be served.

Using fresh ingredients transforms simple broccoli and cheddar into a luscious, creamy soup. The combination of rich cheddar cheese and tender broccoli creates a symphony of flavors and textures, making every spoonful a delight. This easy broccoli cheddar soup becomes more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of togetherness around the dining table.

Every time I whip up a batch, the aroma fills the air, beckoning everyone to come and enjoy. This dish stands as a testament to the joy of cooking from scratch, evoking warmth and connection in every bite.

Now, let’s dive into the preparation of this classic recipe that’s sure to please everyone.

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Fundamentals

Fundamentals

Understanding the basics of making easy broccoli cheddar soup elevates your culinary skills. This soup features a creamy, cheesy base with vibrant chunks of broccoli. With minimal ingredients, it becomes an accessible dish that anyone can create, even on busy weeknights.

The heart of this dish lies in its simplicity. Start with a solid foundation of aromatics—the chopped onion adds sweetness, while the celery contributes crunch and flavor. The unsalted butter serves as the perfect medium for sautéing these ingredients, molding a fragrant base for the soup.

Preparation/Setup

Preparation makes all the difference when cooking easy broccoli cheddar soup. Gather your ingredients first: unsalted butter, chopped onion, all-purpose flour, chicken stock, finely diced celery, chopped broccoli, whole milk, and shredded cheddar. Having everything measured and ready before you begin will streamline the cooking process.

Heat a large pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Once the butter is bubbly and golden, toss in the onion. Sweat the onion until it becomes translucent, which takes about five minutes. This gentle cooking ensures the onion releases its sweet flavor, which will enhance the soup’s overall taste.

Ingredients

Using quality ingredients plays a crucial role in creating a delightful bowl of soup. For easy broccoli cheddar soup, ensure you have:

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ onion, chopped
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 2½ cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Each component should be fresh and of good quality, allowing the flavors to shine through. This sets the stage for a delicious, creamy soup that everyone will love.

Directions

Creating easy broccoli cheddar soup is straightforward. Start by melting the butter in your large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sweat it for about five minutes until it’s tender and translucent.

Next, whisk in the flour, cooking for about two minutes to create a roux. This step thickens the soup while enriching its flavor. Afterward, stir in the chicken stock and generously season with salt and pepper.

Introduce the finely diced celery and chopped broccoli to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing it to simmer. This process takes approximately 15 minutes until the vegetables become tender.

Afterward, stir in the whole milk, letting it simmer until the soup thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, about two to three minutes. The soup should still retain a soupy texture at this point.

Finally, remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Add it in small handfuls, waiting for each addition to melt before adding more. This ensures a smooth and creamy consistency without any clumps of cheese. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. Top with additional cheddar and serve warm, inviting everyone to enjoy.

Techniques for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Technique

Mastering the technique of making easy broccoli cheddar soup involves paying close attention to the cooking process. Begin by selecting fresh, vibrant broccoli to ensure your soup is both flavorful and visually appealing.

Cooking the roux properly is key; it should not brown but rather remain a light tan color. This ensures the flour doesn’t impart a raw taste. Whisking constantly while adding chicken stock helps prevent lumps, leading to a smoother soup base.

Tips/Tricks

Consider these tips to enhance your easy broccoli cheddar soup:

1. Blend for a Creamy Texture: If you prefer a silky-smooth soup, use an immersion blender right after adding the milk. Blend until the desired consistency is reached, then stir in the cheese.

2. Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

3. Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.

4. Add Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a zesty kick.

Perfecting the Results of Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Perfecting Results

Perfecting easy broccoli cheddar soup comes down to patience and careful attention. Make sure your vegetables cook until tender but still vibrant in color. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, which isn’t ideal.

When adding cheese, do so at a low temperature to encourage melting without cooking it too aggressively. This preserves the creamy nature of the soup.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Address any issues that arise while making easy broccoli cheddar soup:

• Too Thin: If the soup seems too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer until thickened.

• Too Thick: Conversely, add more chicken stock or milk to adjust the consistency back to your liking.

• Variations: Add extra ingredients like sliced carrots or cooked chicken for additional nutrition and flavor. You can also swap out the cheese for a dairy-free substitute if necessary.

Serving and Storing Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving/Presentation

Presenting easy broccoli cheddar soup beautifully makes for an enjoyable dining experience. Serve it hot in bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top for an appetizing look. Place a crusty bread roll or a slice of garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.

Drizzling with a little olive oil or a dash of cream can elevate the presentation further.

Pairings/Storage

Easy broccoli cheddar soup pairs well with various sides. Serve it alongside a simple green salad for a light, fresh complement. You can also pair it with sandwiches for a cozy, satisfying meal.

When storing the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive its creamy texture before serving.

In conclusion, easy broccoli cheddar soup encapsulates comfort food at its finest. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, anyone can create a nourishing dish that brings warmth and joy to the table. Each step in making this soup reflects not only culinary skills but also the essence of bringing people together through food. Enjoy this delightful recipe time and again!

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy broccoli cheddar soup perfect for chilly days, bringing warmth and joy to the dining table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ onion, chopped
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 2½ cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sweat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Stir in the chicken stock, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
5. Add the diced celery and chopped broccoli, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the whole milk and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Adjust seasoning, top with additional cheddar, and serve warm.

Notes

Blend for a smoother texture or experiment with different cheeses for variety. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: broccoli soup, cheddar soup, comfort food, creamy soup, easy soup