There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of brócoli cheddar soup on a chilly day! It wraps you in a cozy hug, and the creamy, cheesy goodness is just heavenly. I love how quick and easy it is to whip up this soup, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for a satisfying meal that feels like a big, warm bowl of love. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying a delightful, homemade brócoli cheddar soup in no time!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare brócoli cheddar soup
- Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling and fragrant, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent—about 3-4 minutes. You want those flavors to meld together beautifully!
- Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute. This will help thicken your soup later. Don’t worry if it looks a bit clumpy at first; just keep stirring!
- Now, slowly pour in the vegetable broth and milk, whisking as you go to combine everything smoothly. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—it should start bubbling softly.
- Once simmering, carefully add the broccoli florets. Cook the soup for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and vibrant in color. You can poke it with a fork to check for doneness.
- Here comes the fun part! Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s creamy and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender—just be careful, it’s hot!
- Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and creamy. You’ll be tempted to dive right in, but hold on!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it one last stir before serving. Wow, the aroma is amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip it up in just 30 minutes!
- Comforting taste that warms your soul, perfect for chilly days.
- Creamy texture that feels indulgent without being heavy.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone!
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Perfect for meal prep—enjoy it throughout the week!
- Fantastic paired with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Success
To make the perfect brócoli cheddar soup, start with fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture—frozen just doesn’t cut it! When blending, if you’re using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it in batches. This prevents any splattering, which can be a bit messy! For an extra creamy finish, consider adding a splash of heavy cream just before serving—trust me, it elevates the soup to a whole new level!
Don’t be shy with seasoning; taste as you go! A pinch of nutmeg can add a lovely warmth, and a dash of cayenne pepper gives it a little kick if you’re feeling adventurous. And remember, if you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup and leave the rest as is. It’s all about your personal touch!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your brócoli cheddar soup, there are so many fun options! Try adding in some diced carrots or cauliflower for extra color and nutrition. Love a bit of spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses—Gruyère or pepper jack would add a delightful twist! For a lighter version, substitute half of the milk with a low-fat alternative or even some unsweetened almond milk. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover brócoli cheddar soup is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave a little space at the top since the soup will expand when frozen. It should stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. If it’s frozen, transfer it to the fridge the night before to thaw. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over low to medium heat. Stir frequently until it’s warmed through. For that creamy texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating, and give it a good stir. You’ll love how it comes back to life!
Nutritional Information
This brócoli cheddar soup is not only delicious but also provides a satisfying balance of nutrients! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 cup), based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Regardless, this soup is a comforting and nutritious choice to warm your day!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?
While fresh broccoli gives the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Just remember that it may result in a slightly different texture, so adjust the cooking time as needed!
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No worries! You can substitute it with chicken broth or even water in a pinch. However, using broth adds a depth of flavor that really enhances the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This brócoli cheddar soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it within a few days!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce while simmering. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!
What toppings would go well with this soup?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! I love topping it with extra shredded cheddar cheese, croutons for crunch, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley. A swirl of cream or a dash of hot sauce can also elevate the presentation!
Brócoli cheddar soup: 7 Reasons It’s Pure Comfort Food
- Gesamtzeit: 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A creamy and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup that is comforting and easy to make.
Zutaten
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add vegetable broth and milk, whisk to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then add broccoli.
- Cook until broccoli is tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth, then return to heat.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best flavor.
- Adjust cheese amount to your preference.
- Can be served with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Soup
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 9g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterin: 40mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, cheesy soup
