How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is a popular dish that is enjoyed by many all around the world. Whether you are craving a warm and cozy bowl of soup during the colder months, or simply looking for a comforting dish to enjoy for lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. The creamy and satisfying flavor of the cheddar cheese pairs perfectly with the fresh and crunchy broccoli, making for a truly delicious culinary experience.

Making broccoli cheddar soup at home is surprisingly easy, and requires only a few key ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores. With just a little bit of preparation and some simple cooking techniques, you can create a tasty and healthy meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, if you are ready to learn how to make broccoli cheddar soup from scratch, then keep reading and get ready to create a delicious and comforting meal that you will love.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll be cooking with:

1. Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is a must for this recipe. You’ll want to use about two to three cups of chopped broccoli, depending on your preference.

2. Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the star of the show, but you can also use other kinds of cheese to add depth to your soup.

3. Milk: You’ll need one to two cups of milk to give your soup its creamy texture.

4. Flour: A couple of tablespoons of flour will help thicken your soup.

5. Butter: One to two tablespoons of butter are needed to make a roux, which helps thicken the soup.

6. Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder are all great seasonings to use in broccoli cheddar soup.

7. Chicken stock: Chicken stock adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup.

8. Heavy cream: A splash of heavy cream at the end helps make the soup even more luscious and creamy.

Now that you know what ingredients you’ll be working with, let’s dive in to the recipe.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide for making mouth-watering broccoli cheddar soup, let’s first talk about the essential ingredients that you’ll need to whip up this iconic soup.

Fresh Broccoli

The first and arguably the most crucial ingredient in broccoli cheddar soup is fresh broccoli. Look for bright green, tightly packed florets and avoid the ones with yellow spots or signs of wilting.

Cheddar Cheese

The second key ingredient is the cheddar cheese that gives this soup its signature flavor and creamy texture. I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese to achieve that deliciously sharp and tangy combination.

Butter

Butter helps to give broccoli cheddar soup its velvety texture that just melts in the mouth. You’ll need some unsalted butter to make the roux and sauté the vegetables in.

Onion and Garlic

Onion and garlic add a savory depth of flavor to the soup, which is impossible to recreate without them. Finely chop one medium-sized onion and two cloves of garlic to start.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour is used to create a roux, which is fundamental to make the soup creamy and thick. You’ll need around 4-5 tablespoons of flour.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth

The broth is the base of the soup, and you can use either chicken or vegetable broth. Be sure to pick a low-sodium option to control the saltiness of the soup.

Whole Milk and Heavy Cream

For added richness and creaminess, use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. However, if you’re looking for a healthier version, you can use skim milk instead.

Dijon Mustard and Nutmeg

If you want to add a touch of complexity to your broccoli cheddar soup, use a small amount of Dijon mustard and freshly grated nutmeg. This will add a subtle tangy and nutty flavor to the soup.

Salt and Pepper

Lastly, don’t forget to season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some hot sauce if you like your soup to have a little kick.

Now that we’ve got all the ingredients, let’s head into the next section where we’ll go through the step-by-step guide of making broccoli cheddar soup.

Ingredients Needed for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Making broccoli cheddar soup is relatively easy, especially when you have all the ingredients you need ready in your kitchen. Here are the necessary components to make delicious broccoli cheddar soup.

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable loaded with vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining a healthy body. For the soup, you’d need two cups of chopped broccoli, and you should be careful when cutting it. Cut off the florets from the stems, and then chop the florets into smaller pieces, placing them aside for later use.

2. Butter

Butter is essential for giving the soup its creamy texture and rich flavor. You’ll need a quarter cup of unsalted butter to make the soup. Melt the butter in a saucepan and pour it over the broccoli.

3. Onion

Chopped onion is optional, but it adds richness to your soup. A small onion is enough for this recipe. In a pan, sauté the onions on medium heat until they become transparent before adding them to the pot.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a spice that works wonders on dishes that require a bit of tang. To make your broccoli cheddar soup more flavorful, you can add a clove or two of minced garlic to the sautéed onions.

5. Cheese

Cheddar cheese is the star of the dish and the source of its most distinctive flavor. To get that classic broccoli cheddar soup taste, you’ll need two cups of grated cheddar cheese. You can cut the cheese into small cubes or use a shredder to make the shredding process easier.

Once you have all of these ingredients in place, you can move on to the next step in the recipe. Fry the onion and garlic in the butter until the onions are tender, then add the broccoli florets and cook for a few minutes. After that, pour in some milk, chicken or vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then allow it to simmer until the broccoli is tender. Finally, add in the shredded cheese and stir until it fully melts. Now, you can enjoy your delicious broccoli cheddar soup!

Enjoy Your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

There you have it, a delicious and simple recipe for broccoli cheddar soup. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and try adding your own ingredients to make it your own. Thanks for reading, I hope you give this recipe a try! Make sure to come back for more tasty and easy-to-make meals. Happy cooking!