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A large bowl of broccoli cheddar soup recipe creates a magical experience for anyone who tastes it. The hot steam rises while the smooth texture meets the perfect blend of sharp cheddar and tender broccoli to create the ultimate comfort food experience. The preparation of this dish brings back memories of autumn days when the weather becomes cool, because it provides the perfect remedy for cold temperatures.
The recipe produces a simple yet rich soup that surpasses all takeout versions. The greatest advantage of this recipe lies in its ability to create a delicious dish using only basic ingredients found in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The cheddar cheese dissolves perfectly into the soup to create an unmatchable creamy flavor.
- The preparation time from beginning to end amounts to thirty minutes.
- The soup provides comforting warmth that suits both cold weather and wet days, and any time you require a bowl of comfort.
- The dish appeals to all family members because of its cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics
You should heat butter in a big pot over medium heat. The onion and garlic need to cook until they become soft and fragrant for about 5 minutes.
2. Simmer the broccoli
Add your chopped broccoli and broth. The mixture needs to reach the boiling point before you reduce the heat to create a soft simmer. The broccoli needs 10 minutes of cooking time until it reaches a tender state with a fork.
3. Blend it smooth
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup mixture directly in the cooking pot. You can also blend the soup in batches using a regular blender while taking care to avoid the hot steam.
4. Make it creamy & cheesy
Add heavy cream and shredded cheddar to the mixture while stirring until the cheese dissolves and the soup reaches a smooth consistency.
5. Season & serve
Check the flavor by tasting and add salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve the soup in bowls while adding a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top and keeping it warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Pre-shredded cheese should be avoided when making this recipe. The process of grating cheddar cheese yourself produces better melting results, which creates a richer texture in the finished soup.
- Like it chunky? You can blend half of the soup while keeping the remaining broccoli pieces intact for added texture.
- Turn it into a meal. The comfort food experience reaches its peak when you serve the soup in a bread bowl while enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
- Add a kick. You can add heat to your soup by adding a small amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your taste preferences.
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! The use of vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will make this dish suitable for vegetarians.
Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?
The best time to consume this soup is immediately after preparation because cream-based soups tend to separate when frozen. You can store the soup in the refrigerator for three days if you want to keep it fresh.
What cheese works best?
The traditional choice for this recipe is sharp cheddar, but you can enhance the flavor by combining it with Gouda, Monterey Jack, and a bit of Parmesan.
Final Touch
This broccoli cheddar soup becomes a staple dish that you will repeatedly prepare because of its comforting nature. The soup provides a soothing experience through its easy preparation and homey flavor. Use a spoon to savor each creamy bite while enjoying crusty bread.
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