Here’s a comforting recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Soup, creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This soup is perfect for cozy nights or as a side dish to your favorite meal!
Ingredients
(Serves 4-6)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets (about 2 small heads of broccoli)
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a creamier texture)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for added tang)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Cut the broccoli into small florets. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the broccoli florets. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings:
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream (if using), then bring the soup back to a simmer.
- Add salt, pepper, nutmeg (if using), and Dijon mustard (optional).
- Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
- Blend the Soup (optional):
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup (or all, if you prefer a completely smooth consistency). Alternatively, you can transfer part of the soup to a blender and return it to the pot.
- For a chunkier soup, skip this step and leave the broccoli as is.
- Add the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or croutons if desired.
Tips:
- Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, blend in some cooked potato or cauliflower when pureeing.
- Thickening Option: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken.
- Vegan Version: Use non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) and vegan cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, cheesy, creamy, and packed with veggies. Perfect with a slice of crusty bread on the side!