Description
Silky smooth Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending rich cheese and tender vegetables into a hearty meal. Homemade warmth awaits you with this classic recipe that promises delicious satisfaction from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 4 cups (about 2 heads) broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Thickening Agents:
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden base for the soup’s foundation.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Dust the aromatic mixture with flour, whisking continuously for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth roux.
- Gradually incorporate broth and milk, stirring methodically to prevent any unwelcome lumps from forming in the liquid.
- Add broccoli, carrots, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the developing soup, allowing the ingredients to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until vegetables reach a tender consistency.
- Transform the soup’s texture by using an immersion blender to partially puree, preserving some vegetable chunks for rustic appeal. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and reintegrate into the pot.
- Introduce cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and integrates smoothly into the soup’s creamy landscape.
- Enhance with cream for additional richness, tasting and adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
- Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with extra cheese and delicate chive snippets for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure butter is melted but not browned to prevent a bitter taste in the soup’s base.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture, avoiding frozen varieties that can become mushy.
- Grate the cheddar cheese yourself for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 72mg