Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A warm bowl of Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This recipe shines with its creamy texture and rich flavor, making it ideal for family dinners, casual lunches, or cozy gatherings with friends. Easy to make and delightful to enjoy, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of total time, you can have a delicious soup ready to serve in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli creates a savory experience that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone or pair it with crusty bread or sourdough bowls for an elevated meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, this soup offers a comforting way to incorporate healthy greens into your diet.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness of this soup, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is key.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot is essential for evenly cooking the ingredients without overcrowding.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly and ensuring there are no lumps in your soup.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while helping to prevent sticking.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ onion (chopped)
• ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
• 2½ cups broccoli (chopped into bite-sized pieces)

For Creaminess and Flavor

• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar

How to Make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by placing a large pot over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pot, then add chopped onion. Sweat the onions until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Whisk in the flour gently, cooking it for about 2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This roux will help thicken your soup.

Step 3: Add Chicken Stock

Stir in the chicken stock while seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Ensure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables

Add in the finely diced celery and chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Stir in the whole milk and let it simmer until thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, around 2-3 minutes. The soup should maintain a ‘soupy’ texture.

Step 6: Add Cheese Gradually

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more cheese.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Top each serving with more cheddar before enjoying your comforting bowl of easy broccoli cheddar soup!

How to Serve Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a cozy meal or a delightful appetizer, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup experience.

In a Bread Bowl

• Use a sourdough bread bowl for a fun and edible serving option. The crusty bread adds texture while soaking up the delicious soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping. Freshly baked baguette or whole grain rolls complement the creamy soup perfectly.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Add an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top before serving. It creates a gooey and cheesy finish that cheese lovers will adore.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds color and a hint of freshness to each bowl.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavor. It provides richness and a beautiful finish to your soup.

Paired with Salad

• Serve alongside a simple green salad. This adds balance to your meal and introduces freshness against the creamy texture of the soup.

How to Perfect Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To achieve the best results with your Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese make all the difference in flavor and texture.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for the perfect balance.

• Don’t Rush the Cheese: Stir in cheese slowly, allowing it to melt completely before adding more. This ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Control Thickness: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken stock or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides freshness that complements the richness of the soup.

2. Garlic Bread: Warm garlic breadsticks offer an irresistible crunch that pairs beautifully with creamy soups.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add flavor and nutrition. Opt for carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.

4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette brings brightness and texture to your meal.

5. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese provide an extra layer of comfort alongside your soup.

6. Savory Muffins: Try cornbread or cheddar muffins for a delightful twist that pairs well with any soup dish.

7. Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad acts as a palate cleanser between bites of rich soup, balancing flavors nicely.

8. Stuffed Peppers: For something hearty, stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and beans can make this meal even more filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the vegetables: This can lead to mushy broccoli. Cook until just tender for a perfect texture.
• Using cold milk: Adding cold milk can cause the soup to cool down. Always warm the milk slightly before incorporating it into the soup.
• Not whisking flour properly: If flour is not whisked in well, lumps may form. Stir constantly when adding flour to ensure a smooth base.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Adding all the cheese at once can lead to clumping. Slowly add cheese in small handfuls for better melting and creaminess.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season throughout the cooking process can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust seasoning at each stage for depth of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, the texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake the soup in an oven-safe dish until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in increments of 1 minute, stirring between each session, until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Can I make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute dairy with plant-based milk and use vegan cheese to create a delicious vegan version.

How do I thicken my Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer or add more flour when making the roux.

What can I serve with Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Pair it with crusty bread or serve it in a sourdough bowl for a satisfying meal.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient option and works well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s thawed before adding.

Final Thoughts

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any meal. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it appealing for both lunch and dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes, or by adjusting the cheese levels to suit your taste preferences!