A cozy bowl of Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual lunch with friends. This delightful recipe combines fresh broccoli with rich cheddar cheese, creating a creamy soup that’s both comforting and satisfying. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it makes an excellent addition to your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of broccoli and cheddar creates a rich, hearty taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it in a sourdough bread bowl or alongside crusty bread for dipping—perfect for any dining experience.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and protein from cheese, this soup is not only delicious but also nourishing.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy soup, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting, gather the essential tools that will help you make this soup effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Needed to melt butter and cook the ingredients evenly.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate flour smoothly into the butter for a lump-free base.
- Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ onion (chopped)
- ⅓ cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
For the Vegetables
- 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
- 2½ cup broccoli (chopped into bite sized pieces)
For Creaminess and Flavor
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded cheddar (2 cups plus 1 cup for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Place a large pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sweat for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly golden. This forms the base of your soup.
Step 3: Add Stock and Seasoning
Stir in the chicken stock. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables
Add the diced celery and chopped broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Add Milk
Stir in the milk and continue to simmer until the soup thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, around 2 to 3 minutes. The texture should remain ‘soupy’.
Step 6: Melt in Cheddar
Remove the pot from heat. Gradually stir in cheddar cheese by handfuls, allowing each addition to melt before adding more.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Top with remaining cheddar cheese before serving hot.
Enjoy your homemade Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup as a comforting meal that brings warmth on any day!
How to Serve Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you are hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
In a Sourdough Bread Bowl
- A sourdough bread bowl adds a rustic touch to your soup. Scoop out the inside, fill it with the soup, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors as you dip the bread.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve your soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. The crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
Topped with Extra Cheddar
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the dish even more indulgent.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your soup with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. This not only adds color but also a burst of fresh flavor.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- Pair your soup with a light side salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top enhances the flavors and gives a gourmet touch to your dish.
How to Perfect Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Perfecting your Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is all about small tweaks that elevate this classic recipe. Follow these tips for an even tastier dish!
Use Fresh Broccoli – Fresh broccoli adds better flavor and texture compared to frozen options. Choose bright green florets for the best results.
Adjust Cheese Type – While cheddar is traditional, experimenting with a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella can add complexity to the flavor.
Season Generously – Don’t shy away from seasoning! Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to ensure your soup is well-balanced.
Blend for Creaminess – For an ultra-smooth texture, consider blending part of the soup after simmering and then stirring it back in before adding cheese.
Simmer Longer for Flavor – Letting the soup simmer longer can deepen its flavors. Just make sure to keep an eye on the veggies so they don’t overcook.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread complements the creamy soup perfectly and is easy to prepare.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and tang that balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy and flavorful contrast to creamy textures.
- Stuffed Peppers – Lightly stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for a hearty side that pairs well.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad offers freshness and variety, making it an ideal accompaniment.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich soup.
- Cheese Quesadillas – Simple cheese quesadillas are easy to make and provide a delightful cheesy bite alongside your soup.
- Savory Muffins – Savory muffins made with herbs or cheese add an interesting twist and pair nicely with each spoonful of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the onion – Onions add depth to the flavor. Always include them and cook until soft.
- Not whisking flour properly – To avoid lumps, whisk the flour thoroughly with the butter before adding liquid.
- Using low-quality cheese – The type of cheese affects taste. Use good-quality cheddar for the best flavor and meltiness.
- Overcooking the broccoli – Overcooked broccoli loses its vibrant color and crunch. Add it at the right time for perfect texture.
- Ignoring seasoning – Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to enhance the soup’s flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven – Heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop – Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring often until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Can I make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.
How can I customize my Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for extra nutrition and flavor.
What cheese works best for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
A sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but you can mix it with Gruyère for a unique twist.
Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
You can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese while still enjoying great taste.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just adjust cooking time as needed since it’s already blanched.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or quick lunches. Try it today and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Warm up your evenings with a cozy bowl of Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This comforting dish combines fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese for a creamy, satisfying experience that’s perfect for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup that not only warms the soul but also delights the taste buds. Whether served in a sourdough bread bowl or alongside crusty bread, it’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients, making it an excellent addition to your meal rotation.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ onion (chopped)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
- 2½ cups broccoli (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Stir in the chicken stock and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the diced celery and broccoli, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer until vegetables are tender (about 15 minutes).
- Stir in the milk and simmer until thickened (2–3 minutes).
- Remove from heat, gradually stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg