Nothing beats a warm bowl of broccoli-cheddar soup on a cold day. This comforting dish blends the earthy flavors of broccoli with the rich creaminess of cheddar cheese, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal for any occasion. Originating from American kitchens, this classic soup has become a go-to comfort food for many. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also offers a healthy serving of vegetables. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers exceptional results every time.
Ingredients
- 1 large broccoli, cut into florets (about 3–4 cups)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and sizzling, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. This forms the flavor base of the soup.
2. Add Broccoli and Broth
Next, toss the broccoli florets into the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure the broccoli is mostly submerged. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Blend the Soup
After the broccoli has softened, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender—just be cautious of the hot liquid. Blend until smooth and return the soup to the pot.
4. Incorporate the Cream and Cheese
With the soup back on low heat, stir in the heavy cream. Next, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely into the soup. This step creates that rich, velvety texture that broccoli-cheddar soup is known for.
5. Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. You can adjust the seasoning based on the broth you used—some broths are saltier than others, so taste before adding too much salt.
Once seasoned, your broccoli-cheddar soup is ready to be served. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some additional cheddar on top just before serving. Enjoy this warm, creamy soup with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This easy broccoli-cheddar soup recipe is not only quick but also incredibly flavorful and hearty. It’s a wonderful way to get your daily serving of vegetables, all while enjoying the creamy richness of cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.