Hello there, foodies! Today, I have an absolutely scrumptious recipe for you to try – Creamy and Delicious Cheddar Broccoli Soup. This soup is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and comforting to eat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this soup on the table in no time!
This recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. Broccoli is a great source of vitamins and minerals, while cheddar cheese adds a creamy, cheesy goodness to the soup. It’s the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent. Plus, it’s really easy to make – even if you’re not an experienced cook!
Introduction: What Is Cheddar Broccoli Soup?
If you’re looking for a warm and comforting soup to enjoy during cold weather, cheddar broccoli soup is a delicious choice. This soup is typically made with fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Let’s take a closer look at this classic soup and explore its ingredients, history, and variations.
The Ingredients
Cheddar broccoli soup is made with a variety of ingredients to create its rich and creamy texture. Some of the main ingredients include:
- Broccoli florets
- Cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Flour
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
To make cheddar broccoli soup, the broccoli is typically cooked until tender, then pureed with chicken broth to create a creamy base. The cheese and other ingredients are then added to the puree, allowing the flavors to blend together and create a delicious soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal.
The History
While the origins of cheddar broccoli soup are somewhat unclear, it’s believed to have originated in the United States during the 20th century. The soup quickly became popular in restaurants and homes across the country, as it was an easy and inexpensive way to feed a large group of people. Today, cheddar broccoli soup is still a popular dish enjoyed by people all over the world, and has become a staple in many households during colder months.
The Variations
While the classic cheddar broccoli soup recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations and twists you can add to make it even more flavorful. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Roasted broccoli: Instead of using steamed broccoli, try roasting it first to add extra flavor and texture.
- Extra cheese: If you love cheese, try doubling or tripling the amount of cheddar cheese in your recipe for an extra cheesy soup.
- Spice it up: Add a little heat to your soup with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Include other vegetables: Add other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to your soup for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use different cheese: While cheddar is the traditional cheese used in this soup, you can switch it up and use other types of cheese like Swiss or Gruyere.
With so many variations to choose from, cheddar broccoli soup is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a warm lunch, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Making a flavorful cheddar broccoli soup requires proper preparation of ingredients. Follow our step-by-step guide to make the perfect pot of soup.
Cutting the Broccoli
The broccoli is the star of this soup, and how you prepare it can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of the dish. First, start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under running water. Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the broccoli florets from the stem. You want to cut the florets into small bite-sized pieces, and the stems into small chunks so that they cook evenly.
Next, fill a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Add salt to the water and blanch the broccoli by placing the florets and stems into the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Once the broccoli is bright green and tender, remove it from the pot and immediately plunge it into ice-cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps preserve the vibrant green color. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
Prepping the Cheese
A crucial component of this soup is the cheddar cheese. You want to use a sharp cheddar for best results. Start by grating the cheese and set it aside. When it comes time to incorporate the cheese into the soup, you want it to melt evenly and not clump up. To prevent this, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the grated cheese, ensuring that the cheese is coated evenly. This trick helps the cheese to mix evenly in the soup and gives it that smooth, creamy texture.
To make the cheese sauce for the soup, add 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once heated, slowly whisk in the cheese, stirring constantly until it has melted completely. Set it aside for later use.
Chopping Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are both necessary ingredients for building a solid flavor base for your soup. Begin by peeling and finely chopping one medium onion. Hearty garlic presses are preferable when preparing garlic, and your soup will thank you for it. Press and roughly chop 3-4 cloves, until you have about 1 tablespoon of garlic.
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will give your soup a rich, aromatic base to build upon.
By following these steps and preparing your ingredients properly, you’ll end up with a delicious and creamy cheddar broccoli soup that will be a hit on any table.
Making the Soup
If you’re looking for a hearty and nutritious soup to warm up your winter evenings, look no further than this creamy and delicious cheddar broccoli soup recipe. It’s easy to make and perfect for anyone who loves the savory taste of melted cheddar cheese incorporated in a hearty soup base.
Sautéing the Onions and Garlic
The first step in making this soup is to sauté the onions and garlic. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add diced onions and garlic cloves, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, which should take around five minutes.
Adding in the Broccoli and Stock
Once the onions and garlic are sautéed, it’s time to add in the broccoli florets and chicken stock. The recipe calls for four cups of broccoli florets and six cups of chicken stock. Combine them in the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for around 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
Incorporating the Cheese
After the soup has simmered for 15 minutes, it’s time to add in the star ingredient: cheddar cheese. The soup recipe requires two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Add in the cheese, stirring constantly to make sure it melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Once the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy, you’re ready to dig in!
This soup is easy to make and a great way to get your daily intake of vegetables. It’s also a great option for anyone who wants a warm and filling meal during the colder months. The cheddar cheese adds a deliciously savory flavor, making it a perfect addition to your soup repertoire. Whether you’re home-catering family dinner or having guests over, this cheddar broccoli soup recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and see for yourself!
Serving and Storing Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Serving Suggestions
If you’re wondering how to make your cheddar broccoli soup more flavorful, try adding some toppings and sides to the mix! Here are some serving ideas to consider:
– Croutons: These small and crunchy bread cubes make a great addition to the soup bowl. You can buy them at the store or make your own by toasting bread cubes in the oven.
– Bacon bits: Nothing beats the salty and savory flavor of bacon, especially when paired with cheddar broccoli soup. You can use store-bought bacon bits or cook up some fresh bacon and crumble it over the top.
– Chives or green onions: These herbs add a little bit of freshness and color to the soup. Simply chop them up and sprinkle them on top.
– Grilled cheese sandwich: This classic sandwich is a perfect sidekick to cheddar broccoli soup. Just slice up some bread, add some cheese, and grill it on a pan until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
– Garlic bread: Another popular side dish is garlic bread. Simply slice up a baguette, add some garlic butter, and toast it in the oven until crisp and golden.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cheddar broccoli soup, you’ll want to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for storing leftovers:
– Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
– When reheating the soup, make sure to heat it until it’s steaming hot (165°F or higher) to kill any bacteria that may have formed.
– If you’re only reheating a portion of the soup, don’t reheat the entire batch. Instead, remove the portion you want to reheat and only heat that portion. This helps avoid reheating the soup multiple times, which can cause it to spoil faster.
Freezing the Soup
If you want to save your cheddar broccoli soup for later, you can freeze it! Here’s how:
– Let the soup cool down to room temperature before freezing.
– Pour the soup into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Make sure to leave some room at the top of the container for expansion.
– Label the container with the date and the contents.
– Freeze the soup for up to 3-4 months.
– To thaw the soup, transfer it to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave or on the stovetop, but make sure to heat it until it’s steaming hot before consuming.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our creamy and delicious cheddar broccoli soup recipe and that it becomes a new favorite in your household. Don’t forget to share with friends and family! If you have any feedback, questions, or just want to say hello, feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and we look forward to seeing you again soon for more tasty recipes.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the soup.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
You can definitely experiment with different types of cheese, but cheddar tends to work best in this recipe.
3. How long will the soup keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the soup will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
4. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Sure! Carrots, cauliflower, or spinach would all be great additions to this recipe.
6. Can I make this soup vegan?
Easily! Sub out the cheddar cheese and use a vegan cheese alternative instead. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and almond milk instead of dairy milk.
7. Can I use a blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, but be very careful when blending hot soup. Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches if necessary.
8. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, heavy cream will make the soup richer and creamier. Just be aware that it will also add more calories and fat.
9. Can I add spices to the soup?
Absolutely! Thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes would all work well with this recipe.
10. What should I serve with cheddar broccoli soup?
Grilled cheese sandwiches or a hearty crusty bread would be the perfect accompaniment to this soup.
