One time, at a tiny intimate, warm and cozy restaurant within the heart of Portland an unmarried couple met at an area for the very first time. The table wasn’t set for a date at all, but it was put together by mutual friends who knew that the couple would make the perfect one another. However, in the dim candlelight as well as the gentle jazz on the background, Mia and Ethan were unsure, uneasy and perhaps a little timid.
The temperature was cooler than anticipated, and when having their coffees, Mia, her cheeks glowing from the cold stated that she was looking for something warm and cozy. Ethan and Ethan, smiling a little smile, suggested that they order the most delicious soup available which is soup made of broccoli and cheddar. “It’s the best you’ll ever have,” he said. He shook his head in a reluctant nod. Mia accepted, and before long they were enjoying small spoonfuls of the rich, creamy soup, with the flavor of cheddar melting perfectly into the delicate broccoli.
When they enjoyed this simple but delicious food, conversations became easy, and the laughter more authentic. They discussed everything from childhood fantasies to their favorite novels, while pouring warm toast into the creamy soup that was smothered in cheese. As they ate the final bite they were aware that this would be one of the several bowls shared, and many shared evenings.
After a few years, and now happily we are married. Mia prepares this broccoli cheddar soup recipe each fall to pay homage to the serendipitous start. This soup is now a household favorite and especially with their young children that love cleaning their bowls. Here’s with you Mia’s unique recipe that she has developed, an incredibly rich and hearty broccoli cheddar soup that’s bound to become a beloved recipe in your family as well. So let’s get started on this simple but delicious recipe.
Table of Contents
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Perfect for Cozy Evenings
The broccoli cheddar soup recipe offers a delicious blend of flavor, comfort and comfort. It’s smooth, packed with delicate pieces of broccoli and an ideal balance of mild spices and sharp cheddar. It doesn’t matter if you cook it in the stovetop or using a slow cooker or in a slow cooker, the soup has that warm homemade taste that we need.
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
For the broccoli cheddar soup recipe, the following ingredients are required:
- 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets (about 1 head of broccoli)
- One large, ripe carrot chopped, shred or julienned
- 1 tiny onion Finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Butter 4 Tablespoons
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream (for an extra layer of creaminess)
- 2 cups cheddar sharp cheese freshly grated
- Salt and black pepper according to your the taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika (optional for additional warmth)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional it adds more flavor)
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: A Warm Bowl of Comfort and a Slice of Love
A rich, creamy broccoli cheddar soup perfect for cozy evenings, and a family favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This recipe blends fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a hint of spices, creating a bowl of delicious flavor.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 head)
- 1 large carrot, chopped, shredded, or julienned
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for warmth)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the broccoli into small pieces. Shred the carrot, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously for 2 minutes until slightly golden. This forms the base and thickens the soup.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add the milk, continuing to stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Broccoli and Carrot: Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrot. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Add the grated cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency or transfer part of the soup to a blender, then return to the pot.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra shredded cheddar or paprika, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and carrots bring the best flavor.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Adjust thickness: For a thicker soup, reduce broth or add extra flour during the roux step.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the broccoli, carrot, onion, garlic, and broth to a slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until vegetables are soft.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the milk, cream, and cheese until melted. Season and serve as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop or slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
Step-By-Step: How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Cut and wash the broccoli into small pieces. Chop the carrot in shreds, slice the onion, then mince the garlic. Fresh ingredients are what make the different in this recipe since the flavors blend perfectly along with the cheddar. - Saute the Aromatics
In a large pan heat the butter in moderate temperature. In the same pot, add the onion. Cook until the onion is translucent and soft. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic. cook for an additional minute or so until it’s fragrant. It will form a base of soup which is flavorful and rich. - Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour on top of the garlic and onions and garlic, mixing it in constantly until coated. The flour is cooked for about 2 minutes and allow it to cook and bubble. This is crucial to thicken the soup and provides it with the consistency of a cream. Make sure to not make the flour become too dark. - Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in the broth from the chicken or vegetable and whisk to stop any lumps to form. Continue with the milk and stir constantly. Let the mix come to a simmer. - Add Broccoli and Carrot
Include the broccoli florets as well as shred carrots to the soup. Mix well, and after which cover the pan with a lid and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the veggies become soft. - Add cheese, and seasoning
When the carrots and broccoli have softened, add fresh cheddar cheese one at a time stir until it’s melty and creamy. Add salt and pepper, as well as paprika as well as a dash of spice should you wish. A final sprinkling of spice can enhance the flavor of soup. - Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
To create a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender in order to mix a portion in the soup. You can also transfer a portion of the soup into a standard blender, mix until smooth and then return back to the pot. The process is not mandatory, however it will give a smooth consistency, with a slight texture left by the carrots and broccoli. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup in bowls, and top with cheese shredded or sprinkles of the spice paprika. Serve it hot and with crusty bread or a baguette warm to dip it in.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- fresh ingredients Fresh broccoli leaves make an enormous difference in taste in comparison to frozen.
- Grrate Your own cheese Cheese that has been pre-shredded is a source of anti-caking substances that may stop it from melting easily. Making your own cheddar can make your soup more creamy.
- Modify Consistency If you would like an extra thick soup, cut down the amount of broth by half or even add additional flour to the roux stage.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Crock Pot Method
If you’re a fan of the forget-it-all-day-long strategy, this soup made of broccoli and cheddar recipe is perfect for the slow cooker. This is how you can make this soup using the slow cooker
- Include the carrots, broccoli and onions. Add garlic, garlic, and broth into the crockpot.
- Cook covered and on low for 4 hours or high for a couple of hours, or until the vegetables are soft.
- Mix in the cream, milk as well as freshly grated cheese. let it melt in the soup.
- Mix to your liking, season in a small amount if desired, and serve.
Crockpot versions are great to use on busy days, when you need a warming and delicious meal that is ready to be served to your family by the time dinner is served. The slow cooker recipe for broccoli cheddar soup is equally rich and delicious similar to the stovetop version.
FAQ: How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
What is the best way do I make this recipe for broccoli and cheddar soup recipe without gluten?
A: It’s easy to make this soup gluten free by making a gluten-free blend of flour instead of regular flour. Its texture and flavor remains fantastically dense and rich.
Q: Is it possible to put this broccoli soup in a freezer? recipe?
A: Yes! Cool the soup fully before transferring the soup to airtight containers as well as freezer bags. The soup will last for three months or more when stored in the freezer. If you’re in the mood to eat freeze it, place it in the refrigerator overnight, then heat it up in the oven. It is possible that the texture will alter slightly. Therefore, whisking during reheating can help restore the smoothness.
Q Do you have an alternative that is dairy-free for this dish?
A: Absolutely! Switch the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk or use a cheddar that is not dairy-free cheese. Coconut milk can be used in the same way however it could impart the slight taste of coconut.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
This soup made with broccoli will give you everything for comfort in a bowl. It’s:
- The flavor is creamy and smoky, thanks to cheddar and roux
- A delicious flavor with a touch of onion, garlic, as well as optional spices
- Nutritious loaded with a variety of fresh broccoli as well as carrots
- Easy to prepare by using the basic ingredients that are found in kitchens everywhere
- Flexible–perfect for stoves and slow cooker as well as Crockpot
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Crock Pot Variations
Here are a few exciting alternatives to make using this recipe.
- loaded Broccoli Cheddar soup Then top each bowl with bacon pieces as well as green onions. Add an ounce of sour cream to add a baked potato-inspired variation.
- Add protein Add the cooked and shredded chicken to make an extra filling and protein-rich food.
- Spicy kick add a splash of hot sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a touch of spice.
The Final Word on This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Like Mia and Ethan could explain it’s a magical experience eating a bowl full of soup made from broccoli with someone you love. It doesn’t matter if you’re having it for an intimate dinner with two people or serving the soup to your loved ones during a cold winter evening This broccoli cheddar soup recipe will bring warmth, comfort and a sense of nostalgia to your dining table.
Imagine that first mouthful full of cheddar and the earthy flavor of broccoli. This is accompanied by the delicious crunch of freshly baked bread. It’s a recipe that is equally timeless and easy, an gesture of affection that you could repeat over and over again.
Get your kitchen ready take a seat in a comfy jacket, and let scent of soup simmering over the kitchen. It’s never a better time than right now to prepare this broccoli cheddar soup recipe. It’s a delicious soup that is infused with nostalgia, and lots of heart. Enjoy.