Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A warm bowl of Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or as a delightful lunch option. This rich and creamy soup is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you serve it in a sourdough bread bowl or alongside crusty bread for dipping, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Comfort: The combination of cheddar cheese and whole milk gives this soup a rich, creamy texture that warms the soul.
• Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it alone or pair it with your favorite bread for a complete meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and celery, this soup is not just tasty but also healthy.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra veggies or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your cooking adventure, gather your tools for a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps in smoothly incorporating flour into the butter without clumping.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring thorough mixing.

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 cup broccoli (chopped into bite sized pieces)

For Creaminess

• 2 cups whole milk

For Flavor

• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar

How to Make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Begin by placing a large pot over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pot. Once melted, add the chopped onion. Sweat the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 2: Create a Roux

Whisk in the flour, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes. This will help thicken your soup later on.

Step 3: Add Stock and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken stock while seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables

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

Step 5: Mix in Milk

Stir in the whole milk. Continue simmering until the soup thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes. Remember, you want it to remain soupy.

Step 6: Add Cheddar Cheese

Remove the pot from heat. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, allowing each portion to melt before adding more cheese.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Top with more cheddar cheese before serving hot!

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

How to Serve Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile in its serving options. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting dinner or a light lunch, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

In a Bread Bowl

• A sourdough bread bowl adds a fun twist to your soup. Simply hollow out a round loaf and fill it with the hot soup for a delightful presentation.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with crusty artisan bread. The crunchy texture of the bread complements the creamy soup perfectly, making it ideal for dipping.

Topped with Croutons

• Add some homemade croutons for extra crunch. Toast cubes of bread in olive oil until golden for a satisfying bite.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your soup with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.

Side Salad

• Serve with a mixed green salad. The refreshing flavors of greens balance the richness of the soup beautifully.

How to Perfect Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To ensure your Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out just right, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides better flavor and texture than frozen. Choose vibrant green florets for the best results.

• Don’t rush the cheese melting process: Adding cheese slowly allows it to melt evenly into the soup, giving you that creamy consistency.

• Season gradually: Start seasoning with salt and pepper while cooking and adjust to taste at the end. This helps build layers of flavor.

• Simmer gently: After adding milk, simmer on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth texture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Complementing your Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, garlic bread offers rich flavors that complement the creamy soup beautifully.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the creamy richness of the soup.
3. Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots and celery provide a refreshing contrast and are perfect for dipping in the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer heartiness that pairs well with soup.
5. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream or cheese for an additional comfort element alongside your soup.
6. Cheese Quesadilla: A warm quesadilla filled with gooey cheese creates a satisfying combination when dipped into the soup.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add sweetness that contrasts well with savory flavors of broccoli cheddar soup.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and sweetness to the meal, refreshing your palate after each spoonful of rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes when making Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the onion: Onions add depth to the flavor. Always include them for a richer taste.
• Not cooking the flour enough: This can leave a raw taste in your soup. Make sure to cook it for at least 2 minutes before adding liquids.
• Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well and can affect the soup’s texture. Opt for good quality cheddar for the best results.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli can become mushy. Add it when you simmer the soup and cook just until tender.
• Ignoring seasoning: Lack of seasoning will lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store in an airtight container.
• item Lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• item Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• item Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish, covered, for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl at medium power, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot. Add a splash of milk if needed for consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequent questions about Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Can I make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.

How do I customize Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

You can add other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower, or even mix in spices such as garlic powder or cayenne for extra flavor.

What is the best way to thicken Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

If your soup is too thin, whisk in a bit more flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water until it reaches your desired thickness.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well; just add it during the simmering step without thawing beforehand.

Final Thoughts

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It makes a perfect comforting meal on chilly days. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch!