Description
This creamy and comforting Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup features tender broccoli florets simmered in a flavorful chicken broth base, thickened with a classic roux, and enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Perfect as a hearty lunch or light dinner, this soup combines rich dairy goodness with fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Others
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under running water and set them aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat to create the base for the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they are soft and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour and form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps and incorporate the roux fully.
- Add Broccoli and Season: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and season the mixture with salt and black pepper.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and fully cooked.
- Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches your desired smoothness or leaves some texture, according to preference.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese until the cheese melts fully and the soup becomes creamy and rich.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary to suit your taste.
- Serve: Serve the Best Cheddar Broccoli Soup hot, optionally topped with additional shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy your comforting bowl!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
- Blending the soup completely results in a smoother texture; blend less for a chunkier style.
- Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
