Cozy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Cold Winter Evenings

Creamy broccoli cheddar soup whispers comfort on chilly afternoons, promising warmth with every spoonful.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance through this classic recipe, inviting nostalgia and hunger.

Cheese melts seamlessly into tender broccoli florets, creating a velvety texture that hugs your palate.

Green vegetables bring nutritious depth to this hearty bowl of deliciousness.

Sharp cheddar adds a tangy punch that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this soup comes together with minimal effort.

Let your kitchen fill with rich aromas and anticipation of the first delectable bite.

FAQs About Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

• What makes this broccoli cheddar soup different from other versions?

This soup stands out with its use of Dijon mustard, which adds a subtle tangy depth that elevates the traditional flavor profile. The mustard brings a unique complexity that sets this recipe apart from standard broccoli cheddar soups.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the vegetable broth with vegetable stock and use a sharp vegetarian cheddar cheese. The recipe’s core ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly, making it easy to adapt.

• Is this soup healthy?

While delicious, this soup is moderately rich due to butter, milk, and cheese. It does provide nutritional benefits from broccoli and carrots, which offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Moderation is key when enjoying this comforting dish.

Why Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Is a Cozy Classic

• Conquer Kitchen Challenges: Perfect for home cooks seeking a delightful yet straightforward soup recipe that doesn't require professional culinary skills.
• Nutrition Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with vegetables like broccoli and carrots, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick Comfort in a Bowl: Designed for busy families and individuals, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that can be prepared in less than an hour.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable for various occasions like weeknight dinners, lunch gatherings, or cozy weekend meals, making it a go-to recipe for different social settings.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh vegetables that provide a hearty and nutritious base for the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the recipe.

• Yellow Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a delicious aromatic base for the soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tangy kick to the soup's flavor.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté the aromatics.
• Flour: Crucial for creating a smooth and thick soup consistency.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy base and contributes to the soup's smooth texture.
• Carrot: Adds a hint of sweetness and additional nutritional value to the soup.

• Homemade Croutons: Provides a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy soup.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Flavor Makers

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until the kitchen fills with a delicious aroma.

Step 2: Create a Smooth Base

Dust the onion and garlic mixture with flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the flour turns a light golden color. This magical step prevents lumpy soup and builds a rich foundation. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to create a silky smooth mixture.

Step 3: Build Vegetable Goodness

• Broccoli florets
• Chopped carrots
• Dijon mustard

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables become tender and the flavors dance together.

Step 4: Cheese Magic Moment

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese gradually. Stir after each addition to help the cheese melt into a creamy, dreamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings – a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top with crunchy homemade croutons if you’re feeling fancy. This soup is comfort in a bowl – perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm hug from your kitchen.

Pro Tip: The soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t worry about leftovers!

Pro Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast flour briefly to enhance nutty undertones and eliminate raw flour taste, creating a more complex soup base.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Remove pot from heat before adding cheese and stir gradually to ensure smooth, velvety texture without grainy consistency.
• Vegetable Prep Matters: Chop broccoli and carrots into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Enhance Creaminess Hack: Use room temperature milk and grate cheese freshly to promote better melting and create a silkier, more luxurious soup.
• Dietary Flexibility Option: Swap dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk and use sharp dairy-free cheddar for a delicious lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Variation Ideas for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, swap cheddar for nutritional yeast and cashew cream, and add extra firm tofu for protein boost.
• Gluten-Free Green Comfort: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, keeping all other ingredients consistent with original recipe.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Soup: Add diced jalapeños, replace Dijon mustard with chipotle pepper, sprinkle in cumin, and top with cilantro and crispy tortilla strips.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace carrots with cauliflower, use heavy cream instead of milk, increase cheese quantity, and add extra butter for higher fat content.

Pairing Suggestions for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

• Pairing Power-Packed Companions
• Crisp Sourdough Bread: Break apart a crusty, tangy sourdough slice to complement the creamy soup's richness and provide delightful textural contrast.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the soup's creamy texture and enhance its cheesy depth.
• Bright Side Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with sharp vinaigrette to balance the soup's heaviness and add refreshing vegetable crunch.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits on top for extra protein and a savory flavor enhancement that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Advice for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and seal tightly. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining flavor quality.
• Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave 1-inch headspace for expansion, seal securely, and freeze up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
• Pour desired portion into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches steaming temperature, typically 2-3 minutes total.
• Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and restore creamy consistency.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup blends rich cheddar with tender broccoli florets, creating a silky smooth meal perfect for chilly evenings. Cheese lovers and veggie enthusiasts will savor each spoonful of this hearty, creamy classic that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquid Base:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Topping:

• Homemade croutons

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Introduce chopped onions, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until onions transform into a translucent, soft texture. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant essence.
2. Create a roux by dusting flour over the onion-garlic mixture. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to develop a golden hue and eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually stream in milk, whisking vigorously to prevent lump formation and ensure a smooth consistency.
3. Enhance the soup’s depth by adding vegetable broth, broccoli florets, diced carrots, and Dijon mustard. Elevate the temperature until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer. Maintain this heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing vegetables to tenderize and flavors to harmonize completely.
4. Infuse richness by gradually incorporating shredded cheddar cheese. Stir after each addition, ensuring complete melting and creating a luxuriously creamy texture. Taste and fine-tune seasoning, potentially adding a pinch of salt or pepper to amplify the overall flavor profile.
5. Present the soup in warm bowls, optionally garnishing with homemade croutons for a delightful textural contrast. While most delectable when served immediately, this soup maintains its appeal as a satisfying leftover meal.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by caramelizing onions slowly, which releases their natural sweetness and deepens the soup’s overall taste profile.
• Prevent cheese separation by removing the pot from heat before adding cheese and stirring gradually to create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Enhance nutrition by using sharp cheddar, which allows you to use less cheese while maintaining robust flavor and reducing overall calories.
• Adapt for dietary needs by substituting dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and using dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg