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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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