Description
🥦 Warm up with this creamy and cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, packed with nutrients to keep you healthy and satisfied! 🧀
🫕 Perfect comfort food for any day—rich in flavor and so simple to make, it’s a must-try for soup lovers! 🌟
Ingredients
Broccoli (1.5 to 4 heads, cut into florets and stems)
Vegetable oil or butter (2 tablespoons to 1/2 cup)
Onion (whole or half medium, diced)
Garlic (3 cloves, finely chopped)
Carrot (optional, 1 large, julienned or finely chopped)
Flour (1/3 to 1/4 cup)
Whole milk (4 cups)
Half-and-half (2 cups)
Chicken or vegetable broth (2 cups)
Cheddar cheese (3 to 8 ounces, grated)
Nutmeg (a pinch to 1/4 teaspoon)
Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Potato (optional, as a natural thickening agent)
Instructions
1. Start by heating your choice of vegetable oil or butter over medium heat in a large pot.
2. Add diced onion and chopped garlic, sautéing them until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the flour, cooking it with the onions and garlic until a paste forms. Cook for a minute or two to remove any raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking steadily to prevent lumps.
5. Add chicken or vegetable broth while continuing to whisk, forming a creamy base for the soup.
6. Add the broccoli (florets and stems) and optional carrot to the pot, letting the soup simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
7. Blend the soup to your desired consistency, using an immersion blender directly in the pot or transferring it in batches to a regular blender.
8. On low heat, gradually incorporate grated cheese in small portions, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
9. Add a pinch of nutmeg and Dijon mustard, stirring well to combine.
10. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve immediately, garnished with your choice of toppings such as croutons, extra cheese, or freshly ground black pepper, alongside crusty bread.
Notes
1. Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for a smoother, creamier consistency in your Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
2. Add a pinch of nutmeg or Dijon mustard for added depth and flavor complexity.
3. Blend the soup to your preferred texture, whether chunky, semi-smooth, or completely pureed.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American