Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
This broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it's easy to make and can be ready in under an hour. The key to a great broccoli cheddar soup is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Start with a good quality vegetable broth and fresh broccoli. The cheddar cheese should be sharp and flavorful. I like to use a combination of white and yellow cheddar for a richer flavor. Once you've gathered your ingredients, the soup is easy to make. Simply sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot, then add the vegetable broth, broccoli, cheddar cheese, flour, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender. Remove the soup from heat and let cool slightly, then puree the soup in a blender until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and heat through. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
Broccoli cheddar soup is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. The earliest known recipe for broccoli cheddar soup dates back to the 18th century, and it has been a popular dish ever since. There are many different ways to make broccoli cheddar soup, but the basic ingredients are always the same: broccoli, cheddar cheese, milk, and butter. Some recipes also call for onion, garlic, and celery. I like to add a little bit of flour to my soup to thicken it up, but this is optional. Broccoli cheddar soup is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It's also a great way to use up leftover broccoli. If you're looking for a delicious and comforting soup to warm you up on a cold winter night, broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect choice.
Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in the vegetable broth, broccoli, cheddar cheese, flour, and black pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  7. Puree the soup in a blender until smooth.
  8. Return the soup to the pot and heat through.
Why It Works
  • The combination of broccoli and cheddar cheese is a classic for a reason. The broccoli adds a fresh, slightly bitter flavor to the soup, while the cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor.
  • Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential for making a great broccoli cheddar soup. The vegetable broth, broccoli, and cheddar cheese should all be as fresh as possible.
  • Sautéing the onion and garlic in butter before adding the other ingredients helps to develop their flavor and add depth to the soup.
  • Using a combination of white and yellow cheddar cheese gives the soup a richer flavor.
  • Pureeing the soup in a blender makes it smooth and creamy.
  • Garnishing the soup with additional cheddar cheese and fresh parsley adds a touch of elegance and flavor.