Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a classic comfort food, enjoyed by people of all ages. This creamy and cheesy soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This article provides three delicious recipes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup, each with its own unique twist. The first recipe is a classic version of the soup, made with fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and a creamy base. The second recipe adds a bit of heat with the addition of cayenne pepper and chipotle peppers. The third recipe is a vegetarian version of the soup, made with roasted butternut squash and a creamy cashew base. All three recipes are easy to follow and can be made in under an hour. So whether you're looking for a classic comfort food or a healthier vegetarian option, this article has the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe for you.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP
This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is so satisfying! It's loaded with fresh broccoli, and creamy thanks to a potato and cheddar cheese (no cream, no flour!). Recipe yields about 10 cups (quite a bit) and is easily halved.
Provided by Cookie and Kate
Categories Soup
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and about 10 twists of black pepper.
- Stir to combine, then cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and are just starting to turn golden, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, slice off and discard the rough bottom ends of broccoli stalks. Use a vegetable peeler to peel off the tough outer skin on the stalks, then discard those bits. Slice the stalks off and cut them into pieces about 1 to 2-inches big. Set aside.
- Working with the broccoli tops now, cut as closely to the base of the florets as you can. Slice any remaining stalks into chunks to match to the rest. Reserve the broccoli florets-we'll use them in a bit.
- Add the chunks of broccoli stalk and potato to the pot and stir. Pour in 6 cups water and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot.
- Simmer until the broccoli stalks and potatoes are tender throughout and easily split apart when pierced with a fork, about 20-25 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the reserved florets into small pieces (I chop them all in one direction, then turn the cutting board and chop again).
- Once the potato and stalks are tender, add half of the florets to pot, stir, cover, and cook until they're bright green, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Working in a couple of batches (never fill your blender past the maximum fill line or it could explode!), carefully transfer several cups of the mixture-both the liquid and solids-to your stand blender. Blend until completely smooth, then transfer the mixture to a heat-proof vessel temporarily as you blend the rest. Alternatively, use an immersion blender (it just won't be as lusciously creamy). Return the purée to the pot.
- Return the pot to medium heat and add the remaining florets. Cover the pot and cook until they're bright green and easily pierced through by a fork, another 4 to 7 minutes. Add almost all 4 ounces of the grated cheddar cheese (reserve a small handful for garnish) and stir until smooth. Carefully taste (it's hot) and stir in more cheese if you'd like more indulgent flavor/creamy texture, more salt for more overall flavor, and/or more black pepper for kick.
- Divide the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of cheese, plus some thinly sliced chives and/or red pepper flakes, if desired. Leftover soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (though the color darkens a bit with time). I haven't tried freezing this soup but suspect it will work fine-please let us know in the comments if you do.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 bowl of soup from batch made with 4 ounces cheddar, Calories 243 calories, Sugar 4.6 g, Sodium 620.6 mg, Fat 12.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, TransFat 0.2 g, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 10.5 g, Cholesterol 34 mg
20 MINUTE BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, cook butter, onion and carrots over medium heat until onion softens (about 3 minutes). Add broccoli, chicken broth, and seasonings. Simmer until broccoli is softened, about 8 minutes.
- Remove 1 cup of vegetables, coarsely chop and set aside. Using an immersion blender, blend remaining vegetables and broth.
- Place flour in a small bowl. Add in cream a little at a time stirring until smooth. Bring blended vegetable mixture to a boil and whisk in cream mixture. Continue whisking until thick and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheeses & reserved chopped vegetables and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 333 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 28 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, Cholesterol 94 mg, Sodium 560 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
COPYCAT PANERA® BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP
My husband loves Panera® broccoli cheddar soup but it went up in price and therefore we set out on a hunt to create the perfect broccoli cheddar soup. Here is what we came up with. There are tons of variations and options to make this soup your own. You can add extra veggies, different cheeses, garlic to your onions, a little nutmeg to the finished soup, green onions, sour cream, etc. The list goes on and on. Make it your own! Serve topped with cheese!
Provided by gildawen
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes Broccoli Soup Recipes
Time 1h5m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion in hot butter until translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Whisk 1/4 cup melted butter and flour together in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue to whisk and cook , adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if necessary to keep the flour from burning, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Gradually pour milk into flour mixture while whisking constantly. Stir chicken stock into milk mixture. Bring to a simmer; cook until mixture is thickened, about 20 minutes. Add broccoli, carrots, sauteed onion, and celery; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir Cheddar cheese into vegetable mixture until cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 304.4 calories, Carbohydrate 10.7 g, Cholesterol 70.5 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 14.3 g, SaturatedFat 14.4 g, Sodium 624 mg, Sugar 5 g
BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP
This is a great, very flavorful soup. Good for serving at luncheons or special gatherings with a quiche. To make this soup a little fancier, add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 1 cup white wine with the onions.
Provided by Karin Christian
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes Broccoli Soup Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter until softened. Stir in broccoli, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat, and stir in cheese cubes until melted. Mix in milk and garlic powder.
- In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into water until dissolved. Stir into soup; cook, stirring frequently, until thick.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 264.7 calories, Carbohydrate 15.1 g, Cholesterol 56.5 mg, Fat 18.2 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 10.9 g, Sodium 1136.4 mg, Sugar 6.3 g
Tips:
- Choose the right broccoli: Look for broccoli with tight, dark green florets and sturdy stalks. Avoid broccoli with yellow or wilted florets.
- Prepare the broccoli properly: Cut the broccoli into small florets and wash them thoroughly. You can also peel the stalks if desired.
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of your soup. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda.
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Broccoli should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight crunch. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and lose its flavor.
- Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Serve immediately: Broccoli cheese soup is best served hot and fresh. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Broccoli cheese soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make a broccoli cheese soup that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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