Best 3 The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipes

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Broccoli cheddar soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is creamy, cheesy, and packed with vegetables. This article provides three different recipes for broccoli cheddar soup, so you can find the one that best suits your taste and dietary needs.

The first recipe is a classic broccoli cheddar soup made with a roux, milk, and cheese. The second recipe is a lightened-up version made with Greek yogurt and low-fat cheese. The third recipe is a vegan broccoli cheddar soup made with cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk.

All three recipes are easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. You can add more or less cheese, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste. You can also serve the soup with a variety of toppings, such as croutons, bacon, or chopped fresh herbs.

No matter which recipe you choose, you are sure to enjoy this delicious and comforting soup. So grab a bowl and spoon and dig in!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BROCCOLI-CHEDDAR SOUP



Broccoli-Cheddar Soup image

You can't help but feel good eating broccoli and cheddar soup with its reassuringly familiar flavors and rich, indulgent texture. Happily, this recipe will leave you feeling good afterward too, energized and satisfied instead of overstuffed.

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     appetizer

Yield Serves 4 (serving size 1 1/2 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 large head broccoli, florets and tender part of stems, chopped (about 6 cups)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups low-fat (1%) milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups lightly packed shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (5 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and nutmeg and cook for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until the flour dissolves. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened, about 3 minutes. Add one cup of the cheese and cook, stirring, until melted, 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
  • Working with about 1 cup at a time, puree the broccoli mixture in a blender until it is mostly smooth but still has some chunks, and then transfer it to another pot. (Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender.) Stir the cheese mixture into the broccoli puree, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and cook over medium-low heat until warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes more. Serve garnished with the remaining cheese.
  • Excellent source of Calcium, Folate, Iodine, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K
  • Good source of Copper, Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Pantothenic Acid, Selenium, Niacin, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Zinc
  • BEFORE:
  • 700 CAL.
  • Sat. Fat 36g, Chol. 170mg
  • Fiber 3g, Sodium 1440mg
  • AFTER:
  • 320 CAL.
  • Sat. Fat 9g, Chol. 45mg
  • Fiber 4g, Sodium 660mg

ALMOST-FAMOUS BROCCOLI-CHEDDAR SOUP



Almost-Famous Broccoli-Cheddar Soup image

For creamy, cheesy comfort, try Food Network Kitchen's Almost-Famous Broccoli-Cheddar Soup, best served in big sourdough bread bowls.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 7 -inch sourdough bread boules (round loaves)
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head)
1 large carrot, diced
2 1/2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated sharp white and yellow cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden, 3 to 4 minutes, then gradually whisk in the half-and-half until smooth. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves and nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, until thickened, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the bread bowls: Using a sharp knife, cut a circle into the top of each loaf, leaving a 1-inch border all around. Remove the bread top, then hollow out the middle with a fork or your fingers, leaving a thick bread shell.
  • Add the broccoli and carrot to the broth mixture and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth; you'll still have flecks of carrot and broccoli. Return to the pot. (Or puree the soup in the pot with an immersion blender.)
  • Add the cheese to the soup and whisk over medium heat until melted. Add up to 3/4 cup water if the soup is too thick. Ladle into the bread bowls and garnish with cheese.

SANDY'S HOMEMADE BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR SOUP



Sandy's Homemade Broccoli and Cheddar Soup image

I found many recipes for broccoli Cheddar soup. I changed many of the ingredients in those recipes. This is the recipe I came up with. It's the best one yet. You don't need all the extra ingredients to make it. Just basic ingredients. and it's delicious. I think it tastes just like Panera®.

Provided by Sandy Lafleur

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons butter
¼ small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup half-and-half
1 ½ cups chicken broth
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups chopped broccoli
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 ¼ cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a stock pot over medium-high heat; add onion and saute until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in flour and continue to stir until mixture turns golden brown, about 5 minutes. Slowly add half-and-half to onion mixture, stirring until mixture is smooth. Add chicken broth; season with salt and ground black pepper.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer mixture until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add broccoli, carrot, and celery. Simmer until vegetables are tender yet crisp, about 20 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add Cheddar cheese to soup and cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese melts, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 344.7 calories, Carbohydrate 11.9 g, Cholesterol 84.6 mg, Fat 27.8 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 13.1 g, SaturatedFat 17.3 g, Sodium 822.7 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

Tips:

  • Utilize Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and high-quality chicken stock or broth. Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the soup's overall taste.
  • Don't Overcook the Broccoli: To maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, avoid overcooking the broccoli. Cook it just until tender, usually around 5-7 minutes.
  • Use Quality Cheese: The type of cheddar cheese you use significantly impacts the soup's flavor. Choose a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a bold, flavorful soup. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist, such as Gruyère or Gouda.
  • Season to Taste: While the recipe provides a starting point for seasonings, feel free to adjust them to your preference. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings as desired.
  • Garnish Generously: Before serving, garnish the soup with additional shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of olive oil. This adds both visual appeal and extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Broccoli cheddar soup is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its creamy, cheesy texture, vibrant green color, and hearty flavor, it's a perfect dish for a cold day or a cozy dinner. This recipe provides a detailed guide to making a delicious and satisfying broccoli cheddar soup from scratch. By following the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can create a soup that will warm your soul and impress your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get cooking!

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