Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The perfect cozy, creamy comfort food that combines the rich flavor of sharp cheddar with the wholesome goodness of vegetables. This recipe is inspired by the Broccoli-Cheddar Soup from the cookbook Every Season is Soup Season by Shelly Westerhausen Worcel, but with a few tweaks based on ingredients on hand. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, but lighter and a little more broth-based compared to the thick and creamy classic. Let’s break it down with more details for a perfect bowl of this delicious soup!
Ingredients Breakdown:
- 4 tbsp Butter
- The butter is the base for sautéing your aromatics, like the onions and garlic. It provides richness and helps create that velvety mouthfeel when combined with the half-and-half and cheese.
- 1 White Onion (Diced)
- Onion brings sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup. It’ll soften and caramelize as it cooks, adding that savory backbone to the base.
- 2 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
- Garlic adds that aromatic depth and complexity that perfectly complements the cheddar and vegetables. It brings a savory note to the broth and balances out the richness of the cheese.
- ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- A little bit of black pepper adds the perfect amount of heat to the soup. You can adjust this to taste, depending on how much heat you like.
- ¼ Cup All-Purpose Flour
- This helps thicken the soup slightly. As it’s cooked with the butter, it forms a roux, which helps create a creamy texture when the liquids are added.
- 4 Cups Broth
- Vegetable broth is a great choice for this soup, but chicken broth can also work. Broth adds a savory flavor and the liquid foundation for the soup, making it more balanced and less heavy than using cream alone.
- 1 lb Broccoli (Cut into Florets)
- The star of the show! The broccoli adds texture, color, and freshness to the soup. It’s packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. You can cook it until soft if you prefer a more tender texture or leave it a bit firmer for more bite.
- 4 Small Carrots (Peeled and Cut)
- Carrots bring natural sweetness, balancing the richness of the cheese. They also add a pop of color and additional nutrients like beta-carotene and fiber.
- 12 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
- The key ingredient! Sharp cheddar adds a tangy, bold flavor to the soup that cuts through the creaminess. It melts beautifully, making the soup wonderfully cheesy.
- 1 Cup Half-and-Half
- Half-and-half gives the soup a creamy richness without being as heavy as heavy cream. It balances the cheese’s richness and makes the soup creamy without overwhelming it.
- Pinch of Grated Nutmeg (Optional)
- Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to the soup. It’s not overpowering but enhances the creamy texture, giving it a cozy, slightly spiced undertone. Optional, but recommended!
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Season the soup to bring out the flavors. You may need more salt and pepper after adding the broth and cheese to bring everything together perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a Dutch oven or large stockpot, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 diced white onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent (about 5-7 minutes). The onion will start to sweeten as it cooks.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and whisk continuously.
- Allow the flour to cook for 2-3 minutes, until it becomes golden in color. This step ensures that the flour doesn’t taste raw and begins to thicken the soup as the liquids are added.
- Add the Broth and Vegetables:
- Slowly add 4 cups of broth (vegetable or chicken), whisking to combine and avoid clumps from the flour.
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 lb of broccoli florets and 4 small carrots, peeled and chopped.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli and carrots are cooked to your desired tenderness.
- Finish the Soup:
- Add the 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until it’s completely melted into the soup.
- Add 1 cup of half-and-half and stir until the soup is creamy and well-combined.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add a pinch of nutmeg (if using) and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- The soup is now ready! Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread, a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top, or even some crushed crackers for crunch. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy bowl of goodness!
Additional Tips & Tricks:
- Thickening the Soup:
If you prefer a thicker texture, you can either cook the soup longer, which will naturally reduce the broth and concentrate the flavors, or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup to a creamy consistency while leaving some chunks of broccoli and carrots for texture. - Make it Even More Cheesy:
You can always add more cheese to make the soup even cheesier. Try using extra sharp cheddar for an even bolder flavor, or experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles. - Store for Later:
This soup actually thickens significantly when stored in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prepping! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency. - Add-ins:
You can enhance the soup with other ingredients like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients:
- Broccoli: Full of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli supports a healthy immune system, aids digestion, and helps detoxify the body.
- Carrots: High in beta-carotene (vitamin A), carrots promote good vision, skin health, and immune function.
- Cheddar Cheese: While cheese adds richness and flavor, it also provides calcium for strong bones and teeth and protein for muscle repair.
- Half-and-Half: Offers the creamy texture you want, without being as heavy as full cream, and provides a calcium boost as well.
- Nutmeg: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, nutmeg also aids in digestion and can have a calming effect.
Final Thoughts:
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect balance of comfort food and healthful ingredients. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious vegetables—everything you want in a bowl of soup! Whether you’re craving something rich and hearty or looking to add more veggies to your diet, this soup ticks all the boxes. It’s also an excellent dish for meal prep, so you can enjoy leftovers for days!
Would you like to try adding any other ingredients or spices to customize this soup even further? Let me know! 😊