Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Comfort Food at Its Best

Warm up your taste buds with a bowl of creamy, rich, and satisfying homemade broccoli cheddar soup. This classic comfort food is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. In this article, we'll guide you through an easy-to-follow recipe that will have you making this comforting soup in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to savor the goodness of broccoli and cheddar in every spoonful.

 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

Preparing the Vegetables:

1. Start by washing and chopping the broccoli into small florets. You can also use the stems; just peel and chop them into small pieces.
2. Dice the onions, carrots, and celery.

Sautéing the Vegetables:

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Sauté the diced onions, carrots, and celery until they become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Creating the Roux:

1. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux turns a light golden color.

Simmering the Soup:

1. Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to the roux, ensuring no lumps form.
2. Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Blending the Soup:

1. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup to your desired level of creaminess. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches, but be cautious, as hot liquid can expand when blended.

Adding Cheese and Cream:

1. Return the blended soup to the pot if you used a blender.
2. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it's fully melted and the soup is creamy.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.

Seasoning and Serving:

1. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Ladle the broccoli cheddar soup into bowls, garnish with extra shredded cheese if desired, and serve hot.

Enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade broccoli cheddar soup, a perfect meal for those chilly days. Its creamy texture and delightful combination of broccoli and cheddar cheese will make this soup a family favorite. Share it with your loved ones and savor the taste of homemade comfort food.