Broccoli cheddar soup is a popular and delicious creamy soup made with broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, and various other ingredients. It’s a comforting and hearty soup that’s often served as an appetizer or a main course. Here’s a basic recipe for making broccoli cheddar soup:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the roux turns a light golden color.
- Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while continuing to stir. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blend, and then return it to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the broccoli cheddar soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Feel free to customize your broccoli cheddar soup by adding crumbled bacon, diced ham, or other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for added flavor and texture. It’s a comforting and versatile soup that’s perfect for cold weather or anytime you’re craving a creamy, cheesy dish. Enjoy!
