Hey there, lovely readers! It’s that time of the year again when all we want to do is cozy up in our blankets with a steaming bowl of soup. That’s right, winter is here, and what better way to warm yourself up than with a delicious bowl of broccoli cheddar soup? This classic soup is the perfect comfort food that will transport you back to your childhood days in no time.
Not only is this soup absolutely delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. All you need are some basic ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen, and you can have a bowl of this goodness ready in no time. It’s warm, comforting, and loaded with flavors that’ll leave you craving for more. So, get ready to whip up a batch of this delicious soup and warm yourself up this winter!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Broccoli cheddar soup is a classic dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or when you just want something warm and comforting. This soup features the delicious combination of broccoli and cheddar cheese, creating a rich and flavorful soup that’s sure to satisfy. Here’s a detailed recipe for making broccoli cheddar soup from scratch.
Ingredients
To make broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 5 cups of broccoli florets (about 2-3 heads of broccoli)
- 1/2 cup of diced onions
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 cups of freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of black pepper
Instructions
1. Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and butter, and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the flour to the pot and stir until well combined. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light brown in color.
3. Slowly add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Once the broccoli is tender, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth.
6. Pour the pureed mixture back into the pot and add the milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper.
7. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the soup is heated through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
This recipe should make about 6 servings of broccoli cheddar soup. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Variations
If you’re looking to add more flavor to your broccoli cheddar soup, there are a few variations you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Add cooked bacon pieces to the soup for a smoky flavor.
- Sprinkle chili flakes over the soup for a spicy kick.
- Top the soup with croutons or toasted bread for added texture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gouda or smoked cheddar, to mix things up.
Regardless of how you choose to prepare it, broccoli cheddar soup is always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s such a beloved dish.
Health Benefits of Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli and cheddar soup is not only comforting and delicious, but it also offers a range of health benefits. This article will discuss some of the ways that this soup can improve your health and wellbeing.
Loaded with Nutrients
Broccoli and cheddar soup, as the name suggests, contains both broccoli and cheddar cheese. Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as folate, potassium, and fiber. Cheddar cheese also provides some key nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Together, these ingredients create a nutrient-dense soup that can help support your overall health. Vitamins and minerals are essential for a wide range of bodily processes, from maintaining strong bones to supporting a healthy immune system. And, as an added bonus, the antioxidants found in broccoli can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Reduced Cancer Risk
Broccoli contains compounds called sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. In particular, these compounds may help prevent certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancers.
One study found that people who regularly ate cruciferous vegetables like broccoli had a lower risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who didn’t eat these vegetables. Another study suggested that consuming sulforaphane in broccoli could help improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy for some types of cancer.
Improves Digestion
The soup contains fiber from the broccoli, which can help improve digestive health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements and prevents constipation, which is a common digestive complaint.
Fiber also helps feed the good bacteria in your gut, which can help support a healthy balance of gut flora. A healthy gut microbiome has been linked to a range of health benefits, including a stronger immune system, better mental health, and even a reduced risk of chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
In addition to fiber, the soup contains fluids, which can help prevent dehydration and ensure that your digestive system functions properly. Dehydration can lead to constipation and other digestive problems, so it’s important to stay well-hydrated.
Conclusion
Broccoli and cheddar soup is a tasty and nutritious choice that can offer a range of health benefits. From its vitamin- and mineral-rich ingredients to its cancer-fighting compounds and digestive benefits, this soup is a great way to support your health and wellbeing. So the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of soup, consider making this tasty and nutritious recipe.
Tips to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Perfectly Every Time
Making a perfect bowl of broccoli cheddar soup can be challenging, but with some tips and tricks, you can get it right every time. In this section, we’ll look at three essential tips that can help elevate your soup to that next level.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
Broccoli is the star of broccoli cheddar soup. It adds texture, flavor, and nutrients to the dish. However, overcooking the broccoli can lead to an unpleasant mushy texture and an unappetizing green color. So it’s essential to time it right.
The best way to cook broccoli is by steaming it for a few minutes until it becomes tender but still has a crunch. You can do this by either using a steamer basket or microwaving it in a microwave-safe container with a little bit of water.
Once the broccoli has steamed, immediately put it in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent it from overcooking.
Use High-Quality Cheese
The cheese used in broccoli cheddar soup is what makes it creamy, rich, and delicious. So it’s essential to use high-quality cheese to ensure your soup tastes incredible every time.
You can use any cheddar cheese for this recipe, but the best ones are sharp and aged. These cheeses have a more robust flavor, which can stand up to the other flavors in the soup. White cheddar cheese is an excellent option for this recipe because it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan to add depth and complexity to your soup. Whatever cheese you decide to use, make sure to grate it yourself, as pre-grated cheese can contain additives that can affect flavor and texture.
Seasoning the Soup
Seasoning is the key to making a delicious bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. The right combination of spices can take your soup from good to great.
The essential spices for this soup are salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add some herbs like thyme or oregano to add some depth to the flavor. Be sure to season your soup gradually, tasting as you go, and adjusting to your preferences.
If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, try adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika to the pot.
In conclusion, following these tips will help you make a perfect bowl of broccoli cheddar soup every time. Remember not to overcook your broccoli, use high-quality cheese, and season your soup gradually to your taste. With a little bit of practice, your soup will be the talk of the town.
Stay Warm and Cozy with This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Thank you for stopping by and reading our article on how to warm up this winter with a delicious broccoli cheddar soup recipe. We hope you found it helpful and inspiring to try out in your own kitchen. There’s nothing better than a comforting bowl of soup on a cold winter day, and this recipe is exactly what you need to keep warm and cozy.
We encourage you to come back and read more of our articles in the future. We publish recipes, cooking tips, and food-related news regularly, so make sure to bookmark our page and stay tuned for more delicious content. We also welcome your comments and feedback, so feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
FAQ
1. Is broccoli cheddar soup healthy?
Broccoli cheddar soup can be healthy depending on the ingredients you use. This recipe includes fresh broccoli and low-fat milk, making it a healthier option than some other creamy soups.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but we recommend thawing it before adding it to the soup.
3. Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other kinds of cheese, such as Gouda or Swiss, for different flavor profiles.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
5. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
6. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can make this soup vegan by substituting the milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
7. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, or potatoes to this soup to make it heartier and more nutritious.
8. Can I use a blender to puree the soup?
Yes, you can use a blender to puree the soup, but be careful as it will be hot. You can also use an immersion blender for a smoother and more even consistency.
9. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
10. What can I serve with broccoli cheddar soup?
You can serve this soup with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a complete meal.