Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Your New Go-To Comfort Food
Fancy a hug in a bowl? Honestly, is there anything better than a bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup on a cold day? This recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, only tastier.
I’m talking seriously creamy broccoli cheddar soup , packed with flavour and surprisingly simple to make.
From Humble Beginnings to Your Dinner Table
This classic soup, enjoyed in homes and restaurants around the UK and beyond, is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening.
It's comforting, cheesy, and so easy to make. It's a great way to get your veggies in! This easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish.
It makes around 6 servings, so perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking.
Why You'll Be Obsessed
Besides being utterly delicious, this broccoli soup healthy choice provides a good dose of vitamins and fibre, thanks to the broccoli.
Serve it with a grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort combo or alongside a light salad. What makes this recipe special? It is easy to customize: spice it up, make it vegan, or add extra creaminess! You know? It's totally up to you! Here's another point, you know about the Quiznos Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
well, here we got a copy cat that can surprise you.
Ready to get started? Let's gather the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is pretty forgiving, but good ingredients make it amazing .
Honestly, you want the best cheesy broccoli soup possible, right? It's time to find out what ingredients are needed for your amazing Cheddar Soup Recipe .
Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour
- Butter: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Unsalted is best so you control the saltiness.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. That's about 1 cup ( 150g ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Don't skimp on the garlic, trust me!
- Broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ) vegetable (or chicken for extra richness).
- Broccoli: 4 cups (approx. 450g ) florets, chopped small. Look for bright green, firm broccoli. Nobody wants soggy broccoli in their Broccoli Soup Healthy recipe!
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ), plus more to taste.
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ), plus more to taste.
- Milk: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Whole milk is the dream, but 2% is fine.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) all-purpose. This helps thicken things up.
- Cheddar: 2 cups (approx. 225g ) sharp cheddar, shredded. Go for good quality cheddar! You can try to reproduce the Quiznos Broccoli Cheddar Soup by using the best cheddar that you can find.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Well, Spices!)
We have made this recipe and can confirm it is an easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe .
- Essential Spice Combo: Salt and pepper, obviously. But don't be afraid to experiment!
- Flavor Enhancers: Garlic is key. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice warmth.
- Substitutions: No garlic? Garlic powder works in a pinch. Try different cheeses! Gruyere is delicious.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!
Here's a list of what equipment is need to make a homemade broccoli cheese soup :
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is your main workhorse.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For chopping veggies like a pro.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Because precision matters (sort of).
- Whisk: For smooth sauces and cheese melting.
- Ladle: For serving up that golden goodness.
- Optional: Immersion Blender: For a super smooth Sharp Cheddar Broccoli Soup experience.
Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already! If you are after a Quick Broccoli Cheddar Soup , this equipment list will certainly get the job done fast and effectively.
Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Oh my gosh, you guys! Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience. This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl.
I'm talking seriously creamy, cheesy goodness. And honestly? It’s way easier to make than you think! Forget those watery, bland soups from the shops.
This easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe is the real deal, proper homemade broccoli cheese soup .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Before you even think about turning on the hob, let's get organized. It's all about mise en place , darling.
Chop 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup ) and mince 2 cloves of garlic . Cut up 4 cups (approx.
450g) of broccoli florets into smallish pieces. Grate 2 cups (approx. 225g) of that lovely sharp cheddar cheese . Having everything ready means smooth sailing!
step-by-step Process: Soup's On!
Right, let’s do this!
- Melt 2 tablespoons (30ml) of butter in a big pot over medium heat. Chuck in the onion and cook until it's softened about 5 minutes . Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 4 cups (950ml) of vegetable broth. Add the broccoli, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook until the broccoli is tender about 15 minutes . You want it soft enough to eat, but still with a little bite.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240ml) of milk and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of flour until it's smooth. Slowly pour this into the soup, whisking all the time. This stops lumps forming.
- Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until it's all melted and gorgeous. Make sure the soup doesn't boil at this stage, otherwise the cheese will go stringy.
- Taste, taste, taste! Add more salt and pepper if needed. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne for a little warmth. Serve hot, maybe with a sprinkle of extra cheese.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
Don't overcook the broccoli. Slightly al dente is the way to go. Melting the cheese on low heat is crucial to avoid stringiness.
Also, freshly shredded cheese melts better than the pre-shredded stuff. If you want to make it ahead, just stop before adding the cheese.
Then, when you're ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in the cheese. Now you know how to do Quick broccoli cheddar soup ! If you are looking for a Broccoli Soup Healthy , this is one of the better options.
Honestly, this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a winner. It’s quick, easy, and tastes amazing. Perfect for a chilly evening when you fancy something comforting! Trust me, you'll be making this again and again.
Recipe Notes: My Two Pence on This Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Right then, you've got the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe. Now, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to make it even better.
Honestly, sometimes the smallest tweaks make all the difference. So, grab a cuppa and let's have a chinwag, shall we?
Serving This Cheesy Broccoli Soup Like a Pro
Presentation matters, you know? Don't just chuck it in a bowl. Swirl a bit of cream on top. Chuck on a few extra sharp cheddar broccoli soup shreds.
A sprig of parsley adds a touch of posh.
Pair it with a classic grilled cheese. Perfect for dipping. Or some crusty bread, obvs. Fancy a side? A simple salad cuts through the richness beautifully.
The Quiznos Broccoli Cheddar Soup never looked this good!
Storing Your Liquid Gold - Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Leftovers? Lucky you! Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup keeps well. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll be grand for about 3-4 days .
Freezing? Not the best idea, tbh. The texture can get a bit weird. Reheating? Gently does it! Low heat, stirring often.
You don't want burnt bits.
Remixing Your Broccoli Soup Healthy
Want to jazz things up? Go for it! Loads of ways to tweak this Cheddar Soup Recipe .
- Vegan? No problem! Use vegan butter, plant based milk, and vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast adds cheesiness. Honestly, it's surprisingly good!
- Spice it up! A pinch of cayenne is fab.
- Seasonal Swap: Roasting your broccoli first gives a deeper flavour!
- Broth substitution is perfectly fine, you can add chicken stock for a richer taste.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty - Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup
Alright, the numbers! Each serving of this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is roughly 250 calories . You get about 15g of protein.
There are 16g of fat and 12g of carbs. This Broccoli Soup Healthy delivers a good dose of fibre. It's got calcium from the cheese.
Not bad for comfort food, eh?
Honestly, this soup is so versatile. It's perfect for a quick lunch. It's great for a cozy night in. Whip up a batch of Quick Broccoli Cheddar Soup and enjoy.
You've got this! You'll soon be making the most delectable Broccoli cheddar soup with milk or any other variation you can think of!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my Broccoli Cheddar Soup from being grainy or the cheese from clumping?
Ah, the dreaded cheese clump! The key is low and slow, like a proper Sunday roast. Keep the heat on low when you add the cheese and stir constantly until it's just melted. Don't let it boil, as that's a surefire way to end up with a grainy mess.
Freshly shredded cheese also melts more smoothly than the pre-shredded stuff from the supermarket.
Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian or even vegan?
Absolutely! It's easy to adapt. To keep it vegetarian, just ensure you're using a vegetable broth. For a vegan version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup, swap the butter for a plant based butter alternative, the milk for unsweetened oat or almond milk, and the cheddar cheese for a vegan cheddar alternative.
Nutritional yeast can add an extra cheesy flavour, too!
How long does Broccoli Cheddar Soup last, and what's the best way to store it?
This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Bear in mind that the texture might change slightly upon reheating. It's not generally recommended to freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup, as the dairy can separate and become grainy when thawed, but if you are desperate, make sure to cool completely before freezing.
What can I serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup to make a full meal?
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is fantastic on its own, but for a more substantial meal, think classic comfort pairings. A grilled cheese sandwich is always a winner! Crusty bread for dipping is a must, and a light side salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness nicely.
A simple baked potato would also work a treat.
Can I add anything else to the Broccoli Cheddar Soup for extra flavour or texture?
Certainly! For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Some crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top provide a salty, smoky contrast. If you are looking to make a broth variation then chicken broth provides a richer more dense flavour.
For a Broccoli substitution cauliflower can be used to change the texture and flavour of the Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
My soup is too thick or too thin! How can I adjust the consistency of my Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
No worries, easy fix! If it's too thick, simply add a bit more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, you can either simmer it for a bit longer to let it reduce naturally, or whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water (a slurry) and slowly whisk that into the soup.
Simmer for a minute or two until thickened.
Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
