There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of warm, cheesy soup. Broccoli Cheddar Soup has been one of my go to recipes for when I crave something hearty yet simple to make. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, not to mention how the cheddar perfectly complements the broccoli. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or just treating yourself, this soup never disappoints.
Method
Sauteing the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling lightly, add the chopped celery and onion. Sauté the vegetables gently, stirring frequently to ensure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. You’ll want to cook them until they are soft and fragrant, which usually takes around 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it develops the base flavor for your soup.
Adding the Broth and Broccoli
Once the celery and onion are nicely softened, pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine the broth with the sautéed vegetables. Next, add the chopped broccoli, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the broccoli to cook until it becomes tender. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Keep the heat on medium to ensure even cooking without boiling too vigorously.
Incorporating the Cream
After the broccoli has softened, add the cream to the pot. Stir well to mix it with the broth and vegetables. Slowly bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Be cautious during this step, as boiling cream too rapidly can cause it to curdle. Once it begins to bubble, immediately remove the pot from the heat.
Blending the Soup
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Be cautious while blending hot liquids to avoid splattering. You may choose to leave a few chunks of broccoli for texture or blend it completely smooth, depending on your preference.
Thickening with Cornstarch
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Gradually pour this slurry into the soup while stirring constantly. The cornstarch will help thicken the soup to a creamy consistency. Make sure the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Adding the Cheese
Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the hot soup. Stir gently but consistently until the cheese has completely melted and incorporated into the soup. Avoid vigorous stirring as it may cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
Serving
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a little extra cheddar cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Necessary Tools
- Large pot
- Immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesIngredients
3 cups broccoli, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
2 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Directions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, broccoli, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook until the broccoli is tender, around 5 minutes.
- Add the cream to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
- Serve hot, topped with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
- Be cautious when blending hot liquids; they can splatter. Let the soup cool slightly before using the immersion blender.
- Stir the cheese in gently to prevent it from becoming grainy or clumpy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Garnish with a drizzle of cream and a few broccoli florets for a classy touch.
- Pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know? Cheddar cheese originated from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It’s now one of the most popular cheeses worldwide!
Conclusion
There you have it, a creamy, cheesy bowl of comfort that’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re in need of a little pick me up. This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is as delightful to make as it is to eat, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.
