Cooking Time: 30 Minutes
Serves: 4
Total Time: 30 Minutes
## Introduction
In periods of cold or when you’re simply looking for a comforting meal, nothing works better than a hearty bowl of creamy cheddar broccoli soup. This recipe combines the health benefits of broccoli with the richness of cheddar cheese to serve you with a bowlful of goodness.
## Why Make This Recipe
This Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup serves as the perfect comfort food for a chilly day or a cozy night in. The recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also packed full of nutrition. It’s a wonderful meal that brings warmth and delight to your taste buds.
## How to Make Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup
The process to make Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup is simple. It’s a one-pot meal and requires minimal preparation.
## Ingredients
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
## Directions
1. Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Now add chopped onion and garlic, sauté them until they turn translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. Now, stir in the flour and cook this for one minute to form a paste. Gradually, whisk in the broth and milk to ensure no lumps form.
3. Add chopped broccoli florets, bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the broccoli turns soft.
4. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to reach your desired soup consistency. If you prefer chunky soup, you can just leave it as it is.
5. Lastly, stir in the cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and mixed. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg if desired.
6. The soup is ready to serve and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread.
## How to Serve Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Serve this hot, Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup with a slice of your favorite crusty bread. You can also top it with more cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, or fresh herbs, if you like.
## How to Store Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup
You can store any leftovers of the Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, just heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
## Tips to Make Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup
For added richness, you can use heavy cream instead of milk. Also, ensure that your broccoli is fresh and vibrant to ensure the soup has bright color and optimal flavor.
## Variations
To switch things up, you might consider adding chopped carrots or cauliflower to the mix, or even substitipping the cheddar cheese with blue cheese or gruyère for a different flavor profile.
## FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?
– Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It is equally nutritious and works fine for this recipe.
2. Can I make this soup vegan?
– Yes, to make it vegan, use olive oil instead of butter, plant-based milk, vegetable broth, and a vegan cheese substitute.
3. Can I add extra vegetables to this soup?
– Yes, you can safely add any other vegetables of choice. For instance, you can add carrots, cauliflower, or peas. Try to stick to vegetables that blend well with the creamy texture.