Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Velvety, cheesy, and filled with the goodness of fresh broccoli, this soup is a bowl of pure coziness. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a soul-warming dish, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a hearty classic that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Chopped chives or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

1. Make the Roux:

• Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown.

1. Add Broth and Milk:

• Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and milk. Ensure there are no lumps.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens.

1. Cook Broccoli:

• Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Simmer until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.

1. Blend or Leave Chunky:

• At this point, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture, or leave it chunky for a heartier feel.

1. Add Cheese:

• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted into the soup. This adds a rich, cheesy flavor.

1. Season to Perfection:

• Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired.

Tips:

• For added texture, reserve a handful of broccoli florets before blending and add them back into the soup.
• Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique flavor profile.
• Freeze individual portions for convenient reheating on busy days.

Conclusion:
Embrace the soothing warmth of this homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’s brimming with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Whether you savor it as a starter or make it the main attraction, this creamy and cheesy creation is a comforting delight that transforms ordinary evenings into cozy moments of culinary bliss. Enjoy the rich taste of homemade goodness in every spoonful.