broccoli cheddar soup

Directions for Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well, cooking for about 2 minutes until the flour is golden and the raw taste is cooked out.
3. Add the Liquid: Gradually whisk in the milk and broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the chopped broccoli and carrots. Let the soup simmer for about 15–20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
5. Blend for Smoothness (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or carefully transfer some to a blender. This step is optional based on your texture preference.
6. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra cheddar or chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.

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Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For a creamier texture, shred your cheddar fresh from the block.

2. Customize the Texture

If you like a chunkier soup, skip the blending step. For a silkier finish, blend the soup partially or fully, depending on your preference.

3. Choose Quality Broccoli

Fresh broccoli provides a better flavor, but frozen broccoli works as well if that’s what you have on hand. Just add it straight to the pot without thawing first.

4. Add Cheese Gradually

When adding the cheese, reduce the heat to avoid curdling. Adding it gradually and stirring constantly helps it melt smoothly into the soup.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk) and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute some of the flour with a thickener like xanthan gum or a cauliflower base.
• Extra Veggies: Add chopped celery or cauliflower for more flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar is classic, you could try a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for a more complex taste.

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