Who doesn’t love a bowl of creamy, warm soup on a cold day? Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one of those classic, comforting meals that can be enjoyed any time of year. This delicious and easy-to-make recipe combines the rich, cheesy goodness of cheddar with the nutritional benefits of broccoli, making it a healthy high-protein meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible creamy broccoli cheddar soup right in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This soup is a game-changer for anyone looking for a comforting, healthy meal. Here’s why:
- Comforting and creamy: It’s the perfect balance of velvety cheese and tender broccoli, ideal for cold weather or when you need something cozy.
- High in protein and nutrients: Thanks to the combination of cheese and broccoli, this soup packs a good amount of protein and essential vitamins like C, A, and K.
- Easy to make at home: With simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, this soup can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for easy soup recipes or healthy soup recipes, this one fits the bill perfectly!
Ingredients Needed for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To create this delicious soup, gather these ingredients:
- Broccoli: 4 cups, chopped into bite-sized florets
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, sharp cheddar for a rich, bold flavor
- Carrots: 1 cup, grated or thinly sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (for thickening the soup)
- Milk: 2 cups (use low-fat or full-fat based on preference)
- Vegetable Broth: 2 cups (chicken broth can also be used)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Nutmeg: A pinch (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before starting, ensure you have these kitchen tools on hand:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Chopping board and knife
- Cheese grater
- Blender (optional, for a smoother soup texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1. Preparing the Vegetables
- Wash and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
- Peel and grate the carrots or slice them thinly.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Cooking the Base for the Soup
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. Let it cook for 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
3. Adding Broth, Milk, and Vegetables
- Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Add the milk next and continue whisking.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the broccoli and carrots. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stirring in the Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has fully melted, creating a creamy, velvety soup.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor.
5. Simmering and Blending
- If you prefer a chunky soup, leave it as is. For a smoother texture, use a hand blender to puree the soup partially.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Cheese Soup
- Use fresh, sharp cheddar cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be waxy and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Overcooking can make the broccoli mushy and dull its vibrant color.
- Control the thickness: For a thinner soup, add extra broth. For a thicker consistency, increase the flour slightly.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup Healthier
Want to enjoy this soup guilt-free? Here are some healthy swaps:
- Use low-fat milk or almond milk to reduce calories.
- Replace some of the cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast for a lower-fat, protein-packed option.
- Add a cup of shredded chicken for a high-protein boost.
Easy Soup Recipes: Variations of Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup: Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and nutritional yeast.
- Low-Carb Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Skip the flour and use heavy cream instead.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Chicken: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein.
Why This Soup is a Healthy High Protein Meal
Broccoli cheddar soup is rich in both protein and fiber. With broccoli providing antioxidants and cheese delivering protein and calcium, this soup supports muscle growth, bone health, and immunity.
Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Crusty whole-grain bread
- A side salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic butter breadsticks
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Soup
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling.
Can You Freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes, but freezing can slightly alter the texture. To freeze:
- Allow the soup to cool completely.
- Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Breakdown of Broccoli Cheddar Soup
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 |
| Protein | 10-12g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli cooks faster.
2. What cheese works best for this soup?
Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but mild cheddar, gouda, or even Swiss can be used.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients (except the cheese), cook for 4-5 hours on low, then stir in the cheese.
5. How can I add more protein?
Add shredded chicken, tofu, or use high-protein milk alternatives.
Conclusion
Creamy broccoli cheddar soup is a timeless comfort food that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and full of nutrition. Whether you’re craving something cozy for dinner or need a high-protein meal to power your day, this soup checks all the boxes. Serve it with warm bread or a fresh salad, and enjoy every bite of this hearty, flavorful dish.
