Broccoli & Cheddar Delight Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Unveil a comforting bowl of Broccoli & Cheddar Delight Soup, perfect for chilly days when you crave something hearty yet wholesome. This recipe combines the earthy goodness of broccoli with the creamy richness of cheddar, creating a soup that warms both body and soul.

Ingredients for Broccoli & Cheddar Delight Soup

Butter is the base for sautéing, lending a rich flavor to the onions and garlic. Onion adds depth and sweetness, while garlic infuses the soup with aromatic warmth. Broccoli is the star, providing a nutritious punch and vibrant color. Chicken broth serves as the flavorful liquid base. Half-and-half contributes to the creamy texture, while cheddar cheese offers a tangy, cheesy finish. A dash of salt, black pepper, and nutmeg enhances and balances the flavors. Finally, a touch of cornstarch mixed with cold water thickens the soup slightly.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
  • If you don't have an immersion blender, a regular blender works fine; just blend in batches carefully.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a little more salt or pepper can make a big difference.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it in a bread bowl for a fun and hearty presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just adjust the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Broccoli & Cheddar Delight Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's melted, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around until the onions turn translucent, which should take about five minutes.

Add the broccoli florets and chicken broth to the pot. Give it a good stir, then bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Now, grab your immersion blender and carefully blend the soup right in the pot until it's smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, cornstarch, and cold water until smooth, then pour this mixture into the pot.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is heated through. Serve the soup hot, and for an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some additional cheddar on top if you like.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • A great way to enjoy a serving of veggies in a delicious form.
  • The richness of cheddar adds a comforting touch.

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups broccoli florets
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in broccoli and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
6. Whisk together half-and-half, cornstarch, and water in a bowl until smooth, then add to the pot.
7. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
8. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra cheddar if desired.

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