Broccoli and Aged Cheddar Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Broccoli and Aged Cheddar Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it's the perfect way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. With a touch of nutmeg and a whole lot of cheesy goodness, it's a cozy meal you won't want to miss.

Ingredients for Broccoli and Aged Cheddar Soup

Butter: Provides a rich base and helps sauté the onion and garlic, adding depth of flavor. Onion: Adds sweetness and a savory backbone to the soup. Garlic: Offers a fragrant intensity that complements the other ingredients. All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup, giving it a hearty, satisfying texture. Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid foundation for the soup. Broccoli: The star of the show, it provides freshness and a lovely green color. Aged cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup, delivering a bold, cheesy taste. Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness, making the soup decadent. Salt, pepper, and nutmeg: Enhance and balance the flavors perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture, leaving some broccoli pieces whole.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can be coated with anti-caking agents that affect melting.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Blend the soup in batches if using a countertop blender to prevent overfilling.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or a side of garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A sprinkle of extra cheese or a dash of hot sauce can add even more excitement to your bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but fresh broccoli will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw it first and reduce the cooking time slightly.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this soup?
The soup can be frozen, but the texture might change slightly. Freeze it before adding the cream, then add it fresh when reheating.

Broccoli and Aged Cheddar Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. This will be your flavor base, so let it coat the bottom nicely. Next, toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté them until they're softened, which should take about five minutes. You'll know they're ready when your kitchen smells amazing.

Now, sprinkle in the flour and cook it for just a minute. This step helps to thicken your soup later on. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking as you go to avoid any lumps. You want a smooth mixture before moving on.

Add the broccoli florets and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about ten minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it's smooth. If you don't have one, a countertop blender works too — just be careful with the hot liquid.

Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cheddar cheese until it's completely melted. This is where the magic happens, transforming everything into a luscious, cheesy delight. Pour in the heavy cream and add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Heat the soup through, but be sure not to let it boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve it up warm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Aged cheddar adds a deep, rich flavor that transforms this soup into something special.
  • Blending the soup creates a silky, smooth texture.
  • Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, enhancing the overall taste.
  • It's a great way to get more veggies into your diet while indulging in comfort food.

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups aged cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Add the broccoli, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a countertop blender.
7. Return the soup to the pot; stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
8. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Heat through without boiling.
9. Adjust seasoning as desired and serve warm.

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