Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender broccoli florets with rich, melted cheddar cheese. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and offers a delicious way to enjoy a serving of vegetables.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half
1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chopped broccoli florets
1⅓ cups (about 4 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Croutons, for topping (optional)

Directions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken broth, half-and-half, both types of potatoes, bay leaf, 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 10 minutes.
While the soup simmers, place the chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 3 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Cover and microwave until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Once the potatoes are tender, remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
Return the pureed soup to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir in the cooked broccoli and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with croutons, if desired.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving:

Calories: 328
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 66mg
Sodium: 1,114mg
Total Carbohydrates: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 14g
Vitamin C: 42mg
Calcium: 399mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 404mg

A Brief History of Broccoli Cheddar Soup

While many associate broccoli cheddar soup with modern comfort food, its origins trace back to traditional European soups that incorporated cheese and vegetables. The combination of cheese and broccoli is a perfect pairing because of the way the flavors complement each other. The broccoli adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy cheddar. The dish as we know it today became popular in the United States in the 1980s when restaurants like Panera Bread began offering it as a staple on their menu. Since then, it has been adopted in homes all over the world and is a favorite for families looking for a quick and delicious meal.

Why This Recipe is So Popular

There are many reasons why broccoli cheddar soup is so beloved. For one, it’s an incredibly satisfying and filling dish. The combination of broccoli, cheese, and cream creates a rich texture that sticks to your ribs and provides long-lasting satisfaction. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Although it might not seem like a vegetable-heavy dish at first glance, broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health. Additionally, the soup is easy to make, and the ingredients are simple, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is often touted as one of the healthiest vegetables, and for good reason. It is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to better health. Some of the top benefits of consuming broccoli include:

High in Fiber: Broccoli is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps support digestive health and can aid in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness.
Rich in Vitamin C: Broccoli is packed with vitamin C, which is crucial for immune system function, skin health, and collagen production.
Packed with Antioxidants: Broccoli contains powerful antioxidants like sulforaphane, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties.
Supports Bone Health: The vegetable is also high in vitamin K, which is vital for bone health and proper blood clotting.
Contains Folate: Folate is essential for cell growth and development, making it particularly important for pregnant women.

When combined with cheddar cheese, the nutritional profile of this soup becomes even more enhanced. Cheese provides a rich source of protein and calcium, which contributes to strong bones and teeth.

Cheddar Cheese: The Key Ingredient

Cheddar cheese is the star of this soup. Its sharp, tangy flavor melds beautifully with the creamy base, giving the soup its signature taste. Cheddar is also a versatile cheese, allowing it to be used in a variety of dishes. The choice of cheddar for this recipe is no accident. Its firmness and ability to melt seamlessly into soups and sauces makes it the ideal candidate for this creamy dish.

There are many varieties of cheddar cheese to choose from, ranging from mild to extra sharp. In this soup, sharp cheddar is typically used to provide a bold flavor that balances the richness of the cream and the earthiness of the broccoli. The sharpness of the cheese cuts through the richness, ensuring that the soup does not become too heavy or greasy. It also helps to create a smooth and velvety texture, which is crucial to achieving the ideal consistency.

Why This Soup is a Comfort Food

Comfort food is defined by the way it makes us feel—cozy, warm, and satisfied. Broccoli cheddar soup checks all the boxes for what makes a great comfort food. The combination of warm broth, melted cheese, and tender broccoli creates a soothing experience that provides comfort on a cold day. The creamy texture feels indulgent without being overly heavy, and the flavors are both familiar and heartwarming.

The act of enjoying a bowl of this soup brings a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of family meals and cozy gatherings. It’s the type of food that offers a moment of comfort in the midst of a busy, sometimes chaotic world. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served as part of a larger meal, this soup is sure to bring a sense of contentment.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about broccoli cheddar soup is how versatile it is. It can be served in a variety of settings, whether as a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a starter for a larger meal. Its mild flavor pairs well with almost any main course, and it can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it to your family at home or preparing it for a special gathering, this soup will always impress.

Additionally, the soup can be easily customized. You can add in other vegetables, such as carrots or cauliflower, to give the soup more variety. Some people even like to add a touch of garlic or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the soup a little extra kick. This adaptability makes it easy to adjust based on your personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Home

While many people enjoy purchasing ready-made broccoli cheddar soup from restaurants or grocery stores, making it from scratch is easy and rewarding. Homemade soup has the advantage of being made with fresh ingredients, giving it a much richer flavor than store-bought varieties. Additionally, you can control the ingredients, ensuring that your soup is free of preservatives, artificial flavors, or excess sodium.

Making this soup at home also allows you to experiment with different types of cheese or seasonings to create a unique twist on the classic recipe. Whether you prefer a creamier soup or one with more texture, homemade broccoli cheddar soup can be tailored to suit your tastes. If you want to make it even heartier, you can add proteins like shredded chicken or bacon, or even serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a timeless dish that has earned its place as a comfort food favorite. The creamy texture, rich flavor, and nutritional benefits of the broccoli make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a warm, hearty meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or served as part of a larger spread, this soup is sure to satisfy. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to be customized make it a go-to recipe for busy families and dinner parties alike.

Pin1

1 Shares