Broccoli Cheddar Soup 🧀
An all year round favorite soups you can't go wrong with.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup onion, finely diced
3 medium carrots, sliced
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
4 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
1 tsp garlic powder
Sea salt to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp thyme
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp dijon mustard
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
2/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
2 cups cooked bacon
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Paprika (optional)
1. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave a small amount of bacon grease in the pot for flavor.
2. Add onion and carrots and saute until onions soften.
3. Add broth, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil then add broccoli and reduce to a simmer, partially cover, and cook until broccoli is softened.
4. Remove 2 cups of vegetables with a strainer and set aside. Blend remaining soup in the pot with an immersion blender or puree in batches in a blender.
5. In a separate small bowl, whipping cream with flour and whisk vigorously until smooth and no longer lumpy then blend in dijon. The mixture will be thick like frosting. Bring the blended soup back to a boil and whisk in the cream/flour mixture, whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth and thickened.
6. Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the cheeses, cooked bacon, then stir in the reserved cooked vegetables. Ganish with more cheddar and cooked bacon if desired.
Serve either in bowl or bread & enjoy!!
Broccoli cheddar soup is a beloved classic that offers both nutrition and rich flavor, making it a popular choice for a hearty meal any time of the year. Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamins C, K, and fiber, forms the soup's nutritious base. Combined with sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses, the soup gains a creamy texture and a depth of savory taste. The addition of cooked bacon adds a smoky, crispy element that contrasts well with the softness of the blended vegetables. When preparing broccoli cheddar soup, incorporating aromatic herbs like thyme and spices such as garlic powder and black pepper helps enhance the overall flavor complexity without overpowering the natural taste of the broccoli. Using a mixture of chicken or vegetable broth provides a savory foundation, while the heavy whipping cream and flour mixture creates that classic velvety, thick consistency expected in this soup. Blending part of the soup while leaving some broccoli and carrots unblended lends the soup a pleasant textural contrast, offering bites of tender vegetables within the creamy base. Dijon mustard is a subtle but effective ingredient that adds a slight tang and balances the richness of the dairy and cheese. For those seeking extra warmth or a hint of spice, crushed red pepper flakes and paprika can be sprinkled on top before serving. This soup is versatile, suitable as a comforting lunch or dinner, and can be served in a bread bowl or paired with crusty bread for dipping. Nutritionally, broccoli cheddar soup provides a good balance of protein, fat, and fiber, especially when bacon and cheese are included. However, for lighter dietary needs, variations with reduced cream or lower-fat cheese options can be considered without sacrificing much in flavor. This recipe appeals to home cooks looking for a straightforward, crowd-pleasing soup that delivers classic comfort food vibes. The detailed method of cooking bacon first to render flavorful fat, sautéing vegetables, simmering with herbs, and carefully thickening the soup ensures the best taste and texture. Overall, this broccoli cheddar soup stands out for its creamy, cheesy richness balanced by fresh vegetables and smoky bacon — a perfect all-year-round favorite soup.
