Broccoli cheddar soup

Broccoli cheddar soup

35 min
Prepare a wonderful home-cooked meal with our broccoli cheddar soup topped with herb and garlic fried croutons. It is simple and delicious, providing creamy comfort on cold evenings. Easy to make on a busy weeknight and more than suitable for special guests, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
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Instructions

  • Cut broccoli, both florets and stem, into pieces and finely chop the onion.
  • Heat butter in a frying pan and fry broccoli and onion for 5–6 minutes.
  • Pour in broth and cook covered for 20–25 minutes, until the broccoli is really soft. Blend until smooth.
  • Add cream and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Herb croutons
  • Dice the bread and finely chop garlic and parsley.
  • Heat butter in a frying pan. Fry the bread at medium heat until crispy.
  • Add garlic and herbs towards the end of frying. Season with salt.
Enjoy!
Cheddar selection

Creating the perfect broccoli cheddar soup starts with selecting the right cheese. Aged cheddar is a top choice for its deep flavour and smooth melting quality, which ensures a creamy soup texture. It is best to avoid extra sharp or very mature cheddar, as they can release oil when melted and cause the soup to separate. Medium-aged cheddar, on the other hand, melts evenly and brings a balanced flavour that enhances the natural flavours of the broccoli without overwhelming them.

Choose the right broccoli

To ensure your broccoli cheddar soup is of the best quality, picking the right broccoli is crucial. Select broccoli with a consistent, deep green colour and no yellow or brown marks. The florets should be closed tightly, not open or flowering, which could mean the broccoli is old and less flavourful. The stalks must be firm and snap easily, indicating they are fresh and not tough. Fresh broccoli will also feel quite heavy for its size, which means it has plenty of moisture. Avoid any stems that are limp or rubbery.

Use leftover bread for croutons

Make the most of leftover bread by transforming it into crispy, flavourful croutons. Stale bread works wonderfully, as it crisps up even better when fried. Dice the bread, toss it with butter, garlic, and herbs, then fry until golden. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also adds a delicious, crunchy element to the soup.

FAQ: Questions about broccoli cheddar soup

Do you have questions about preparation and storage? Our FAQ section will help. Find answers to common questions below and make the cooking process as smooth and enjoyable as the soup itself.

Can I make broccoli cheddar soup with milk instead of cream?
Yes, milk can replace cream for a lighter broccoli cheddar soup. Whole milk gives a creamy feel, while semi-skimmed milk makes it less rich. The soup might be a bit thinner, but it will still taste great. When adding milk, pour it in slowly and heat with care to keep it smooth and prevent it from curdling.
How can I thicken a broccoli cheddar soup that is too thin?
To give your broccoli cheddar soup a thicker consistency, start by making a roux with butter and flour. This combination helps thicken the base. For added richness, you might swap some milk for cream. Whisk the roux constantly while combining it with the milk to prevent lumps and stop the flour from catching. If the soup is still too thin, gradually add more flour and butter until it reaches the desired thickness.
How long can I store broccoli cheddar soup?
Store your leftover broccoli cheddar soup in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop at a low temperature, stirring now and then. You can also warm it in the microwave, using short bursts to ensure it heats evenly. If you want to keep the soup for longer, freeze it. After the soup cools, put it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or heat it straight from the freezer on a low flame, making sure it is hot all the way through before you serve it.

Ingredients

Broccoli
500 g
Yellow onion
1
Butter
1 tbsp
Vegetable broth
600 ml
Double cream
200 ml
Grated Arla® B.o.b cheddar
150 g
Salt and black pepper to taste
Herb croutons
Bread
2 slices
Garlic clove
1
Fresh parsley
2 tbsp
Butter
2 tbsp
Salt
½ tsp
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Rich and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup

Savour this rich and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup, and let it remind you of the joys of home-cooked food. The blended broccoli offers a creamy consistency, while the cheddar cheese wraps your palate in a smooth, velvety layer. The broccoli is chopped and sautéed in butter with onion to bring out the sweet and earthy flavours. The combination creates a hearty and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Creamy texture with sharp flavour from cheddar

Smooth vegetable broth is mixed with thick cream and blended broccoli to form the ultimate comfort food texture. This blend lends a luxurious touch to a simple and easy soup. As the name suggests, cheddar plays an integral part in shaping it. The cheddar cheese provides a sharp and savoury dimension, which is a great fit for the earthy broccoli. Stir the cheese into the broth carefully and enjoy how it thickens and transforms into a smooth and creamy masterpiece.

Topped with homemade herb croutons

Topping this delightful soup with crunchy homemade croutons ensures you and your guests get the best soup experience possible. The croutons are prepared with garlic and parsley to give them a mix of warmth and freshness. Sprinkle them on top just before serving to make the most of their perfectly crisp texture. You can also check our recipe for homemade croutons to find more inspiration for seasoning the croutons to your liking.

A creamy comfort for chilly evenings

As the cold weather creeps closer, you can do yourself a favour by having a selection of your favourite warm soups ready. One of those soups could very well be this broccoli cheddar soup. Its mouthwatering creamy texture, deep flavours, and belly-warming temperature make it a top choice for the colder seasons. Just imagine gathering around the dinner table with the family on a chilly evening to enjoy the steam rising from the warm bowls of soup. It is comfort in a bowl and can be enjoyed as a cosy starter or the main dish.

Are you enjoying soups and broccoli as much as we do? Go ahead and try our recipe for broccoli and potato soup, broccoli soup with chopped almonds, or delicious cream of broccoli soup.

Switch things up with different ingredients

Adding your personal flair to broccoli cheddar soup is a wonderful way to become more involved in your cooking. If you need suggestions for changing things up, we have you covered. Crispy croutons work well as a topping, but you can also add slices of crusty sourdough or classic French bread. Their crispness offers a pleasing contrast to the creamy consistency. As a bonus, they are great for mopping up the bowl and ensuring you leave nothing behind.

Choosing between mild, medium, or sharp cheddar can change the nuances of the soup without sacrificing the characteristics of the broccoli cheddar soup. A mild cheddar results in a smoother, creamier flavour, whereas a sharp cheddar adds a bold, tangy note that stands out more. If you like, you can even mix in smoked cheddar for an extra layer of flavour, which introduces a subtle smokiness.

Herbs and spices exist to shape the flavour profile of your cooking. A pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes can add warmth, while herbs give fragrance and aromas. Thyme has an earthy, slightly citrusy hint, while rosemary can give a woodsy, almost pine-like flavour. Sage brings a peppery, slightly bitter edge that complements the richness of the cheese.

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