Hey there, foodies! Ever just *crave* something warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting? Something that feels like a big, delicious hug when you’re snuggled up on the couch? Well, get ready, because today we’re diving headfirst into the glorious world of Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup! It’s not just soup; it’s a winter warmer, a mood booster, and honestly, a little piece of culinary heaven you can make right in your own kitchen!
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What is Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
So, what exactly *is* this magical concoction we’re gushing about? Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup is pure comfort food, personified. Imagine a velvety-smooth, rich soup base brimming with tender, vibrant broccoli florets and generous amounts of sharp, melty cheddar cheese. It’s thick, it’s creamy, and it’s got that undeniable “mmmph” factor that makes you want to lick the bowl clean.
Think of it as a luxurious, hearty meal that magically combines health (hello, broccoli!) with total indulgence (hello, cheese!). It’s the kind of soup that instantly transports you to a cozy, happy place, especially with a chunky piece of crusty bread for dipping. Seriously, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup once you try it. It’s got that perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness with a hint of earthy broccoli, making it an absolute showstopper on any table.
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Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Crusty Bread: How 2 Serve It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A rich, creamy soup filled with tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese, creating the ultimate cozy comfort meal.
Ingredients
Broccoli florets (4–5 cups)
Yellow onion (1 medium, diced)
Carrots (2 medium, shredded)
Garlic cloves (3–4, minced)
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup)
Chicken or vegetable broth (6 cups)
Milk (2 cups)
Heavy cream (1 cup)
Sharp cheddar cheese (4 cups, freshly shredded)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and shredded carrots, sautéing until soft (5–7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
2. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add broccoli florets, milk, and heavy cream. Cover and simmer on low until broccoli is tender (10–15 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Adjust to taste.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread, croutons, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting texture.
Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
For extra smoothness, partially blend the soup with an immersion blender.
Add cayenne, paprika, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Top with bacon bits, chives, or croutons if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
A bit of background
While often associated with popular restaurant chains, the concept of a cheesy broccoli soup is a classic for a reason! It’s a genius way to get those greens in (even for the pickiest eaters, trust me!) while still feeling like you’re having a decadent treat. It’s stood the test of time because it’s just *that* good and universally loved.
Everyday appeal
The best part about Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup? It’s perfect for *any* occasion! Whether it’s a chilly weeknight dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or a fancy-ish starter for a dinner party, it always hits the spot. It’s hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, especially when paired with some delicious, crunchy bread for dipping. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can really make it your own! It’s one of those recipes you’ll be making again and again.
How to Make Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Alright, are you ready to become a Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup master? Good! It’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth every single step.
Simple ingredients you’ll need
You don’t need a gourmet pantry for this, just some fresh, good-quality ingredients that bring out the best in our Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
- Fresh broccoli florets: About 4-5 cups. Fresh is best for that vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced. Our aromatic flavor base!
- Carrots: 2 medium, shredded or finely diced. They add a touch of sweetness and color.
- Garlic cloves: 3-4, minced. Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick). For sautéing and creating that rich roux.
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup. Helps thicken our soup to perfection.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 6 cups. Your liquid foundation.
- Milk: 2 cups (whole or 2%). Adds creamy body.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup. For ultimate richness and silkiness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 4 cups, freshly shredded! This is crucial for the best flavor and melt. Don’t skip shredding it yourself for this Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Pinch of nutmeg: Optional, but it really elevates the flavor profile!
Step-by-step process
Let’s get cooking! This is a simple, straightforward process that guarantees deliciousness.
- Prep your foundations: Grab a large pot or Dutch oven, and melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and shredded carrots, letting them get nice and soft for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one more minute until fragrant – don’t let it burn!
- Build the base: Sprinkle the flour over your softened veggies and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which is our thickening agent. Now, slowly whisk in the broth, making sure there are no lumpy bits. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add the green goodness: Add your broccoli florets to the pot. Pour in the milk and heavy cream. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it cook until the broccoli is tender – usually about 10-15 minutes.
- The cheesy grand finale: Take the pot off the heat. Now for the star of our show: the cheese! Add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth. This step makes our Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup unbelievably creamy! Season lightly with salt, pepper, and that optional pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust anything you need to. That’s it! Your comforting bowl of goodness is ready to enjoy.
Tips & Variations of Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup
You’ve made a fantastic basic Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup, but why stop there? Let’s talk about how to really make it sing!
Fun twists to try
Want to jazz up your Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup? I’ve got some ideas! For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper while simmering, or a dash of hot sauce at the end. Craving some smokiness? A bit of smoked paprika or even a few drops of liquid smoke can totally change the game.
If you’re looking for an extra veggie boost, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. Another pro tip: if you want an even smoother soup but still want some texture, use an immersion blender for just a few seconds to partially blend it. You’ll still have small chunks of broccoli, but the soup base gets incredibly silky. It’s all about making this Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup perfect for *your* taste buds!
Make it your own
The beauty of homemade food is tailoring it to your preferences! Don’t like sharp cheddar? Try a milder cheddar, or even a mix with some Gruyère for a nutty flavor. For a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth. Feel free to adjust the amount of broccoli – some people like more, some less! And for toppings, the possibilities are endless: crispy bacon bits, homemade croutons, a swirl of crème fraîche, or fresh chives. This Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup is your canvas, so get creative and enjoy the process!
Conclusion
Phew! Wasn’t that a journey? From a simple idea to a steaming, comforting bowl of deliciousness, making Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup is such a rewarding experience. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor a moment of warmth, and create something truly special for yourself and your loved ones. There’s nothing quite like that first spoonful of creamy, cheesy, broccoli-filled goodness, especially when you know you made it with love.
So, go ahead! Don’t just dream about it – whip up a batch of this incredible Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Soup. You totally deserve this cozy indulgence! What are you waiting for? Your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you!