Try Our Dreamy Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight Recipe Today

This creamy broccoli cheddar delight emerges as a comforting classic that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

Warm, rich flavors blend seamlessly in a harmonious dance of nutrition and indulgence.

Cheese lovers will instantly recognize the magical combination of smooth textures and robust taste profiles.

Nutritious green vegetables mingle with decadent dairy, creating a dish that feels simultaneously virtuous and luxurious.

Smart cooks understand how simple ingredients can generate extraordinary meal experiences.

Small tweaks in preparation can unlock incredible depth and complexity in this beloved recipe.

You can want to savor every single delightful spoonful of this soul-warming creation.

Why Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight Hits the Spot

• Combines rich, creamy cheddar with fresh broccoli and aromatic spices for a deeply satisfying soup that warms you from the inside out.
• Demonstrates professional cooking methods like creating a perfect roux, layering flavors through strategic sautéing, and achieving ideal vegetable tenderness.
• Requires just 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent option for busy families seeking a delicious, nutritious meal that can be easily customized with different vegetables or cheese variations.

Ingredients List for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: A nutrient-packed green vegetable that adds texture and freshness to the soup.
• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that provides subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Onions: Aromatic base that builds deep flavor foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Powerful flavor enhancer with robust and warm taste profile.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, rich cheese that creates creamy and tangy soup consistency.
• Half-and-Half: Smooth dairy product that adds luxurious richness and silky texture.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create smooth roux base.

• Smoked Paprika, Ground Mustard, Cayenne Pepper: Spice blend that adds complexity and subtle heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Bay Leaf: Optional aromatic herb that contributes subtle depth to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid base that provides depth and moisture.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create smooth, consistent texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds mild flavor and helps prevent butter from burning.

Making Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight at Home

Step 1: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

• Onions
• Garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Ground mustard
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until onions turn golden and spices become fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 2: Create Silky Roux Base

Melt additional butter into the pot. Whisk in flour consistently for 2 minutes until mixture looks smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Pour Liquid Goodness

• Chicken broth
• Half-and-half

Drop in bay leaf (optional). Simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until mixture becomes velvety.

Step 4: Prepare Vegetable Stars

• Broccoli florets
• Carrots
• Cheese (shredded)

Step 5: Tenderly Cook Vegetables

Add chopped broccoli and carrots to the simmering liquid. Cook on low heat until vegetables become tender but retain slight crunch, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Perfection

Remove pot from heat. Gradually stir in cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve With Love

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Optional: Serve inside buttered bread bowls for ultimate comfort experience.

Best Tips for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight

• Master the Roux Technique: Continuously whisk flour and butter to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky base for your soup, ensuring a professional-quality texture.
• Control Heat for Creamy Perfection: Maintain a gentle medium-low simmer when adding liquids to prevent separation and create a luxuriously thick consistency.
• Shred Cheese at the Right Moment: Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent scorching and guarantee a perfectly melted, smooth result.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Add spices like smoked paprika and cayenne early in the cooking process to develop deep, complex taste throughout the soup.
• Vegetable Timing is Key: Cook broccoli and carrots just until tender to preserve their vibrant color, nutrients, and prevent turning mushy.

How to Store Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Prevent Separation: Cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the soup to prevent skin formation.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture and prevent cheese from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup becomes too thick.

What Goes Well with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight

• Boost Flavor with Crusty Sourdough: Pair the creamy broccoli cheddar soup with a warm, tangy sourdough bread that complements the rich, cheesy base and provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and add a refreshing, zesty element to the meal.
• Wine Harmony: Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with buttery notes that echoes the soup's creamy texture and enhances its subtle cheesy undertones, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Craft Beer Companion: Opt for a hoppy pale ale that balances the soup's richness with its slight bitterness and helps cleanse the palate between spoonfuls of the decadent broccoli cheddar delight.

Variations on Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight

• Rustic Vegetable Fusion: Replace broccoli with a medley of seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, and bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced jalapeños, roasted green chiles, and replace half the cheddar with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, heat-packed version.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Incorporate diced cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to transform the soup into a heartier, more substantial meal with extra protein.
• Vegan Wellness Bowl: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and vegetable broth while keeping the core roasted vegetable base for a plant-based adaptation.

Common Questions About Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight

• How long does it take to make this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 45-50 minutes, with active cooking time around 30-35 minutes.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based butter alternative to make it vegetarian-friendly.

• How do I store leftover soup?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent cheese from separating.

• What can I serve with this soup?

Serve with crusty bread, in a bread bowl, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Croutons or extra shredded cheese make great optional toppings.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting creamy broccoli cheddar delight brings warmth to dinner tables with its rich, cheesy embrace. Sharp cheddar and tender broccoli meld into a luxurious blend you’ll savor down to the last satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 12 ounces (340 grams) grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 32 ounces (907 grams) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 cups half-and-half

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¾ teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Ingredients:

• 7 tablespoons (105 milliliters) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional for serving)

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Instructions

1. Awaken the aromatic foundation by gently warming butter and olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature. Introduce finely diced onions, transforming them into a golden landscape of flavor.
2. Weave in garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and a whisper of cayenne, allowing the spices to bloom and release their intoxicating essence. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the sensory experience.
3. Melt the remaining butter, then gracefully incorporate flour, creating a silky roux. Whisk diligently for two minutes, watching the mixture develop a pale, luxurious complexity.
4. Stream chicken broth into the roux, ensuring a smooth, lump-free integration. Follow with a gentle cascade of half-and-half, reducing heat to maintain a delicate simmer. Optional bay leaf can join the symphony of flavors.
5. While the liquid melody simmers and thickens, deconstruct broccoli into delicate florets and transform cheddar into fine, melting strands.
6. Introduce broccoli and carrots into the creamy base, allowing them to surrender their crispness and absorb the surrounding richness.
7. Extinguish the heat and fold cheddar cheese into the soup, creating a velvety, molten landscape. Taste and recalibrate seasoning as needed.
8. Present the soup in warm vessels, optionally nestled within buttered bread bowls for a decadent culinary embrace.

Notes

• Elevate your soup game with this restaurant-worthy broccoli cheddar creation that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious comfort meal.
• Precision in technique matters: whisking the roux continuously prevents lumps and ensures a silky, smooth base for the soup.
• Smoked paprika and ground mustard add unexpected depth, creating a flavor profile that goes beyond traditional broccoli cheddar soup.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper – a little brings warmth, while more delivers a spicy kick that tingles the palate.
• Choose sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact, allowing the cheese to melt completely and create a rich, creamy texture.
• Bread bowls aren’t just presentation; they’re an edible vessel that soaks up every delicious drop of this hearty soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg