30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a quick, delicious meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This creamy soup is packed with fresh vegetables and rich cheese, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly day or as a delightful starter for a gathering, this recipe stands out with its vibrant flavor and velvety texture. Best of all, you can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 30 minutes needed, you can enjoy this comforting soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese, garlic, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that surpasses any restaurant version.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and carrots, this soup offers essential vitamins while still satisfying your cravings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.
- Budget-Friendly: This easy recipe is cost-effective, providing big flavors at a fraction of the price compared to dining out.
Tools and Preparation
To make the 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Grater (for cheese and carrots)
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for even heating and cooking larger batches of soup without splatter.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps in your roux.
- Grater: Perfect for shredding cheese quickly and uniformly for easy melting.
Ingredients
The BEST broccoli cheese soup packed with carrots, broccoli, garlic, and cheese. This creamy velvety soup is much better than Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup and can be made in under 30 minutes for a fraction of the price!
For the Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons butter (½ stick)
- ½ medium onion (chopped)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoon AP flour
For the Flavor
- 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika (or ground nutmeg, optional)
For the Veggies
- 3 cups broccoli florets (or 1 large head, cut into small pieces)
- 1 large carrot (grated, julienned or finely chopped)
For Creaminess
- 2 cups half & half (or milk or light or heavy cream)
- 8 oz block grated cheddar cheese (or 2 cups mild, medium, or sharp)
How to Make 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt butter in a large dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and light gold.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Base
Add flour to the pot and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden in color.
Pour in the chicken stock along with the broccoli florets, carrots, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 15 minutes until broccoli and carrots are cooked through.
Step 3: Add Creaminess
Stir in half & half followed by the grated cheddar cheese.
Allow to simmer for another minute until the cheese melts fully.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 4: Serve
Enjoy your delicious soup hot!
Serve with toasted crusty bread or in a bread bowl if desired.
How to Serve 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy dinner or at a gathering, there are several delightful ways to elevate your soup experience.
With Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty bread complements the creamy texture of the soup and adds a satisfying crunch.
In a Bread Bowl
- Serving your broccoli cheddar soup in a sourdough bread bowl makes for an impressive presentation and adds extra flavor.
Topped with Croutons
- Add homemade or store-bought croutons for an extra crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top to add color and freshness that brightens the dish.
Pairing with a Salad
- A light side salad, such as a mixed greens salad, balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing touch.
With Garlic Bread
- Serve alongside garlic bread for a classic combination that enhances the savory flavors of the broccoli cheddar.
How to Perfect 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Making the best 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. Adding more salt, pepper, or spices can elevate its flavor profile.
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Control the heat: Avoid boiling after adding cheese as it can become grainy. Keep it on low heat to melt smoothly.
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Blend for creaminess: If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to purée part of the mixture while leaving some chunks for texture.
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Customize add-ins: Feel free to mix in additional vegetables like spinach or cauliflower for added nutrition and flavor.
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Store properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Best Side Dishes for 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this creamy delight.
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Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the rich soup.
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Classic Grilled Cheese: The gooeyness of grilled cheese sandwiches pairs perfectly with broccoli cheddar soup for an ultimate comfort meal.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutritional value, enhancing your dining experience.
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Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes filled with toppings like sour cream and chives make for filling companions to your meal.
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Potato Chips: Crunchy potato chips offer a fun snack-like element that contrasts nicely with the smooth texture of the soup.
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Quiche Lorraine: A slice of quiche brings savory flavors that balance beautifully against the creamy soup base.
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Cheesy Biscuits: Soft, cheesy biscuits provide an excellent vehicle for soaking up every last drop of delicious broth.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings sweetness and freshness, balancing out the savory flavors of your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be quick and easy, but a few common mistakes may lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the onions and garlic properly can result in a flat flavor. Always sauté until softened and aromatic.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well and can affect texture. Opt for block cheese and grate it yourself for the best results.
- Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and spices to your preference.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking broccoli too long may lead to mushiness. Simmer just until tender for the best texture.
- Ignoring the creaminess factor: Using only milk instead of half & half can result in less creamy soup. For a rich experience, stick with half & half or cream.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Stovetop: Gently heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just add it straight into the pot without thawing.
What if I want a vegan version of this soup?
You can replace butter with olive oil, use vegetable stock, and substitute cream with coconut milk or nut milk.
How do I thicken my soup?
To thicken your soup, consider adding more flour or blending a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cheesy flavor is usually a hit with kids, making it a great way to sneak in veggies.
Final Thoughts
This 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or even proteins like chicken. Enjoy this comforting dish on chilly days or serve it as a delightful starter for any meal!
30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines quick preparation with rich, creamy flavors. This delightful soup features fresh broccoli, carrots, and a generous amount of cheddar cheese, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this velvety dish that rivals any restaurant version, perfect for chilly days or as a starter for gatherings. Pair it with crusty bread or salad for a complete meal that will warm your soul.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion (chopped)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large carrot (grated or chopped)
- 2 cups half & half
- 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Stir in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until golden. Pour in chicken stock along with broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in half & half followed by grated cheddar cheese. Simmer until cheese is melted and well combined.
- Serve hot with toasted bread or in a bread bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
