Homestyle Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Recipe for Beginners

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this creamy broccoli cheddar delight that promises to turn ordinary vegetables into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Hearty florets of broccoli swim in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts seamlessly with every bite.

Sharp cheddar brings a tangy punch to this comforting dish, creating layers of flavor that dance on your palate.

Packed with nutrients and irresistible charm, this recipe transforms a simple side into a star attraction at any meal.

The combination of tender broccoli and smooth cheese sauce makes this dish a true winner for both picky eaters and vegetable enthusiasts.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy side that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this creamy, cheesy adventure and watch as broccoli becomes the unexpected hero of your dinner table.

Plating Broccoli Cheddar with Style

• Cozy Bread Bowl Brilliance: Transform this creamy soup into a showstopper by serving it inside warm, buttered sourdough or rustic bread bowls that soak up every delicious drop of cheesy goodness.
• Gourmet Garnish Extravaganza: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, toasted sunflower seeds, or fresh chives on top to add crunch and elevate the soup's texture and visual appeal.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or grilled chicken strips directly into the soup for a more substantial and filling dinner option.
• Sidekick Perfection: Pair this creamy broccoli cheddar soup with a light mixed green salad, garlic croutons, or a slice of crusty artisan bread to create a complete and satisfying meal that'll warm your soul.

Store Broccoli Cheddar Without Getting Gritty

• Refrigeration Tactics: Quickly cool the soup to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping flavors locked in and maintaining optimal texture.
• Freezing Strategy: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight expansion room. Seal completely and freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before gently reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm soup slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid high temperatures to prevent cheese separation.
• Portion Control Wisdom: Divide soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Ingredient Breakdown

• Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps create a smooth base for the soup.
• Olive Oil: Prevents butter from burning and enhances overall depth of taste.
• Onions: Provide a sweet, foundational flavor that builds the soup's aromatic profile.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent, warming note that elevates the entire dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers a subtle smoky complexity to the soup's flavor.
• Ground Mustard: Brings a tangy, sharp undertone that complements the creamy texture.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that brightens the soup's character.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle herbal essence that deepens the soup's complexity.

• Flour: Creates a silky roux that thickens and stabilizes the soup's consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation with rich, meaty undertones.
• Half-and-Half: Contributes luxurious creaminess and smooth texture.

• Broccoli: Adds nutritious green crunch and earthy freshness to the soup.
• Carrots: Introduces natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a luscious, sharp flavor that defines the soup's character.

Kitchen Essentials for Broccoli Cheddar Success

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup base and combining ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for creating a smooth roux and blending liquids without lumps.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping broccoli and preparing vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise vegetable preparation.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred cheddar cheese quickly and evenly.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the creamy soup into bowls.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Making This Creamy Smooth and Tasty

• Aromatic Foundation

Create a flavor base by gently heating butter and olive oil in a large pot. Soften onions until they turn a beautiful golden color, releasing their sweet essence.

• Spice Awakening

Introduce garlic and a blend of warm spices, allowing them to dance and become fragrant. The kitchen will fill with an inviting aroma that promises deliciousness.

• Silky Transformation

Craft a luxurious base by melting butter and whisking in flour. Watch as the mixture transforms into a smooth, golden blanket that will give the soup its creamy character.

• Liquid Symphony

Slowly pour in chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring continuously. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, creating a velvety canvas for the vegetables.

• Vegetable Harmony

Gently add broccoli and carrots, allowing them to nestle into the creamy liquid. Let them soften and release their natural sweetness.

• Cheese Finale

Remove from heat and sprinkle in cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts completely, creating a rich, golden soup that promises comfort in every spoonful.

• Serving Pleasure

Ladle the soup into warm bowls, perhaps alongside a crusty piece of bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Tips to Adjust Cheddar Levels and Spice

• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother, faster melting and more even distribution throughout the soup.
• Veggie Swap Adventure: Replace broccoli with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or a mixed vegetable medley for surprising flavor twists and nutritional variety.
• Protein Power-Up: Stir in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to transform this soup into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Texture Play: Top with crunchy croutons, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crispy fried onions to add delightful contrasting textures that elevate each spoonful.
• Spice Level Boost: Experiment with different pepper varieties like smoked chipotle, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to create a personalized heat profile that matches your taste preferences.

Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade broccoli cheddar delight brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables. Hearty ingredients combine for a quick, satisfying meal packed with rich cheese and tender vegetables.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 32 oz (907 g) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 6 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 7 tbsps (105 mL) unsalted butter, divided
• 6 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 ½ tsps minced garlic
• ¾ tsp smoked paprika
• ¾ tsp ground mustard
• 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional for serving)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Caramelize onions until translucent and golden, developing a rich flavor foundation.
2. Spice Awakening: Incorporate garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and cayenne, stirring to release aromatic oils. Season with salt and pepper to enhance depth.
3. Roux Creation: Whisk remaining butter with flour, cooking for two minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth thickening agent. Gradually pour in chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Vegetable Integration: Add broccoli florets and carrots to the simmering liquid, allowing vegetables to become tender while infusing the creamy base with their natural sweetness. Optional bay leaf can enhance overall complexity.
5. Cheese Transformation: Remove from heat and gently fold cheddar cheese into the soup, creating a luxurious, silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning to perfect the flavor profile.
6. Serving Finale: Ladle the creamy broccoli cheddar soup into warm bowls, optionally serving in buttered bread bowls for an indulgent presentation.

Notes

• Roux Mastery: Perfect your roux by whisking continuously for exactly two minutes to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, flavorful base without lumps.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese freshly and add off the heat to prevent separation, maintaining a silky smooth texture and rich cheese flavor.
• Vegetable Precision: Cut broccoli florets uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Spice Balance: Adjust cayenne carefully; start with a small pinch to control heat level without overpowering the delicate cheese and vegetable flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg