Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight

Description

The Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight is a quintessential comfort food that weaves together the soothing richness of cheddar cheese with the fresh, verdant taste of broccoli. This soup is an ideal choice for a hearty dinner that promises to satisfy cravings with its velvety texture and deep, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¾ teaspoon ground mustard
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 6 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 12 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional for serving)

Step-by-step Directions

1. Sauté aromatics

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden, about 3-5 minutes. Incorporate garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds to 1 minute.

2. Make the roux

Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and melt. Whisk in the flour continuously for 2 minutes, until the mixture slightly thickens.

3. Add liquids

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth ensuring it combines well, followed by a slow addition of half-and-half, reducing heat to medium-low. Add the bay leaf if using, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, until it thickens.

4. Prep vegetables

While the mixture simmers, proceed to chop the broccoli and shred the cheese.

5. Cook vegetables

Add broccoli and carrots to the soup, simmering on low heat until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

6. Add cheese

Remove from heat and gradually mix in the cheddar cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

7. Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, serving with or in buttered bread bowls for an indulgent dining experience.

Servings & Preparation Time

Makes about 6 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 40 minutes.

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a little milk or broth if the soup is too thick.
• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month, though be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating due to the dairy components.

Conclusion

The Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight is a soul-warming dish that combines simple ingredients into a luxurious meal. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome goodness, this soup is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for those chilly evenings when only a bowl of creamy soup will do.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

The Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight is a quintessential comfort food that weaves together the soothing richness of cheddar cheese with the fresh, verdant taste of broccoli. This soup is an ideal choice for a hearty dinner that promises to satisfy cravings with its velvety texture and deep, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¾ teaspoon ground mustard
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 6 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 12 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• Hearty buttered bread or bread bowls (optional for serving)

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden, about 3-5 minutes. Incorporate garlic, smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds to 1 minute.
2. Make the roux: Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and melt. Whisk in the flour continuously for 2 minutes, until the mixture slightly thickens.
3. Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth ensuring it combines well, followed by a slow addition of half-and-half, reducing heat to medium-low. Add the bay leaf if using, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, until it thickens.
4. Prep vegetables: While the mixture simmers, proceed to chop the broccoli and shred the cheese.
5. Cook vegetables: Add broccoli and carrots to the soup, simmering on low heat until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Add cheese: Remove from heat and gradually mix in the cheddar cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, serving with or in buttered bread bowls for an indulgent dining experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes